Staying connected in Europe used to mean hunting for WiFi cafes or paying exorbitant roaming fees. Today, between EU roaming regulations and the rise of eSIMs, getting affordable mobile data across Europe is easier than ever. But the options can be confusing, especially with post-Brexit changes and countries outside the EU. Here is a clear breakdown of what actually works in 2026.

EU Roaming Rules: The Basics

Since 2017, the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” regulation means that anyone with a SIM card from an EU country can use their domestic plan’s calls, texts, and data across all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway at no extra charge. This is why buying a prepaid SIM in any EU country effectively gives you coverage across the entire bloc. A €10 prepaid SIM from a shop in France works identically in Italy, Germany, or Greece.

Important exceptions: Switzerland is not in the EU and not covered by roaming regulations. Neither is Turkey. The United Kingdom left the EU, and while some UK carriers still offer free European roaming, many have reintroduced charges. If your trip includes these countries, plan accordingly.

eSIM Options: The Modern Choice

If your phone supports eSIM (most phones from 2020 onward do), this is now the easiest option. You buy a data plan online, scan a QR code, and activate a virtual SIM without visiting any shop. The top providers for Europe in 2026 include:

Airalo offers Europe-wide packages starting around $5 for 1 GB (7 days) up to $26 for 10 GB (30 days). Coverage spans 39 countries including some non-EU nations. Data quality varies by country since Airalo partners with different local carriers. It is data-only, so no calls or texts through the cellular network, though WiFi calling apps work fine.

Holafly specializes in unlimited data plans, starting around €6 per day or €47 for 15 days. If you are a heavy data user who streams, video calls, or uses GPS navigation constantly, the unlimited aspect is appealing. Speeds may be throttled after heavy use on some plans, so read the fine print.

Nomad offers competitive pricing similar to Airalo with good European coverage. Their 5 GB 30-day Europe plan runs about $16. The app interface is clean and setup is straightforward.

Physical SIM Cards: Still Useful

If your phone does not support eSIM or you prefer a physical card, buying a prepaid SIM at a European airport or phone shop remains a solid option. In most EU countries, you will need to show your passport for identity registration. Shops like Vodafone, Orange, and T-Mobile have airport locations across major hubs. Expect to pay €10-30 for a prepaid SIM with 5-15 GB of data valid for 30 days. Vodafone’s European prepaid options are particularly traveler-friendly.

How Much Data Do You Actually Need?

Most travelers use far less mobile data than they think if they connect to hotel WiFi in the evenings. Google Maps navigation uses about 5-10 MB per hour. Google Translate uses minimal data. Messaging apps are lightweight. Photo uploads and video calls are the main data consumers. For a typical two-week trip with moderate use, 5-8 GB is plenty. Download offline maps for your destinations in advance through Google Maps and you will use even less.

Free WiFi Availability

Free WiFi across Europe is widespread but inconsistent. Hotels, hostels, and rental apartments almost always provide it. Many cafes and restaurants offer WiFi with a purchase. Public WiFi is available in most city centers, train stations, and airports, though speeds and reliability vary. Do not rely on public WiFi for anything sensitive like banking. Use your mobile data or a VPN for those tasks.

Practical Recommendation

For most American and non-EU travelers in 2026, an eSIM from Airalo or Holafly is the simplest and most cost-effective choice. Buy and install it before your flight, activate on landing, and enjoy seamless data across Europe. Keep your home SIM active for receiving two-factor authentication texts, and use WiFi calling to phone home. The days of roaming bill shock are over if you plan ahead for even five minutes.