Staying connected is essential for navigating, sharing moments, and staying in touch. This comprehensive guide to the Plus Poland SIM card and eSIM will help you choose the best option for your travel needs. Whether you prefer the affordability of a traditional SIM or the convenience of an eSIM, Plus offers reliable coverage, competitive rates, and seamless EU roaming to ensure a worry-free experience. Stay connected wherever your journey takes you!
Table of Contents
I. Quick facts about Plus Poland in Europe
Plus is a leading telecommunications operator in Europe, primarily operating in Poland.
- It is owned by Polkomtel, part of the Cyfrowy Polsat Group, one of the region’s largest media and telecommunications groups.
- Services Offered: Plus provides a wide range of services, including Mobile telephony (prepaid, postpaid, and business plans), Internet services (LTE, 5G broadband), and Television services (via Cyfrowy Polsat).
- 5G Leadership: Plus is a pioneer in 5G technology in Poland, with one of the country’s largest 5G networks. It offers high-speed internet with wide network coverage, especially in urban areas.
- Market Position: Plus is one of the top three mobile network operators in Poland, competing with Orange and Play. It has millions of subscribers across its mobile and internet services.
- Technology Focus: Focuses heavily on LTE Advanced and next-generation technologies to ensure fast and reliable connectivity.
- Partnerships and Ecosystem: As part of the Cyfrowy Polsat Group, Plus benefits from an integrated ecosystem of telecommunications, media, and entertainment services.
- Customer Base: Plus serves a broad customer base, including individual users, small businesses, and large enterprises.
II. Plus coverage and speed in Europe
1. Plus coverage
Plus stands out in 5G coverage but struggles with overall coverage and availability compared to other providers, according to the latest Opensignal report:
- 5G Coverage: Plus leads in 5G coverage with a score of 1.5 out of 10, earning the 5G Coverage Experience award.
- Overall Coverage: Orange takes the top spot in overall coverage with a score of 7.2 out of 10, while Plus is not a leader in this area.
- Availability: T-Mobile wins the 5G Availability award with a score of 17.1%, just ahead of Plus and Orange, which share second place. Play takes the top spot for overall Availability, showing users spend the most time connected to 3G, 4G, or 5G networks.
While Plus remains strong in 5G coverage, it faces challenges in overall coverage and availability compared to other operators.
2. Plus speed
Plus has good 5G coverage but has fallen behind in speed rankings compared to T-Mobile and Play, according to the latest Opensignal report.
- 5G Download Speed: Plus, which used to lead in 5G download speeds, has been surpassed by T-Mobile. T-Mobile now ranks first with an average 5G download speed of 173.6 Mbps, thanks to its use of the C-band spectrum.
- Overall Download Speed: Plus is no longer the fastest for overall download speeds. T-Mobile is now in first place with an average speed of 48.3 Mbps, followed by Orange and Play.
- Upload Speed: Plus also doesn’t lead in upload speeds. Play remains the top performer in this category, both overall and for 5G.
In short, while Plus still has solid 5G coverage, it is struggling to keep up with speed, with T-Mobile and Play making big improvements.
III. Plus Connectivity options for travelers to the EU
Option | Pros | Cons |
Plus Poland SIM Card | – Widely available in the EU (airports, stores, kiosks). | – Requires a phone with an unlocked SIM slot. |
– Affordable local rates for calls, data, and texts. | – Physical card must be purchased and inserted, which can be inconvenient. | |
– Easy to swap out if traveling to multiple countries (EU countries have no roaming fees). | – Local numbers may confuse contacts back home. | |
– No reliance on your home carrier. | – May require registration (e.g., ID verification in some countries). | |
Plus Poland eSIM | – No physical SIM card required; download and activate instantly. | – Requires a phone that supports eSIM (not all older devices are compatible). |
– Retain your home number while using a local EU provider for data and calls. | – Can be confusing for first-time users to set up. | |
– Flexible plans tailored for travelers (short-term data plans available). | – Limited availability depending on the EU country and provider. | |
Roaming | – No need to buy a new SIM or set up anything. | – Typically more expensive than local SIMs or eSIMs for long-term use. |
– You retain your home number for ease of communication. | – Data speeds may be throttled depending on your carrier’s policy. | |
– Best for short trips or emergencies when convenience is key. | – Not ideal for heavy data users due to high costs. |
Recommendations:
- Prepaid SIM Card: Best for long stays, budget-conscious travelers, or those who need full access to local services at low rates.
- eSIM: Ideal for tech-savvy travelers who want the convenience of instant setup and flexibility.
- Roaming: Suitable for short trips or those who prioritize convenience over cost.
IV. Best Plus SIM cards for tourists & costs
Plus doesn’t offer much else for travelers. The physical Plus SIM card Poland costs 5 PLN (~1.2 USD). Here’s the recommended package for tourists:
Plus Package | Price | Data | Local Calls | SMS/MMS | Total (USD) |
No limit 30 days package | 30 PLN (~$7.69 USD) | 15GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 35 PLN (~8.9 USD) |
V. Does Plus support eSIM?
Yes, Plus supports Plus Poland eSIM for all service types (subscription, MIX, prepaid, and internet). You can get one by exchanging a physical SIM at a sales point, via a Business Advisor, or through the Assistant app. If not yet installed, a duplicate eSIM can also be issued.
However, Plus Poland eSIMs may not suit tourists. International eSIM providers are a better option for short-term travel.
