When Americans plan a trip to Europe, the question of connectivity is one of the first things that comes up - right after choosing a flight and hotel. Regular roaming from domestic carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile can turn a vacation into an expensive experiment. Even a simple Instagram update from Paris can cost tens of dollars if you don't take care of your connection in advance.
Over the past couple of years, the situation has been changing: traditional SIM cards have been replaced by eSIMs - digital profiles that can be activated in a couple of minutes, without a physical card and without visiting a mobile phone store. For travellers, this has been a real lifesaver.
In the classic scenario, tourists would fly to London or Rome and immediately look for a store selling SIM cards. But now it's much simpler: just scan a QR code and your phone will connect to the local network.
Embedded SIM (or eSIM) technology is relatively new, but already covers most of the world. Wikipedia provides detailed information about it: eSIM is a built-in chip that can be used to download operator profiles without physically replacing the card.
Travellers quickly realised that this was not only convenient, but also economical. For example, an article on MSN notes that the growth in the use of travel eSIMs opens up new opportunities for tourism: people travel more often without fear of being left without communication.
American carriers typically charge $10 per day for international roaming. If your trip lasts two weeks, that's $140 just to keep your smartphone online.
In addition, roaming is not always stable. The phone connects to partner networks, where the signal may be weaker and the speed slower. That is why many travellers from the US are switching to eSIM plans designed specifically for Europe.
Let’s take a look at the prices offered by travel eSIM providers!
Among the many eSIM providers, TooSim and PrimaSim are the most frequently mentioned. They are chosen for their ease of activation, clear pricing, and stable operation in Europe.
TooSim is especially popular with those travelling to London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. The operator offers several UK-only plans that can be activated before departure.
These plans are only for data transfer, without a local number, but this is sufficient for most tourists - messengers and video calls have long replaced regular conversations.
TooSim works with British networks such as EE and O2, so coverage across the country is stable. For travellers who fly into London and stay within the UK, this option is usually the most cost-effective.
The guide on IMEI.info describes in detail how to activate TooSim eSIM: simply select a plan, pay, receive a QR code by email, and scan it in your phone settings.
If your itinerary covers several countries (for example, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, and Prague) then it is more convenient to choose a European regional plan. PrimaSim offers just such solutions: one eSIM profile works in more than 30 countries in Europe.
The main advantage of PrimaSim is its unified coverage. Tourists can cross borders with peace of mind: the LTE signal remains active without additional activation or switching.
For American travellers, the issue of connectivity abroad is one of the most painful. Roaming with major carriers such as AT&T or Verizon can cost more than the plane ticket itself. That's why more and more people are looking for a convenient and fair alternative - eSIM, which allows you to stay online without overpaying or unnecessary hassle.
Before boarding the plane and switching to "vacation mode," it's worth taking a couple of minutes to prepare. Even the most advanced eSIM won't save you if you forget the basics. Experienced travellers know that small things like phone compatibility or activating your plan in advance can determine whether you'll have connectivity right after landing - or whether you'll have to search for Wi-Fi at the airport!
Analysts see a powerful trend in the eSIM market. According to a review on MSN, tourism has become one of the main drivers of the mass transition to eSIM. More and more airlines, online agencies, and hotels are including eSIM tips directly in their travel guides.
The growth of eSIM tourism is also affecting operators: they are starting to offer hybrid plans, where a physical SIM card is used for calls and an eSIM is used for cheap data abroad.
Criterion: TooSim (UK) / PrimaSim (Europe)
The choice between them depends on your route. If your trip is limited to England, TooSim is cheaper and easier. But if your trip includes France, Germany, and Spain, PrimaSim will be more practical.
Those who use eSIM for the first time often note unexpected advantages. For example, the phone connects to the network immediately after landing - without searching for Wi-Fi and without queuing at communication counters. Some travellers say that eSIM came in handy on the road when they needed to call an Uber from the airport at night, and SIM stores were already closed.
Interestingly, it was young travellers (digital nomads, bloggers, freelancers) who became the first mass users of such solutions. They often combine eSIM for data and a WhatsApp number for calls, completely abandoning physical cards.
When faced with dozens of eSIM offers, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Some promise unlimited data, others claim to offer "the fastest internet in Europe," while others lure customers with low prices but only work in a couple of countries. For travellers who just want their connection to "simply work," it's important not to get lost in the details.
