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Best options for mobile data while traveling abroad?

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Grigor_77
Joined:
11.08.2022
Posts: 133
Topic Starter
08.02.2025 00:36
I'm heading to Europe for a few weeks next month and I'm trying to figure out the most cost-effective way to stay connected. My current carrier charges a ridiculous daily fee for international roaming, so I'd rather avoid that if possible. I've heard people talking about eSIMs like Airalo or just buying a local prepaid SIM card once I land. Has anyone had good experiences with these, or should I just suck it up and pay the roaming charges for the convenience? Any advice on which providers are reliable for data speeds would be greatly appreciated.
20 replies in this topic
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Bg_Pechba
Joined:
31.10.2020
Posts: 1476
23.02.2025 21:09
In reply to a previous post
Airalo is definitely the way to go. I used it in France and Germany last summer and it worked flawlessly.
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Oli_S
Joined:
13.11.2021
Posts: 2451
10.04.2025 02:45
In reply to a previous post
Don't bother with local SIMs unless you really need a local phone number. eSIMs are so much easier to set up before you even board the plane.
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krisi_r
Joined:
17.05.2021
Posts: 1857
14.04.2025 03:00
In reply to a previous post
I used Airalo on my last trip and had zero issues. Just make sure your phone is unlocked first!
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damian_varna
Joined:
07.05.2024
Posts: 1391
23.05.2025 06:49
Honestly, roaming charges are a scam. Avoid them at all costs.
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Igor_Tech
Joined:
10.07.2024
Posts: 1810
24.05.2025 16:31
In reply to a previous post
Check if your carrier offers a 'travel pass' that is cheaper than the daily rate. Sometimes they have monthly bundles.
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Selekcioner
Joined:
05.09.2022
Posts: 1698
29.05.2025 20:00
In reply to a previous post
Local SIM cards can be a hassle to find at the airport, especially if you arrive late at night. eSIM is the modern solution.
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monika_p
Joined:
23.12.2024
Posts: 1563
30.05.2025 20:33
Has anyone tried Holafly? I've seen ads for unlimited data, but I'm skeptical about the speeds.
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Leni_C
Joined:
29.09.2020
Posts: 982
23.06.2025 07:15
In reply to a previous post
I tried Holafly in Italy. It was okay, but the hotspot feature was very limited. Just keep that in mind.
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simon_v
Joined:
16.04.2024
Posts: 2000
28.07.2025 19:05
In reply to a previous post
If you go to a local store in a city center, you can usually get a much better deal on a prepaid SIM than at the airport kiosks.
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Stasi_B
Joined:
06.02.2025
Posts: 1048
16.10.2025 15:15
I just stick to Wi-Fi at cafes and hotels. It makes the trip more relaxing to be disconnected for a bit.
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nov_tuk
Joined:
11.05.2025
Posts: 996
30.10.2025 20:42
In reply to a previous post
Check out Nomad too, they are quite competitive with Airalo pricing depending on the country.
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redoven
Joined:
09.05.2024
Posts: 1621
05.11.2025 18:28
In reply to a previous post
Do not pay the daily roaming fee! It's a total rip-off. Definitely go the eSIM route.
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Bg_Pechba
Joined:
14.02.2025
Posts: 842
10.11.2025 23:56
In reply to a previous post
Does your phone support dual SIM? If so, keeping your home SIM active for SMS (for 2FA codes) while using the eSIM for data is the perfect setup.
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Ameli_Z
Joined:
05.10.2021
Posts: 1164
22.12.2025 02:50
In reply to a previous post
I used Orange Holiday in France once, it was great because it came with a real phone number for reservations.
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robert_d
Joined:
21.12.2023
Posts: 1665
31.12.2025 13:01
In reply to a previous post
I'm curious, how much data are you planning to use? If it's just for maps and basic browsing, a small eSIM package goes a long way.
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GospodinNikoi
Joined:
14.05.2021
Posts: 820
06.01.2026 03:56
Google Fi is great if you are based in the US, but it's only worth it if you travel often.
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seba_bg
Joined:
18.07.2021
Posts: 2351
07.01.2026 04:17
In reply to a previous post
Whatever you do, turn off 'Data Roaming' on your primary line before you take off, or your phone might trigger a charge immediately upon landing.
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radek_sofia
Joined:
14.01.2025
Posts: 2486
09.01.2026 07:32
In reply to a previous post
I've had good luck with Airalo in Spain and Portugal. The connection was 5G almost everywhere.
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gost_nedelq
Joined:
03.05.2025
Posts: 1434
10.01.2026 01:51
In reply to a previous post
Local SIMs are still the cheapest if you are staying for more than a month, but for a few weeks, eSIM is definitely the king of convenience.
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Maistor_Ivan
Joined:
12.11.2025
Posts: 1579
13.02.2026 16:54
In reply to a previous post
Thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone! I'll look into the eSIM options tonight.

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