Should I use an eSIM, international roaming, or buy a local SIM abroad?
eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad) is usually the cheapest and fastest — install before you land. Roaming is fine for short EU trips on EU plans. A physical local SIM only wins on long stays where you need a local number for banking or car rentals.
eSIM providers like Airalo and Nomad offer 1–30 day data-only plans in almost every country for a fraction of home carrier roaming. Install and activate before landing so you have connectivity at arrivals. EU-based mobile plans include 'roam like at home' across the EU/EEA — no action needed. Physical local SIMs are still the pick for stays over a month, when you need a local phone number for services, or in countries where eSIM support is thin (parts of Central Asia).
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Last verified 2026-07-29.