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Which European mobile provider should you choose, and where can you buy a SIM card for your trip? Let Mytour Vietnam help you out with some tips on purchasing a European travel SIM in the article below!
Before embarking on your European adventure, thorough preparation will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey. From detailed trip planning to exploring the culture, cuisine, and preparing essential connections like the European SIM card – all of these contribute to a seamless experience. With a stable connection, you'll easily access destination details, check public transport schedules, and even book fun activities and dining options in advance.
Check out these helpful tips on selecting the right SIM card and key things to keep in mind while using it to make your European trip both enjoyable and unforgettable!
Where to Buy a European Travel SIM?
While traveling through Europe, staying connected is key to making your journey more convenient. One common solution is to use a travel SIM, with two main options: get a SIM in Vietnam before departure or purchase one upon arriving in Europe. Each option has its own set of pros and cons.
1. Purchase a European Travel SIM in Vietnam
Buying a SIM before your trip provides peace of mind, as you can review available plans, choose a reputable provider, and have internet access as soon as you arrive. In Vietnam, European travel SIMs are easily found at mobile stores in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or on e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Tiki, and Lazada.
One advantage of buying in Vietnam is that you don’t need to provide additional personal documents since the seller has already registered the information. When purchasing in person, all you need to do is choose the right plan, pay, and receive your SIM. If buying online, you'll need to provide your name, address, and phone number, and the SIM will be delivered to your doorstep within a few days. There is a wide variety of SIM cards available, offering different coverage areas, data capacities, and validity periods to suit your needs.
2. Purchase a Travel SIM in Europe
If you haven't purchased a SIM in Vietnam, buying one in Europe is also an option, though there are a few things to keep in mind. SIM booths at airports and major cities are typically operated by networks like Vodafone or Three, but the process can be complicated: you’ll need to provide a passport, a photo, and prices are often 20-40% higher than purchasing in Vietnam.
In the city, you can find SIM cards at convenience stores, supermarkets, or gas stations. In official stores, staff will assist with setup and activation; however, if buying from other retail outlets, you will need to do it yourself. Registering personal information in Europe can also be detailed and sometimes challenging due to language barriers.
Which European Mobile Network Should You Choose?
If you're preparing for a trip to Europe, selecting the right SIM is crucial. Here are some detailed suggestions to help you make the best choice for your journey.
1. Orange European SIM
Orange is a trusted choice for travelers frequently moving between European Union countries, offering stable 5G coverage and signal strength. This network ensures a strong connection in most European nations.
Advantages:
- Strong, stable signal quality
- Hotspot sharing support.
Disadvantages:
- Not available in Switzerland.
- Vodafone European SIM
2. Vodafone European SIM
Vodafone is one of the largest and most well-known networks in Europe, with branches in countries such as Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Vodafone offers high 5G download speeds ranging from 90 to 150 Mbps, ideal for those with high data usage needs. However, the registration process for a Vodafone SIM is more complicated; you must purchase an unregistered SIM and top up before activating the plan.
Advantages:
- Fast 5G speeds, with wide and reliable coverage.
- Supports hotspot sharing, allowing multiple devices to connect at the same time.
Disadvantages:
- The registration process is complicated, requiring additional activation fees.
- The cost of the SIM card is generally higher compared to Three or other network providers.
3. Three UK SIM in the UK
Three is a well-known network provider in the UK, popular with Vietnamese travelers due to its roaming services in 35 European countries and a few regions outside of Europe. The plans offered by Three are varied, ranging from 10GB to unlimited 5G data. However, if you use this data plan outside of the UK, the data limit may be reduced to 12GB per month.
Advantages:
- The SIM is easy to activate, and no passport information is required when purchasing it in Vietnam.
- The price is reasonable, and roaming is supported in Vietnam, allowing you to test the SIM before traveling.
Disadvantages:
- The signal quality in some countries may be weaker compared to local network providers' SIM cards.
- Does not support hotspot sharing for other devices.
4. Movistar 5G SIM
Movistar is another major network provider in Europe, with strong operations in countries such as Spain, France, Germany, and others. Movistar's 5G quality is decent, catering to basic internet needs, though it may not be on par with Vodafone or Orange.
Advantages:
- Stable speed, extensive coverage, and hotspot sharing support.
- Simple to use and easy to set up.
Disadvantages:
- You must activate the SIM before leaving Vietnam and confirm activation upon arrival in Europe.
- Not supported in Switzerland.
5. Twise SIM – Data Only
Twise is a data-only SIM from the United States, partnered with networks across Europe, ideal for travelers who only need internet access without the need for calls or texting. Twise is simple to use, requiring no activation registration or complicated steps.
Advantages:
- Simple and easy to use – just insert the SIM and start using it without complex steps.
- Supported in countries like Switzerland and Turkey, meeting the internet needs for multi-country trips.
Disadvantages:
- Does not support offline calling or texting features.
Buy Affordable & Convenient European eSIM on Mytour
In addition to physical SIM cards, eSIMs are becoming an increasingly popular choice for travelers visiting Europe. With an eSIM, users no longer need to insert a traditional SIM card but can activate it directly on their mobile device by simply scanning a QR code.
