eSIMs and payment options for Europe summer 2026

[SecondCor521]

I'm going to Europe twice in the next few months. First trip is land based to Paris / Geneva / London in July for about 10 days with my son and his fiancee. Second trip is a cruise in August from Barcelona to Rome also stopping in France and a number of islands for about 18 days by myself.

I'd like recommendations on eSIMs and payment methods.

On eSIMs, I have a Samsung a35, my son and his fiancee have recent Iphones. I'd like something that works for all three of us in the above referenced areas (just cellular data, no phone calling), is reasonably priced, and is simple to use, and will work for both trips. The two I'm considering currently are Airelo and Maya.

On payment methods, I plan to take my Fidelity Visa and probably one or two other credit cards, and then a debit card to get some Euros out in Paris on arrival at a bank ATM, then split the cash up among the three of us. I doubt we'll need it, and any unused currency I can take back with me on my second trip.

Suggestions and information welcome.

 

[tulak]

You can probably find cheaper, but Airalo worked well for me when I needed to get an eSIM. It was easy to setup, but you will need to have wifi access.

When compared to the service DS used, it wasn’t a big price difference. I don’t remember what he used.

For iPhone users, I would setup Apple Pay. Double-check the cities you’re in, but many support tap and pay for public transport. I’d recommend enabling ‘Express Transit Card.’ I know this works in London, but not sure about Paris/Geneva. Makes it really easy. I’ve used this multiple times this week in Lyon without any issues.

I would check to see if there is a Google/Android equivalents.

Have fun!

 

[grasshopper]

I use Airalo Euro, just download in the states. As soon as you get to Paris switch to your eSIM and voila your connected.

 

[CaliKid]

I would have 4-5 credit cards and 2 ATM cards/debit cards. Have had an ATM card eaten in a foreign country and it was unfortunate.

 

[GalaxyBoy]

I’m using GigSky. They have a free 5gb over 15 days plan if you have a signature Visa card (it says “signature” on the front). It’s working well for me in the UK but for some reason not in Ireland. I’m mainly using the cruise ship WiFi so I’m not using much data - only on shore. They also have a 30 day plan that was less than $20. For voice and SMS I got a plan from Mint for about $6.

Nearly everything is tap to pay. I have only needed cash for tour guide tips and one toilet. Most toilets are tap to pay as well. Heck, I even saw a busker taking tap to pay.

 

[FIYes]

I have Samsung Pay on my Samsung phone and use it extensively here in the US. I also set up one credit card on Google Pay in case there is an issue with Samsung Pay. Just like here in the US , I plan to use my physical card as little as possible and mostly pay with my phone for my upcoming European trip.

I have used data only eSIMs for foreign travel. Data only eSIM and Wi-Fi have covered my communication needs. One recommendation that I have is download and get familiar with WhatsApp. It is widely used internationally. DH and I have it on both of our phones and can use it when we are out and about and have data only but no access to cellular talk and text. I recommend that all three of you use WhatsApp in case you are out and about and get separated.

Depending on your cellphone plan be careful that you don’t inadvertently rack up a huge charge. A friend who has a postpaid AT&T plan got a $500 bill for a couple of calls and several texts from a recent trip. I didn’t think to caution her about that since I have a cheap prepaid plan that offers zero international roaming.

 

[PaunchyPirate]

I'm going to Europe twice in the next few months. First trip is land based to Paris / Geneva / London in July for about 10 days with my son and his fiancee. Second trip is a cruise in August from Barcelona to Rome also stopping in France and a number of islands for about 18 days by myself.

I'd like recommendations on eSIMs and payment methods.

On eSIMs, I have a Samsung a35, my son and his fiancee have recent Iphones. I'd like something that works for all three of us in the above referenced areas (just cellular data, no phone calling), is reasonably priced, and is simple to use, and will work for both trips. The two I'm considering currently are Airelo and Maya.

On payment methods, I plan to take my Fidelity Visa and probably one or two other credit cards, and then a debit card to get some Euros out in Paris on arrival at a bank ATM, then split the cash up among the three of us. I doubt we'll need it, and any unused currency I can take back with me on my second trip.

Suggestions and information welcome.

Your plan sounds fine. In Europe, I use Airalo if I need an eSIM. I also have T-Mobile, and it comes with 5GB of international data, so sometimes I just use that. It depends on my trip details. You don’t mention it, but I would have your credit cards loaded into your Google Pay wallet on your phone. Paying by phone works just about everywhere and you will see most people using it. I would still carry 2 credit cards, but keep them will hidden in your pockets. With at least one backup card in your hotel/ship safe. I travel with 3 physical credit cards that do not have international transaction fees. I travel with 2 debit cards (but rarely use them any more). I would not get any cash from an ATM until you need it. Most of the time, I don’t use any cash at all anymore.