VI. Where can you buy a Plus SIM card & eSIM?
1. Where to buy Plus Poland SIM card for travel
You can buy a Plus Poland SIM card for travel (or any other SIM card suitable for international roaming) from several places, depending on your location and preferences. Here’s a guide to help you:
- Official Website of Plus (Poland) – Visit the official Plus website to order a Plus Poland SIM card. They often provide options for prepaid plans, which are great for travelers.
- Airports – International Airports often have kiosks or vending machines selling local SIM cards, including Plus SIM cards at Warsaw Airport.
- Plus Retail Stores in Poland – Once in Poland, you can visit any Plus store to buy a SIM card. These are widely available in cities, malls, or shopping centers.
- Convenience Stores and Supermarkets – You can buy a prepaid Plus SIM card at convenience stores (e.g., Żabka, Carrefour) or supermarkets across Poland. These stores often carry SIM cards from various mobile carriers.
- Online Travel SIM Websites – several online platforms sell international SIM cards, including those that work in Poland or with global roaming. Examples include Amazon, eBay, etc.
2. Where to buy Plus Poland eSIM
If you’re looking to purchase a Plus Poland eSIM, here are your options and the pros and cons of buying directly from Plus or through international eSIM providers like Europe-eSIM.com:
- Plus Store (Official Provider): You can buy a Plus eSIM in Poland at any Plus retail store. It’s cheaper, offers local plans with full network features (data, calls, SMS), but requires an in-person visit and cannot be purchased before your trip.
- International eSIM Providers (e.g., Europe-eSIM.com): Buy online before your trip. It’s convenient, allows pre-trip setup with instant activation, and may include multi-country options, but it’s often more expensive, usually data-only, and has limited customer support.
Recommendation: Use Plus Store for affordability and local support, or international providers for convenience and pre-trip activation.
Explore Poland with seamless connectivity on the reliable Plus network! With eSIM Poland, you can enjoy fast 4G/LTE speeds and extensive coverage across the country. Whether you’re strolling through Warsaw, discovering Kraków, or hiking in the Tatra Mountains, stay connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards. Choose a plan that fits your needs—daily data, unlimited options, or long-term packages—and activate instantly with a simple QR code scan.
Say goodbye to roaming fees and hello to hassle-free travel with eSIM Poland on the trusted Polkomtel Plus network!
VII. How to use Plus Poland SIM card and eSIM
1. How to install and activate a Plus SIM card Poland
- Insert the Plus Poland SIM card into your phone and turn it on.
- The SIM usually activates automatically; make a call or send a text to confirm.
- Register the SIM with your passport/ID at a Plus store or partner location (required in the EU).
- Top up your balance or activate a prepaid plan (*147# for plan management).
- Test the connection by making a call or using mobile data.
2. How to install and activate Plus eSIM
- Purchase the Plus Poland eSIM from a Plus store or an online provider.
- Scan the QR code provided to you using your phone’s Settings > Mobile Network > Add eSIM option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the eSIM profile.
- Activate the eSIM by selecting it as the default SIM for calls, texts, and data.
- Top-up or activate a plan (*147#) and test the connection.
IX. Plus Call & SMS rates in the EU
For Plus prepaid and postpaid plans in the EU, the roaming rates generally align with EU Roaming Regulations (Roam Like at Home), meaning you pay the same as you would in Poland for calls, SMS, and data. Here’s a basic breakdown for Plus EU roaming rates:
- Outgoing Calls (to EU countries): ~0.29 PLN/min
- Incoming Calls: ~0.00 PLN (free under EU rules)
- SMS (to EU numbers): ~0.19 PLN/SMS
- Mobile Data: Usually deducted from your Polish plan or ~0.01 PLN/MB if no plan is active.
X. How to top-up your Plus Poland SIM card
- Online: Go to www.plus.pl, enter your number, and pay.
- Voucher: Buy a code, dial 123VoucherCode#, and press call.
- Bank App: Use your bank’s app to top-up.
- Plus App: Use the Plus Online app to recharge.
- In-Store: Top-up at partner locations like Żabka or Carrefour.
XI. How to check your Plus account usage and balance
- Check account status and validity: Dial *100# and press the call button.
- Recharge your account: Dial 123TELECODE# and press the call button.
- Top up another person’s account: Dial 123TELECODE*TEL_NO# and press the call button.
- Check package status and validity: Dial *121# and press the call button.
- Check promotion status and validity: Dial *136# and press the call button.
XII. FAQs
Where can I buy a Plus Poland SIM card?
You can buy a Plus SIM card at Plus stores, online providers, airports, convenience stores, or via international eSIM platforms.
What documents do I need to register a Plus SIM card Poland?
To register a Plus SIM, you need a valid passport or ID card as required by EU law.
How do I check my balance and usage?
To check your balance and usage, dial *100# for account status, *121# for package status, or *136# for promotion status.
What are my top-up options?
Top-up options include online at plus.pl, banking apps, vouchers (dial 123code#), the Plus app, or at partner stores.
Does Plus work in other EU countries?
Plus works in other EU countries with EU roaming (Roam Like at Home). Standard EU rates apply if plan limits are exceeded. Data, calls, and SMS work across the EU.
XIII. Final words
The Plus SIM card and eSIM are great options for travelers in Poland and the EU. The SIM card offers affordable local plans, while the eSIM provides instant activation and hassle-free connectivity, perfect for multi-country travel. Stay connected with Plus and enjoy your journey!