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On my first big Europe trip, I was so focused on planning which cities to visit and what pastries to try that I completely forgot about staying connected. I landed in Paris, turned on my phone, and… nothing. I spent my first hour in a café awkwardly asking for WiFi and scribbling directions on a napkin. Never again.
That’s when I realised how much difference a good eSIM can make. Airalo is one of the most popular options out there, but is it really the best choice for Europe? In this article, I break down Airalo’s Europe eSIM plans, pricing, and coverage, and share where it shines (and where it doesn’t). I’ll also introduce you to ZenSim, a faster, more affordable option that might just save your trip (and your croissant budget). Let’s dive in and find the perfect eSIM for your next adventure.
What is Airalo eSIM for Europe?
Airalo is probably one of the first names that pops up when people start googling travel eSIMs. They’ve made a big name for themselves by offering region-specific and global eSIM options, and their
Their appeal really comes down to simplicity - you buy your plan, download it before you fly, and you're mostly set. It’s a good intro to the world of eSIMs for anyone who wants to keep things easy and avoid the airport SIM hustle. While I work at ZenSim, I’ll be the first to admit Airalo has helped a lot of travellers feel more confident about staying connected abroad.
Airalo Europe eSIM Plans and Pricing
Airalo keeps things fairly straightforward with its Europe eSIM pricing. Their most popular plan is the 20GB option valid for 30 days, which will set you back about A$76.50 ($49 USD). That’s enough data for plenty of maps, video calls, and endless croissant pics from Paris.
They also have an unlimited data option - but there’s a twist. The unlimited plan is only valid for 10 days. So if you’re planning a quick Eurotrip, this might work fine, but there isn’t a 30-day unlimited plan if you’re staying longer (yes we have a 30 day Europe Unlimited plan at ZenSim). Overall, the plans are easy to buy and activate through their app, which is great if you don’t want to fuss around too much before your flight.
Where Can You Use an Airalo Travel eSIM in Europe?
Airalo’s Europe eSIM covers an impressive 42 countries. That means you can start your morning with waffles in Belgium and end your day watching the sunset in Greece without swapping SIMs or paying extra fees. For people who love to city-hop, this wide coverage is a big plus.
The Downsides of Airalo’s Europe eSIM
While Airalo is a big name and easy to find when you search for eSIMs, it does come with its downsides. If you scroll through their Trustpilot reviews (currently around 3.5/5 stars), you’ll see plenty of travellers sharing frustrations about patchy service, confusing activation issues, and slow support responses. I’ve also tested Airalo eSIMs myself around Europe (and in other regions), and it was clear they often don’t connect to the strongest local networks - not ideal when you’re relying on data to find that hidden pasta spot or catch your next train.
Beyond that, their pricing sits on the higher side, which makes these service hiccups sting a little more.
Airalo eSIM pricing
Let’s talk numbers. Airalo’s 20GB Europe eSIM for 30 days costs about A$76.50 ($49 USD) based on their official website pricing. Compared to ZenSim ’s 20GB Europe plan at A$35 ($21 USD), it’s quite a jump.
For budget-conscious travellers, this difference might feel pretty steep, especially if you're bouncing around on a longer adventure and trying to make your travel money last. Reviews on Trustpilot often mention that they felt Airalo plans were overpriced for what they got - worth keeping in mind when weighing up options.
Data Speeds and Network Quality
Another common point that pops up on Trustpilot and in Reddit travel threads is network prioritisation. In my own testing across Europe, I noticed speeds dropping off in busy cities like Rome and Amsterdam, particularly during peak hours.
While this won’t matter much for casual browsing, if you’re planning to work remotely, stream videos, or rely heavily on Google Maps, slower or less stable connections can quickly become a hassle.
Limited Customer Support
Airalo handles support mainly through email (confirmed on the Airalo Help Center). Many travellers mention in Trustpilot reviews that responses can take a while, sometimes longer than you’d like when you’re stuck at a train station with no data and half a battery.
In a perfect world, you’ll never need to contact support, but travel has a way of surprising us. Faster, more responsive help can make or break your experience when things go sideways, and that’s something to consider before committing.
