Staying connected to the internet is essential for many travelers exploring Europe. However, with numerous mobile data options available, choosing the best one can be a challenge. This guide will help you navigate the different mobile internet solutions for travelers in Europe, comparing key factors like cost, coverage, and data allowances. By the end, you’ll be equipped to select the mobile internet option that best meets your travel needs.

Mobile Internet in Europe

I. Quick Brief of Mobile Internet in Europe: Coverage and Speed

According to Statista, average mobile network connection speeds in Western Europe in 2022 was 54.4 Mbps, and is expected to increase by 8 Mbps in 2023.

  • By 2023, in Europe 5G mobile connections will account for nearly 90 percent of mobile connections.
  • If you buy a mobile plan from an EU country, you can use it in other EU countries without extra fees, according to the “Roam Like at Home” policy.
  • Some Europe mobile network operators may have fair usage policies to limit the amount of high-speed data you can use before your connection speed is reduced.
  • France, Germany and some European countries have specific regulations or restrictions on internet usage, such as content filtering or limitations on certain online services.
  • Vodafone is one of the largest mobile network operators in Europe, offers affordable data plans for travelers

1. Coverage

Internet coverage in Europe is generally widespread and reliable, particularly in urban areas and popular tourist destinations. However, coverage may vary in more remote or rural regions.

Map of mobile internet coverage in Europe
Map of mobile internet coverage in Europe
  • Western Europe: excellent mobile internet coverage with high-speed 4G and 5G for major cities and popular tourist destinations.
  • Eastern Europe: reliable 4G networks in capital cities and larger urban areas.
  • Northern Europe: excellent mobile internet coverage, providing fast and reliable internet access.
  • Southern Europe: good mobile internet coverage, high-speed 4G networks. In rural and less populated areas, coverage may be slightly lower.

In conclusion, Europe generally offers excellent mobile internet coverage for tourists across its various regions. So, if you travel to Europe, no need to worry about losing connection or interrupting web surfing.

2. Speed

Mobile internet in Europe is generally fast and reliable for tourists to search for information, watch videos, pay bills, book accommodation, and reserve flights.

Europe Mobile Internet Speed
  • Europe offers a wide range of internet speeds for tourists. Some countries have high-speed internet, while others have relatively lower speeds.
  • Countries like Austria, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, Estonia, and Sweden offer relatively higher average data download speeds.
  • Some countries in Europe, such as Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, and the Czech Republic, have lower average data download speeds.

Our recommendation: Check the coverage and availability of mobile internet services of your destination in advance to understand the potential speed and reliability of internet connections.

II. How To Get Mobile Internet In Europe – Best Ways & Costs

There are several ways for tourists to sget mobile internet in Europe, including roaming, pocket WiFi, public WiFi, SIM Card and eSIM.

1. Prepaid SIM card for Europe

Prepaid SIM Card in Europe
Prepaid SIM Card in Europe

A prepaid SIM card allows you to use cellular services by paying in advance for a specific amount of data, calls, and texts.

  • Suitable for: short-term visitors, budget travelers, data-dependent travelers
  • Where to buy: airports, mobile network provider stores, convenience stores.
  • Pricing: difference between providers, and the specific package. A Three PrePaid Europe sim card 12GB data+3000 minutes+3000 texts for 30 days with FREE ROAMING costs around $19.

2. Prepaid Europe eSIM for tourists

A Prepaid Europe eSIM is a digital SIM card that can be downloaded and activated on eSIM-compatible devices without the need for a physical SIM card. It allows tourists to access mobile services without the hassle of purchasing and inserting a physical SIM card.

  • Suitable for: who have eSIM-compatible devices, and want the convenience of activating a SIM card digitally without needing a physical card or visiting a store.
  • Where to buy: Official websites of mobile operators, online marketplaces, third-party retailers.
  • Pricing: depending on the provider, package and duration of validity. For example, Vodafone eSIM for 30 days in Europe costs about $25 with 25GB high-speed data.

3. Roaming with your primary SIM card

Roaming with your primary SIM card refers to using your existing mobile phone number and SIM card from your home country while traveling in Europe.

  • Suitable for: Tourists prefer using their own phone number
  • Where to buy: Use directly on your primary SIM card.
  • Pricing: Depending mostly on your domestic cellular operator, for example, Orange roaming costs in France can range from $5 to $10 per day.

4. Pocket WiFi

A pocket WiFi is a small, battery-powered device that provides wireless internet connectivity on the go. It acts as a personal WiFi router, allowing you to connect multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops to the internet simultaneously using a single mobile data connection.

  • Suitable for: travelers prefer not to rely on public WiFi networks.
  • Where to buy: Online retailers such as Hip Pocket WiFi, GlocalMe, mobile network providers.
  • Pricing: Difference between buying and renting. For example, pocket WiFi rental in Spain costs $5.45 per day.

5. Free WiFi

WiFi in Europe is easy to find in public spaces. However, WiFi in some places is still available for paying customers. Moreover, public WiFi can provide an easy way for identity thieves and cybercriminals to monitor what you’re doing online and to steal your passwords, and your personal information.

  • Suitable for: tourists who want to access the internet on their WiFi-enabled devices.
  • Where to find it: WiFi can be found in numerous places throughout Europe, including: accommodation, cafes and restaurants, airports and train stations, some public areas such as parks, squares, and transportation hubs
  • Pricing for paid wifi can range from $1 to $10 per hour or $5 to $20 per day, depending on the location and service provider.