 

[foxcreek9]

We use have used MobiMatters for years, find them a little cheaper than the others. Usually go with Sparks or eSimGo. I always use different providers for each of our phones. We have run into situations were one of us was not getting a signal, but never both.

 

[HarveyS]

I've been using UBIGI for years - overseas and in the US. They have a variety of plans - one-off, monthly, or annual. I sometimes find the annual is cheaper than several single months. No issues with coverage anywhere I've been. Right now I am in US and paying $2/mo for 2GB (actually $1/mo since I had a 50% off code). They have larger data plans if needed. If you run out you can add a one-off. Also, If one person buys, they get a code to share. Second person gets 20% off and the first person gets 50% off next purchase.

ETA - you won't need too many physical euros/swiss franc/UK pounds, if any. Tap to pay is everywhere. I would not use the ATM at the airport or train station. Wait until you can visit a physical bank in the city.

Bon voyage!

 

[anethum]

I've used both Airalo & Maya Mobile and both worked well on my Android phone. Set up was the same for both. Each company has different plans, so I'd suggest you get whichever one has the lowest price for the time duration & data amount that you need.

I had a couple of situations in France where I needed to pay cash. One was at a B&B and they had no ability to take payment by credit card. The other was a small purchase and the shopkeeper didn't want to take my credit card. I recall another time when my card was rejected for no reason and it was easier to pay cash than get out my other card. Otherwise, I never used cash in France. Tipping is not common in France, but I was out with a French friend and we received truly exceptional service at one place. While I paid the bill with my card, he left a cash tip.

I'll second what someone previously wrote about WhatsApp. Make sure your son and his girlfriend download WhatsApp to their iPhones. I've found that a lot of Apple folks mistakenly believe that everyone can use Facetime. There is no Facetime app for Android phones. Everyone can use WhatsApp, however.

 

[audreyh1]

Who is your cellphone carrier?

 

[sengsational]

I've used Google Fi for a few years now. There's no difference in price between using it in the US or Europe...I pay for data, but it's cheap. When I don't leave home in a month, I pay in the low $20's. When I'm away in the US or Europe or South America, I've paid as much as $60, I think.

Having no technical stuff to do when I land is a luxury I can afford. It automatically says "Welcome to (country), it might take a minute to get working (sic)" and I've always been able to immediately start looking-up things and using WhatsApp (a lot of the tour operators use that).

I don't watch videos and I don't do standard phone calls, typically, so can't comment on how Google Fi works in those cases. But otherwise flawless, or rather as flawed as typical cell service is, or maybe a bit more spotty, but workable.

GigSky would have been nice on the MSC ship. When near land, Google Fi worked great, but more than 30 miles away from land, I had nothing. So, for instance, could not respond to the tour operators in the next port until we got in the next morning.

 

[tulak]

I’ve ran into a few places in and around Lyon that won’t take credit cards for small payments, under 5 euro.

I came with 20 euro and still have around 15 left. It’s always good to carry a small amount of cash, just in case.

 

[SecondCor521]

Thanks everyone.

I have Red Pocket Mobile, which is a low budget MVNO with no international roaming, so no risk of roaming charges.

I'm not particularly price sensitive, so I think I'll just go with Airelo based on the positive commentary here.

If I do get cash, I'll get some from a bank in the city rather than at the airport. I know it probably won't be needed, but my son and his fiancee are not world travelers and it'd be mainly just to help protect if we were to become separated.

I've already got Google Pay set up on my phone; I had forgotten about that. I'll have them set up Apple Pay or Google pay on their phones too. I have WhatsApp and will make sure they have it too.

I'll look for the "Express Transit Card" feature. I knew that was a possibility in England but I don't know how to actually use it.

I'll bring 2x ATM cards.

 

[audreyh1]

T-Mobile means we are good to go overseas with our same phone numbers. No eSIMs, no switching, a good chunk of high speed data included per month, beyond that lower speeds but still included, and free texting. Calls to/from US numbers are no charge if you use WiFi calling. This last 3.5 week trip we spent a whopping $3 on international calls.

 

[tulak]

The "Express Transit Card" feature lets you swipe your phone on the card reader instead of having to double-click. The latter works fine, it’s just little more work.

I upgraded to a US Mobile Premium plan, which gives me 20G international roaming data. The previous plan I had only gave me 1G, which is when I used Airalo. It’s nice not having to worry about eSIMs and have it just work, but installing/enabling an eSIM isn’t a big deal.

Whatsapp is a good callout. I would also look if there’s a location app you can use with your group. We all have iPhones, so we use the Find My app. We find it’s convenient to know where everyone is at, especially if we separate and are trying to meet up.