Looking for a Better Europe eSIM? Meet ZenSim
If you're feeling a bit underwhelmed after reading about Airalo’s Europe eSIM, you’re not alone. Plenty of travellers are on the lookout for something more affordable, more flexible, and, well, just better overall. That’s where ZenSim comes in.
ZenSim’s Europe eSIM was designed to take the stress out of travel - covering 36 countries across Europe, offering speedy data, and giving you a price tag that won’t make your eyes water. Plus, with friendly support via WhatsApp and Messenger, you’ll always have someone to help if you run into trouble on the road. It’s a combo that makes exploring Europe easier, cheaper, and a lot more fun.
ZenSim’s Europe eSIM Plans and Pricing
ZenSim keeps things super straightforward when it comes to pricing. The 20GB plan for Europe is valid for 30 days and comes in at just A$35 ($21 USD). That’s less than half the price of Airalo’s equivalent plan - which means more money for gelato, tapas, or that unexpected extra day in Lisbon.
If you’re a data-hungry traveller, ZenSim also offer an Unlimited 30-day Europe plan for A$85 ($51 USD).
Friendly Human Support
ZenSim believe in human support that’s actually human. You can reach us on WhatsApp or Messenger, and you won’t be left waiting days for a reply. Our customers on ProductReview rave about how responsive and friendly the team is, making it easy to get help no matter where you are in Europe. No more lonely support tickets - just real, fast answers when you need them.
Extra Perks with ZenSim
Beyond pricing and support, ZenSim comes with a few extra goodies that make it stand out. You can top up easily anytime through the ZenSim app, so if your plans change mid-trip (which they always do), you’re covered.
We also offer discounts for existing customers, so the more you travel, the more you save. And if you browse through our ProductReview page, you’ll see we’re not just saying it - customers genuinely love ZenSim for its simplicity, reliability, and value.
At the end of the day, we’re here to make sure your Europe adventure is all about the experiences - not worrying about your connection or support.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Europe eSIM
Choosing the right Europe eSIM isn’t just about grabbing the first option you find - it’s about finding something that matches how you actually travel. Airalo definitely has some strengths: it’s a big, well-known brand with broad coverage and simple purchasing. But as we’ve seen, it also comes with higher prices and mixed reviews on support.
On the other hand, ZenSim offers a fresh alternative that keeps things simple, affordable, and reliable. With coverage in 36 countries, automatic activation, flexible top-ups, and genuinely fast, friendly support, it’s designed to make travel stress-free. And at nearly half the price for a 20GB plan, your budget stretches further = so you can enjoy more of what Europe has to offer instead of worrying about running out of data.
FAQs About Using an Airalo eSIM in Europe
Can I buy an Airalo eSIM after arriving in Europe?
Yes, you can buy an Airalo eSIM after you arrive in Europe. But honestly, I recommend setting it up before you leave home so you’re connected as soon as you land. If you’re looking for something even simpler, ZenSim eSIMs activate automatically on arrival, so there’s no need to worry about last-minute installs or tricky airport WiFi.
Is Airalo safe to use?
Airalo is safe and legit - it’s used by thousands of travellers worldwide. That said, some recent reviews on Trustpilot mention slow support and speed issues. If reliable service and quick help matter to you, ZenSim offers fast support via WhatsApp and Messenger, making it easy to get assistance on the go.
How do I top up my Airalo eSIM?
Airalo does allow top-ups through their app, though some users say it can be a bit clunky or slow to update. ZenSim, on the other hand, makes top-ups super simple and instant right from the app, so you can keep exploring without stressing about data limits.
Do I need a passport to buy an Airalo eSIM?
No passport needed here. Airalo, like ZenSim, allows you to buy and activate your eSIM completely online - just purchase, scan the QR code, and you’re all set. No paperwork or counter queues required.
Can I keep my physical SIM card active with an Airalo eSIM?
Yes, you can usually keep your physical SIM active while using an Airalo eSIM. Just remember to set your data line to Airalo to avoid unexpected roaming charges. With ZenSim, the same applies - and if you need help setting it up, their live chat support can walk you through it step by step.
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Written by Andy Linton
Co-founder of ZenSim, loves a bit of Star Wars.
Andy has been in the telecommunications industry for the better part of 20 years. Somewhat of a super-nerd, Andy is the co-founder of ZenSim and the maestro behind the systems we use to provide our services.
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