The comparison table below of ways to stay connected in Europe will help you have a more general overview and help you make the correct decision to suit your needs.

Connectivity Option Pros Cons
Prepaid SIM Card Local number, easy purchase, wide coverage Requires new SIM, limit data/validity
Prepaid eSIM No physical SIM, convenient setup Limited device/coverage support
Roaming Maintains home number, no new SIM Can be expensive, plans vary
Pocket WiFi Connect multiple devices Extra device, battery life limits
WiFi Free in many places Relies on public access, security risks

Our recommendation: So, if you want to actively get the Internet, protect your private info, take advantage of local rates, affordable calls and messages, you can use a Europe SIM card. But, if you have an eSIM-compatible device, it is highly recommended to use a Europe eSIM because of its benefits: no roaming charges, convenience, flexibility, stay connected wherever you are, easy to use, and future-proof your travel.

III. Best Mobile Internet Providers In Europe

After choosing the way for mobile internet in Europe, it’s time to talk about a list of European mobile internet companies to compare options and make the best choice for your trip.

1. Vodafone

  • Vodafone is one of the largest mobile network operators in Europe
  • Operate strongly in Northern & Central Europe and Southern Europe
  • Pros: extensive coverage, High-Speed connectivity, network stability, value-added services
  • Cons: coverage may be limitations in more remote or rural areas
Vodafone store
Vodafone store

2. Telefonica (O2/Vivo/Movistar)

  • O2 is the UK’s largest mobile network operator
  • Operate strongly in several European countries: UK, Germany, Spain, and the Czech Republic.
  • Pros: wide network coverage, high-speed connectivity, competitive pricing, additional services and perks
  • Cons: limited coverage in remote areas, fair usage policies for unlimited data plans.
O2 store in Munich, Germany
O2 store in Munich, Germany

3. Orange

  • Orange is one of the main European operators for mobile and broadband internet services
  • Operate strongly in France and Spain, Poland, Belgium, Romania.
  • Pros: widespread network coverage, fast mobile internet speeds, good value for money
  • Cons: slower internet speeds in remote or rural areas
Orange store in Poland
Orange store in Poland

4. Deutsche Telekom

  • A popular mobile operator in several countries across Europe
  • Operate strongly in both Central and Eastern Europe
  • Pros: reliable mobile internet access, fast mobile internet speeds, affordable price.
  • Cons: limited data in remote areas, networks may experience congestion
Deutsche Telekom store
Deutsche Telekom store

5. Three

  • Three is the fourth-largest mobile network operator in the United Kingdom
  • Operate strongly in several countries in Europe, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, and Denmark.
  • Pros: generous data allowances, competitive pricing, attractive roaming packages, free access to certain streaming platforms
  • Cons: limitation coverage in rural areas, international roaming limitation
Three store in Dublin, Ireland
Three store in Dublin, Ireland

IV. Europe eSIM – The Best Way To Get Internet In EU For An Extended Period

Best eSIM for Europe
Europe eSIM

Traveling through Europe? Say goodbye to the hassle of finding and activating local SIM cards in every country. Europe eSIM offers a seamless, hassle-free solution for getting reliable high-speed internet access across the entire European Union.

Key Features of Europe eSIM:

  • Instant activation with a few taps on your phone
  • Reliable 4G/5G data coverage in 30+ European countries
  • No roaming fees or hidden charges
  • Flexible plans starting from 1GB up to unlimited data
  • Works with all unlocked smartphones and tablets
  • Easy to manage through a user-friendly mobile app

Whether you’re on a long-term trip or just passing through, Europe eSIM is the ultimate travel companion for anyone who needs to stay connected in the EU. Experience the freedom and convenience of always-on internet with Europe’s premier eSIM provider.

Get Connected Now, Don't Delay
Europe eSIM - The Smart Way!
Buy my eSIM

V. FAQs

1. Which European country has the best Internet speed?

The channel island of Jersey has been crowned as Europe’s broadband champion of 2023, with an average download speed of 265 megabits per second (Mbps). This is according to an annual study by cable.co.uk, based on the network connection speeds found in 220 countries and territories around the world.

2. How can I get the Internet while traveling to Europe?

For convenience to stay connected in Europe, it’s okay to use SIM or eSIM. However, if your mobile devices support eSIM, we highly recommend you use eSIM because it’s very convenient, easy-to-use, flexible and has many options for your needs.

3. Can I use my mobile data from my home country in Europe?

It depends on your mobile operator and your home country. If you are from within the European Union (EU), you can benefit from the “Roam Like at Home” policy, which allows you to use your mobile data, calls, and texts in other EU countries without additional charges.

4. Can I buy a SIM card in one European country and use it in another?

In most cases, you can use a SIM card purchased in one European country in another European country. However, be aware that there may be limitations, such as different roaming rates or restrictions on certain services.

VI. Conclusion

Mobile internet in Europe is generally of high quality and offers widespread coverage in most countries. There are many different options available these days for travelers to stay connected to mobile internet when visiting Europe. Whether it’s buying a local SIM card, using public WiFi, or opting for an eSIM data plan, you have flexibility in how you access the internet on your device while on your trip. While each choice has pros and cons, we recommend considering an eSIM data plan as one of the best overall options.

We hope this article provides useful information to help you choose the right mobile internet solution based on your travel plans and needs. Staying connected makes exploring Europe even more enjoyable.