Experienced travellers advise taking a pragmatic approach to choosing a device - don't be swayed by fancy words, but evaluate three things: where you are going, for how long and what you really need - navigation, social media, work, or just messaging apps. This will determine which eSIM plan is right for you.
Advice from experienced travellers: even if you only need 1 GB, it's worth getting a little more. Google Maps and Instagram Stories use up data quickly.
Experts predict that in a few years, eSIM will completely replace physical cards. Apple already produces iPhones without SIM trays for the American market, and European operators are actively developing digital plans.
Travellers will benefit the most: they will no longer have to choose between comfort and cost of communication.
Today, staying connected while travelling in Europe is easier than ever. Travellers from the US don't need to search for stores selling SIM cards or pay extra for roaming. Just activate the TooSim eSIM plan for the UK or PrimaSim for all of Europe, and you'll have internet access from the moment you start your trip.
Why eSIM Has Become More Convenient than Traditional Roaming
In the classic scenario, tourists would fly to London or Rome and immediately look for a store selling SIM cards. But now it's much simpler: just scan a QR code and your phone will connect to the local network.
Embedded SIM (or eSIM) technology is relatively new, but already covers most of the world. Wikipedia provides detailed information about it: eSIM is a built-in chip that can be used to download operator profiles without physically replacing the card.
Travellers quickly realised that this was not only convenient, but also economical. For example, an article on MSN notes that the growth in the use of travel eSIMs opens up new opportunities for tourism: people travel more often without fear of being left without communication.
The Problem of Expensive Roaming for Americans
American carriers typically charge $10 per day for international roaming. If your trip lasts two weeks, that's $140 just to keep your smartphone online.
In addition, roaming is not always stable. The phone connects to partner networks, where the signal may be weaker and the speed slower. That is why many travellers from the US are switching to eSIM plans designed specifically for Europe.
Let’s take a look at the prices offered by travel eSIM providers!
Among the many eSIM providers, TooSim and PrimaSim are the most frequently mentioned. They are chosen for their ease of activation, clear pricing, and stable operation in Europe.
TooSim: a Practical Solution for Trips to the UK
TooSim is especially popular with those travelling to London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. The operator offers several UK-only plans that can be activated before departure.
- 1 GB for 7 days: approximately $3.99 USD
- 10 GB for 30 days: $12.99 USD
- 20 GB for 30 days: $21.99 USD
These plans are only for data transfer, without a local number, but this is sufficient for most tourists - messengers and video calls have long replaced regular conversations.
TooSim works with British networks such as EE and O2, so coverage across the country is stable. For travellers who fly into London and stay within the UK, this option is usually the most cost-effective.
The guide on IMEI.info describes in detail how to activate TooSim eSIM: simply select a plan, pay, receive a QR code by email, and scan it in your phone settings.
PrimaSim: the Option for All of Europe
If your itinerary covers several countries (for example, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, and Prague) then it is more convenient to choose a European regional plan. PrimaSim offers just such solutions: one eSIM profile works in more than 30 countries in Europe.
- 1 GB for 7 days: $4.99 USD,
- 5 GB for 30 days: $10.99 USD,
- 10 GB for 30 days: $16.99 USD,
- 20 GB for 30 days: $27.99 USD.
The main advantage of PrimaSim is its unified coverage. Tourists can cross borders with peace of mind: the LTE signal remains active without additional activation or switching.
Real Benefits of Travel eSIM for US Tourists
For American travellers, the issue of connectivity abroad is one of the most painful. Roaming with major carriers such as AT&T or Verizon can cost more than the plane ticket itself. That's why more and more people are looking for a convenient and fair alternative - eSIM, which allows you to stay online without overpaying or unnecessary hassle.
- Savings of up to 80%: Compared to $10 per day with American operators, even a 30-day European eSIM plan for $16-20 seems almost free.
- Convenience: Everything is done online: installation takes just a couple of minutes, no need to search for SIM cards at the airport.
- Security: No risk of losing your card or damaging your phone slot.
- Flexibility: You can choose a plan that fits your itinerary perfectly - just the UK or all of Europe.
- Connection quality: eSIM operators work with leading European networks, so internet speeds are usually no slower than those enjoyed by local residents.