This solution offers maximum convenience, allowing travelers to easily switch plans or networks depending on the country without needing to purchase a new SIM card. This is especially useful when traveling through multiple countries in Europe, ensuring seamless and rapid connectivity.
1. High-Speed & Stable Internet with European eSIM
When traveling or on a business trip in Europe, having a stable and high-speed internet connection is essential. With a European eSIM, you can easily stay connected throughout your journey without the hassle of searching for public Wi-Fi or changing physical SIM cards. This is a convenient and modern solution that allows you to access the internet anytime, anywhere, with just an eSIM-enabled phone.
Product Information:
- Validity: 7-30 days, flexible based on travel needs.
- Internet Speed: 4G/5G, ensuring superior connectivity for browsing, music streaming, video watching, and online searches.
- Service Type: Data-only, allowing you to focus solely on staying connected without worrying about other services.
- Coverage Area: Over 30 countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, and many others.
- Data Limit: Daily data usage follows a reasonable policy. Once the limit is exceeded, speeds drop to 384kbps but will be restored the next day. This ensures continuous connectivity throughout your trip.
- Connection Sharing: The hotspot feature allows you to easily share your connection with other devices, making it convenient for travel or business groups.
eSIM Activation Process:
- After registration, you will receive a confirmation within a few minutes. If not, please contact customer support.
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation within 180 days from the confirmation date, as long as the data has not been used.
2. Airalo 1GB - 100GB European eSIM
With over 5 million customers worldwide, Airalo provides eSIM solutions ranging from 1GB to 100GB, catering to all your connectivity needs while traveling in Europe. This is the perfect choice for travelers seeking high-speed internet during their European journey, offering extensive coverage across more than 30 countries.
Product Information
- Validity: 7-90 days depending on the selected data plan.
- Service: Internet only, optimized for high-speed web access.
- Data Allowance: 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 50GB, or 100GB.
- Coverage Area: 38 countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Norway, and Greece.
- Network Provider: Eurolink.
- Connection Sharing: Supports hotspot, ideal for group travel.
Activation Process
- Receive your eSIM code via email after placing your order.
- Create an account on the Airalo app or website.
- Enter the eSIM code in the "Redeem Voucher" section.
- Follow the instructions in the app to install the eSIM.
Note
- No cancellations, refunds, or changes after placing the order.
- Connectivity will depend on the coverage area and the local network provider.
How to Use European SIM Cards Correctly
To enjoy stable and convenient internet connectivity during your trip to Europe, it is essential to use your SIM or eSIM properly. Below are step-by-step instructions to help you set up and use your SIM card effectively.
1. For Physical SIM Cards
Step 1: Insert the SIM card into your phone.
Step 2: Enable Data Roaming on your device.
- On iOS: Go to Settings > Network > Network Options > Data Roaming. Also, enable 4G data mode to access the internet.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Data Roaming. Then, enable 4G data mode.
If you've followed the steps above and still can't connect, check and manually configure the settings as per the instructions from your network provider.
2. For European Travel eSIM
Step 1: Check your email from the eSIM provider. The email will include a QR code and installation instructions.
Step 2: Open the email and follow the setup steps provided below.
On iOS:
- Go to Settings > Mobile > Add eSIM or Add mobile plan.
- Scan the QR code from your email or enter the code manually if necessary.
- When you reach the destination country, enable Data Roaming and Mobile Data.
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan.
- Scan the QR code or manually enter the code.
- When you reach the destination country, enable Data Roaming and Mobile Data.
Important Notes:
- Only set up eSIM when you have an internet connection, and avoid turning on Data Roaming before arriving in the destination country.
- eSIM is activated only once and cannot be transferred to another device.
- The validity period starts when the eSIM connects to the network.
Important Notes for Using European Travel SIM Cards
To ensure a stable and convenient connection during your trip, keep the following key points in mind when using a European travel SIM card:
- A European SIM purchased in Vietnam does not support recharging or international calls, but it is usually much cheaper than buying a SIM abroad.
- If the SIM card doesn't work, contact the provider for assistance. If the SIM is faulty due to manufacturing, you will need to keep the SIM and packaging to receive a refund after inspection.
- It’s recommended to insert and activate the SIM 1-2 days before your trip to ensure it functions correctly. Activation for roaming services can take between 1 hour to 48 hours depending on the internet connection at the destination.
- For eSIM, make sure to scan the code and download it before leaving Vietnam for installation support if needed.
- Download the My3 app to check your balance, remaining data, free call minutes, and text messages.
- If you experience connection issues, check the APN settings on your phone. For iPhone: Go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile Network > APN | For Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Network > Access Point Names.
A suitable European SIM card is an essential companion for those who love to explore and seek the freedom of independent travel. With a stable internet connection, you can easily navigate, look up information, or quickly 'check-in' and share your amazing moments with friends and family while still in Europe.
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Prepare your European SIM card or eSIM for a hassle-free exploration of beautiful Western Europe!
