Best eSIM for Europe Travel 2026 — Airalo vs Yesim vs Saily
11 November 2026 · GoFlyLo Blog
An eSIM is the easiest way to get mobile data in Europe. You buy it online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects the moment you land — no airport SIM shop, no swapping tiny plastic cards, no roaming bill shock. But which eSIM should you buy? Three names come up again and again: Airalo, Yesim and Saily. All three work across Europe, all three are affordable, and all three are partners of GoFlyLo. This guide compares them honestly — prices, coverage, and who each one is best for — so you can pick the right one in five minutes.
TL;DR — The Short Version
Best overall: Airalo — the biggest choice of plans, works in 39 European countries, from around $5.
Best if you need a phone number: Yesim — includes a virtual number for calls and texts.
Best simple choice: Saily — clean app, good prices from around $3.99, built-in security.
Tip: buy and install your eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, before you fly.
Airalo — The Biggest Choice
Airalo is the world's largest eSIM store, and its Europe plan (called Eurolink) covers
39 European countries with one eSIM — France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Greece, Turkey, and many more. Prices start from around
$5 for 1 GB (7 days), with popular options like 3 GB for around $13, 5 GB for around $20, and 10 GB for around $32. You buy in the app, scan the QR code, and the eSIM activates when you arrive. Airalo is best if you want the widest choice: local eSIMs for one country, regional eSIMs for Europe, and global eSIMs that work in 130+ countries. It is data-only — no phone number — so calls go through WhatsApp or your usual apps. Read our full Airalo guide for the step-by-step setup.
Yesim — The One With a Phone Number
Yesim is the best choice if you want more than just data. Its Europe plans cover 30+ countries, and it also offers a
virtual phone number — useful if you need to receive calls or SMS codes (for example, from your bank) while you travel. Prices are similar to Airalo: regional Europe data from around
$6–$7 per GB, with larger bundles and unlimited options for heavy users. Yesim also lets you pay per megabyte in some plans, so light users do not waste money on data they never use. Setup is the same: buy in the app, scan the code, and you are online when you land. Read our full Yesim guide.
Saily — The Simple, Secure Choice
Saily is made by the team behind NordVPN, and it shows: the app is clean, the setup takes two minutes, and every plan includes built-in security features that warn you about unsafe networks. Its Europe plan covers 30+ countries, with prices from around
$3.99 for 1 GB, around $9.99 for 3 GB, and around $22–$25 for 10 GB. Saily is best if you want the simplest experience — no confusing options, just pick your data amount and go. It is data-only, like Airalo. Read our full Saily guide.
Which eSIM Should You Pick?
Here is a quick comparison to help you decide:
| eSIM | Price from | European countries | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | around $5 | 39 | Biggest choice of plans |
| Yesim | around $6–$7 per GB | 30+ | Virtual phone number |
| Saily | around $3.99 | 30+ | Simple setup + security |
Our pick for most travellers: Airalo — the widest coverage and the most plan sizes. Pick
Yesim if you need a phone number for calls or bank codes. Pick
Saily if you want the easiest app and the lowest starting price. Whichever you choose, install it
at home on Wi-Fi before you fly — you cannot download an eSIM without internet, and airport Wi-Fi is often slow. Prices change often, so check the current price in the app before you buy. And if you need a Schengen visa for your trip, read our Schengen visa guide first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best eSIM for Europe?
Airalo is the best overall choice — 39 countries, plans from around $5. Yesim is best if you need a phone number, and Saily is the simplest option.
Do I need a physical SIM in Europe?
No. An eSIM works on any phone that supports eSIM (most phones from 2020 onwards). You buy it online and scan a QR code — no shop visit needed.
Can I use an eSIM and my normal SIM at the same time?
Yes. Most phones support dual SIM: keep your home SIM for calls and use the eSIM for data. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid extra charges.
When should I install my travel eSIM?
At home, on Wi-Fi, before you fly. The eSIM activates when you arrive, but you need internet to download it in the first place.
Related Guides
Airalo — Full Guide · Yesim — Full Guide · Saily — Full Guide · Schengen Visa Guide
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