What to Check Before Traveling
Before boarding the plane and switching to "vacation mode," it's worth taking a couple of minutes to prepare. Even the most advanced eSIM won't save you if you forget the basics. Experienced travellers know that small things like phone compatibility or activating your plan in advance can determine whether you'll have connectivity right after landing - or whether you'll have to search for Wi-Fi at the airport!
- Phone compatibility: Not all models from the US support eSIM, especially older versions of iPhone XR, SE 2, or Android without updates. You can check support at IMEI.info.
- Unlocking the device: A phone purchased from a US carrier on an instalment plan may be locked. It is best to ensure that it is unlocked for international networks.
- Disable home roaming: To avoid accidentally paying $10 per day, you need to turn off data transfer via your physical SIM card.
- Coverage check: In reviews, travellers note: TooSim works consistently in London, but coverage may be weaker in rural areas of Scotland. PrimaSim offers good speeds in Germany and Italy, but the signal is sometimes lost in the mountains.
Why Google Is Seeing Increased Interest in eSIM
Analysts see a powerful trend in the eSIM market. According to a review on MSN, tourism has become one of the main drivers of the mass transition to eSIM. More and more airlines, online agencies, and hotels are including eSIM tips directly in their travel guides.
The growth of eSIM tourism is also affecting operators: they are starting to offer hybrid plans, where a physical SIM card is used for calls and an eSIM is used for cheap data abroad.
What Is the Difference Between TooSim and PrimaSim in Practice?
Criterion: TooSim (UK) / PrimaSim (Europe)
- Geography: Only the United Kingdom / More than 30 countries in Europe
- Price per: 1 GB from $3.99 / from $4.99
- Validity period: from 7 days / from 15 to 30 days
- Connection: Via the TooSim website, QR code / Through the app or website
- Coverage: EE, O2, Vodafone UK / Orange, Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, etc.
- Suitable for: Short trips to the UK / European routes covering several countries
The choice between them depends on your route. If your trip is limited to England, TooSim is cheaper and easier. But if your trip includes France, Germany, and Spain, PrimaSim will be more practical.
The Living Details that Are Often Overlooked
Those who use eSIM for the first time often note unexpected advantages. For example, the phone connects to the network immediately after landing - without searching for Wi-Fi and without queuing at communication counters. Some travellers say that eSIM came in handy on the road when they needed to call an Uber from the airport at night, and SIM stores were already closed.
Interestingly, it was young travellers (digital nomads, bloggers, freelancers) who became the first mass users of such solutions. They often combine eSIM for data and a WhatsApp number for calls, completely abandoning physical cards.
How to Choose the Best Plan for You
When faced with dozens of eSIM offers, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Some promise unlimited data, others claim to offer "the fastest internet in Europe," while others lure customers with low prices but only work in a couple of countries. For travellers who just want their connection to "simply work," it's important not to get lost in the details.
Experienced travellers advise taking a pragmatic approach to choosing a device - don't be swayed by fancy words, but evaluate three things: where you are going, for how long and what you really need - navigation, social media, work, or just messaging apps. This will determine which eSIM plan is right for you.
- Short trip (up to 7 days) → TooSim UK or a small European package PrimaSim 1–3 GB.
- Average trip (10–20 days) → PrimaSim 5–10 GB or TooSim 10 GB, if only the UK.
- Long vacation or work in Europe (more than 3 weeks) → PrimaSim 20 GB or unlimited plans (if available).
Advice from experienced travellers: even if you only need 1 GB, it's worth getting a little more. Google Maps and Instagram Stories use up data quickly.
What Lies Ahead for the eSIM Market
Experts predict that in a few years, eSIM will completely replace physical cards. Apple already produces iPhones without SIM trays for the American market, and European operators are actively developing digital plans.
Travellers will benefit the most: they will no longer have to choose between comfort and cost of communication.
Result
Today, staying connected while travelling in Europe is easier than ever. Travellers from the US don't need to search for stores selling SIM cards or pay extra for roaming. Just activate the TooSim eSIM plan for the UK or PrimaSim for all of Europe, and you'll have internet access from the moment you start your trip.
The price difference between traditional roaming and eSIM is so significant that the question of "is it worth trying" no longer arises. It is simply the new standard of mobile freedom! (Photo credit: Unsplash)
