Best eSIM for Europe 2026: Sim Local Review + 5% Discount

Looking for the best eSIM for Europe? You’ll be pleased to know that Sim Local offers one of the most affordable and reliable options out there, which is perfect for everything from last-minute city breaks to longer backpacking adventures across the continent.

Between flight bookings and the usual travel prep, getting your mobile data sorted often ends up at the bottom of the list (or if you’re a bit more type B like me, sometimes totally forgotten about). 

I was recently invited on a very last-minute press trip to Cyprus with Jet2 Holidays (I mean, pinch me, right?). 

BUT when I say very last minute, I mean I had just 3 days to prepare, which also included getting to Manchester from London to fly out from there. 

With no time to deal with physical SIM cards, and most certainly not wanting to pay for an expensive add-on from my phone bill provider, I opted for the Sim Local eSIM for Cyprus. 

Mainly because it was cheap, starting at just $3.75 (1GB for 7 days), and I had used them before on a recent trip to Africa, so I just knew I was going to get the best coverage and customer service. 

As I expected, it provided full coverage across the island, including remote areas up in the mountains.

If you’re planning a trip to Cyprus, or even a longer adventure through Europe, this guide will walk you through what to expect from Sim Local’s Cyprus and Europe eSIM options.

I’ll share how it performed, what I liked, a few things to be aware of, and why I’d consider using their Europe-wide plan next time I travel across the continent.

And if you’re looking for a Sim Local discount code, I’ve got you covered throughout this post!

Let’s get into it! 

What Is an eSIM (And Why I Chose It For Cyprus)

If you’re new to eSIMs, essentially, they’re digital SIM cards that let you connect to local networks without needing to physically swap anything out of your phone (which will be music to your ears if you’re anything like me and prone to losing almost everything).

Once you buy your eSIM plan online, you’ll get a QR code or manual setup instructions. Install it, activate it when you land, and you’re good to go.

I chose an eSIM for Cyprus purely out of convenience. I was short on time and had a very packed press trip itinerary. 

And the last thing I wanted to do was waste my first day trying to sort out data, when one of the main reasons I was on this trip to Cyprus was to capture content to upload online! 

For solo female travellers like myself, having instant mobile data isn’t just for convenience purposes; it’s also about safety (and I always, always make sure I have an eSIM when I solo travel). 

Whilst I wasn’t solo on this trip, there were times when I would have to walk back to the hotel at night on my own (because Grandma over here couldn’t hack the late-night events like the other girls on the trip). 

So, knowing I could rely on Google Maps to guide me back to my hotel without having to hunt for Wi-Fi gave me a lot of peace of mind.

📱TIP: Get your Sim Local eSIM for Europe with code INTHECLOUDS for 5% off.

Does Sim Local Work Well in Cyprus? My Experience

I purchased the 3GB eSIM for my Cyprus trip, and my experience was nothing but positive. I had already tried out their Africa eSIM a few weeks prior, so I already kind of knew that my experience was going to be a good one. 

But, of course, you never really know how the service/coverage is going to fluctuate between locations. However, it’s safe to say the Cyprus eSIM didn’t disappoint. 

Coverage was strong pretty much everywhere I went, including in mountain areas like the Troodos region, where I half-expected the signal to completely drop. 

I connected to the Cyta Mobile Network and had 5G access for most of my trip. Although I didnt have a full service in one of the more rural areas, I was still able to access my apps like Instagram and WhatsApp without any lag. 

One of the biggest perks is that it only costs $7.50 for 3GB, and the data lasts for 30 days. 

This is a far better value than competitors like Airalo, which charges €7 ($8.15) for 3GB that lasts only 7 days. 

What I also love about Sim Local is that you can also track your data usage via the Sim Local website and/or app, which helped me avoid overusing it whilst uploading all my Instagram stories from the press trip. 

📱Grab the best eSIM for Europe & Cyprus: Use code INTHECLOUDS at checkout on Sim Local for 5% off your plan.

What’s the Best eSIM for Multi-Country Europe Travel?

If you’re heading beyond Cyprus and planning to visit multiple countries in Europe, Sim Local’s Europe eSIM is a really great option to consider.

Their 20GB plan for $23.50 offers broad coverage across much of the continent (43 countries), including popular destinations like France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, and Croatia (which is why I think it’s the best eSIM for Europe for both affordability and coverage).

What makes it useful for longer trips is that it works instantly across borders, so once it is installed, you don’t need to consistently install country-specific eSIMs. 

If you’re planning on backpacking through Europe or perhaps going on an interrail trip, this might be the best one to consider. 

Pros & Cons of Sim Local eSIMs

After using Sim Local in both Cyprus and across Africa, I’ve had a pretty consistent, positive experience with Sim Local eSIMs.  

But, as with anything, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons before you commit.

Pros

• Affordable: For some European plans, Sim Local is actually the most affordable option on the market (especially for long-lasting or high-data packages).
• Reliable coverage: Worked well in both cities and even more remote areas (I was connected to the Cyta network) 
• Unlimited plans available: Some Europe plans offer up to 10GB/day at high speed, which is far better than most competitors that cap at 1GB–3GB.
• Hotspot-friendly: No restrictions or hidden fees. All plans include hotspot and tethering support, which is great if you need to connect a laptop or share data.
• Call & text support: Unlike most eSIM providers, Sim Local includes calls and texts on many of its Europe plans.
• Quick setup: All you need to do to install is simply scan a QR code. No app downloads or ID checks required. 
• Usage tracking: It’s extremely easy to check your data balance via their website or app. 
• Fair refund policy: If you don’t activate or use the eSIM, you can get a full refund (no questions asked).
• No roaming fees: Every plan is prepaid with no hidden charges (what you pay is what you get).

Who Should Use Sim Local’s Europe eSIM?

You’ll be pleased to know that Sim Local’s Europe eSIM is suitable for almost every type of traveller. Here’s a quick look at who it’s especially great for:

• Families travelling with kids who need a reliable hotspot sharing
• Solo travellers (especially women) who prioritise safety and instant connectivity
• Digital nomads working remotely across multiple European countries
• First-time eSIM users who want a simple setup (no app required)
• Budget-conscious travellers looking for the best data-per-dollar value
• Backpackers or Interrail travellers visiting 5+ countries

📱Choose your Sim Local eSIM plan and save 5% with code INTHECLOUDS