 

[SecondCor521]

Whatsapp is a good callout. I would also look if there’s a location app you can use with your group. We all have iPhones, so we use the Find My app. We find it’s convenient to know where everyone is at, especially if we separate and are trying to meet up.

My son and his fiancee have already got us all set up on Life360. It works well for that purposee.

One goal of mine is to be sort of "Boy Scout prepared" in case we get separated. It's unlikely, but it's a concern of mine. I also know that lately it's been bothering my son because he's a grown adult. My min agrees but my emotions are still playing catch up.

I think between everyone having cell phones, a payment method, some cash, and Life360, and being functional adults, we'll be OK.

 

[tulak]

I’m sure they’ll be fine. If the opportunity presents itself, I suggest that you let them wander off on their own while you do your own thing every now and then. They might even be surprised! But hopefully pleasantly.

I travel with my kids often and they are also in their twenties. They’ve traveled a lot, so no worries about them getting lost. I intentionally let them be the adults and I tag along. I’ve done enough of the adult thing and I figure now it’s their turn.

The trip I’m on right now is with DS and his fiancée. We are mostly doing our own thing, but we are in the same space and have dinner together every night. We still see each other and hang out a lot, which is nice.

 

[braumeister]

T-Mobile means we are good to go overseas with our same phone numbers. No eSIMs, no switching, a good chunk of high speed data included per month, beyond that lower speeds but still included, and free texting. Calls back to the US are no charge if you use WiFi calling. This last 3.5 week trip we spent a whopping $3.00 on international calls.

I'm with audreyh1. The peace of mind I get from T-Mobile is well worth whatever I pay, since I travel quite a lot, especially overseas.

 

[tulak]

I'm with audreyh1. The peace of mind I get from T-Mobile is well worth whatever I pay, since I travel quite a lot, especially overseas.

Same. I’m impressed with US Mobile. Previously I had T-Mobile and US Mobile has worked just as well, except for a weird quirk where I get a text that I arrived in a new country 1-2 hours later. With T-Mobile, it was right away. But it’s never impacted my internet.

 

[anethum]

I had T-Mobile until last year when I had a major issue after I crossed into Mexico from Belize. T-Mobile says that for US customers, when you're in Canada & Mexico, your phone works the same as in the US. That was true for me in Canada. However, the moment I crossed into Mexico, I instantly had no connection at all. One I got into a hotel room in Mexico and had WiFi, I had a very long phone call with T-Mobile customer service which eventually straigtened it out. My connection disappeared again the next day and I had another long phone call with customer service. The previous year while biking in France and needing a fair bit of data for mapping in rural areas, my speed eventually slowed down considerably and became annoyingly slow. I ditched T-Mobile after the Mexico incident in part because a single (senior) line with T-Mobile is extremely overpriced compared with the alternatives out there now.

 

[audreyh1]

I had T-Mobile until last year when I had a major issue after I crossed into Mexico from Belize. T-Mobile says that for US customers, when you're in Canada & Mexico, your phone works the same as in the US. That was true for me in Canada. However, the moment I crossed into Mexico, I instantly had no connection at all. One I got into a hotel room in Mexico and had WiFi, I had a very long phone call with T-Mobile customer service which eventually straigtened it out. My connection disappeared again the next day and I had another long phone call with customer service. The previous year while biking in France and needing a fair bit of data for mapping in rural areas, my speed eventually slowed down considerably and became annoyingly slow. I ditched T-Mobile after the Mexico incident in part because a single (senior) line with T-Mobile is extremely overpriced compared with the alternatives out there now.

I’ve occasionally had to do a network reset when entering a new (but urban) area and seeing no providers. It’s quite rare, but can happen.

Interestingly I occasionally get the Welcome to Mexico message since I live near the border, yet the phone continues to function normally.

 

[FIYes]

Just back from Europe and I used Samsung Pay every where. I didn’t need to use my physical card a single time. I used very few Euros…mostly for tips and change for restrooms.

I have a KeepGo data plan. That and WiFi were all I needed. I purchased the KeepGo plan a couple of years ago because the data doesn’t expire. It worked in Hungary, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. I typically use WhatsApp for communication with the data only plan. However, On this trip I found that with RCS messaging for texts, I received texts when I didn’t have WiFi access. Even my Apple user friends were able to send me texts when I was not on WiFi. My cat sitter doesn’t use WhatsApp but was able to text me when I wasn’t on WiFi.

If I traveled more I would probably investigate a plan like Google Fi or T-Mobile. I just don’t travel enough to justify a different phone plan. So far, Tracfone and a data only eSIM meet my communication needs when traveling. Tracfone has no international roaming but it also has no surprise fees for international roaming. A friend on a postpaid plan came back from an international trip to a $500!! roaming charge.