6 Best Prepaid SIM Cards for Europe to Use in 2019
If you are traveling from the US to Europe, you must keep a few things in mind. First thing is when traveling to Europe, you will need a prepaid SIM card for Europe that works everywhere. As getting international roaming through an American carrier is expensive, it makes sense to invest a few dollars in advance to avoid overages and other costs that the carrier may charge on you.
In addition, there are a few things you need to consider which includes data usage, in particular, which will be heavy when you’re in travel mode. Hence it is great to get a SIM card that is customized for your usage.
8 Best Prepaid SIM Cards for Europe in 2019
1. Orange
This is the best option for several reasons. This network provides a wide coverage in most countries of Europe and is perfect for a two-week vacation to any place in Europe. It is also known as Orange Holiday Europe, it may cost you $49.90. You will get 1,000 texts worldwide, 2 hours of calling across the world, including 10GB of data. In 30 countries of the EU, this SIM will operate.
This is only valid for two weeks. So for longer trips, you should consider other options. In addition, you may top-up or extend the validity of your pack (2 weeks) by paying €21.70 which will offer you 10GB data, 2,000 global texts and 2,000 global minutes.
2. THREE UK
This is yet another popular carrier of the UK and has coverage in the entirety of Europe. Known as Prepaid Europe, it offers several perks for Euro travelers. It is packed with 3,000 texts and 3,000 minutes of talk time, although it’s only valid if you’re calling to a number within Europe (including the UK) and from Europe. You get free roaming all over the world.
You also receive 12GB of 3G/4G data to use with the SIM that is valid for a period of 30 days after activation. For a longer trip to Europe, you can get this SIM card for under $25.
3. OneSimCard
This SIM card is great if you travel the world frequently. Offering mobile coverage in about 200 countries in the world, OneSimCard can offer mobile data in only 160 countries. It comes with the option of a European number and an American number. The data is not free, this SIM comes with $10 worth of credit by default.
But you will get free international incoming calls and texts practically anywhere in the world, whereas an outgoing text message will cost you $0.10 each. You will receive 5GB of international roaming data for just $29.95. Voice calling will cost you $0.01 per minute, and you can get this SIM card on Amazon for roughly around $40.
4. Mobal Europe Plus
Mobal is not very popular cellular carriers but offer unbeatable prices. It helps you stay connected with your loved ones in the USA or Canada at cheap prices. You get 1GB of data and unlimited incoming calls and text messages. You might have to shell out $10 for each GB of data after the cap is reached.
It is a multi-size SIM card, you can use it with any phone regardless of the SIM requirements. You might face trouble with the network connectivity if you’re not in a populous town, but still, a good SIM to get especially if you like staying in touch with your loved ones at home and don’t require much data to use during your trip.
Valid for a month, you can top this SIM before the expiration of the first month. You can get it from Amazon for around $59 as of now.
5. GlocalMe G3
GlocalMe is a popular brand across Europe, due to their mobile hotspot devices. It is a handy device to have if you don’t want to use a different SIM card on your personal smartphone. You get cheap data packs often running as low as $1.5 per day, known as Daypass.
You can also use it as a dual-SIM mobile hotspot. It comes with a 5350 mAh battery which means you can use to charge your existing devices. On using uninterruptedly, the G3 can last you for up to 15 hours. You get download speeds of 150 Mbps and upload speeds of 50 Mbps respectively. You can get this for under $170 on Amazon.
6. SIMOptions
This is not a carrier, but it can help you find the best SIM for your travels. You can select from any two options here, both prepaid offering you 5GB and 12GB of data respectively. With a validity of 30 days, you receive 3000 minutes of calling and 3000 texts.
This SIM card supports every country in Europe, but the calling is only valid within Europe, so you may not make calls to the US unless otherwise specified in the fine print.
It automatically stops working after 30 days from the first call, text or internet connection. These SIM cards are available at $29.90 and $39.90 for 5 and 12GB of data respectively.
Synopsis
Above-listed is some of the popular Prepaid SIM card options that you can use if you plan to visit Europe from the USA. Just pick the best fit considering your use and budget.