I get asked this ALL the time:

“What’s the best network for travelling in Europe?”

And, unsurprisingly, my answer is…

It depends

(I know. Sorry)

There isn’t one magical SIM which is the cheapest, has unlimited data AND gets brilliant signal everywhere in Europe.

But there are a few options, depending on how you use the internet whilst you travel. First, let's look at the SIM options.

Option 1: Use your normal UK phone SIM

This is the easiest and can often be the cheapest solution.

If you don't need or use the internet a lot whilst travelling, just make sure roaming is enabled on your phone (this just means your SIM can connect to a foreign network) and that you have some sort of roaming package available to you.

For me, I'm with EE in the UK and pay for unlimited data. I also managed to get an add-on which gives me free EU roaming with unlimited data- VERY handy when travelling.

There are, of course, some caveats (I think it's 30 or 45 days max on one trip) but there are deals out there.

However, I pay upwards of £45/month for this. Most people's monthly contract is nowhere near that.

Things to check when you're assessing your phone SIM for travelling abroad include:

• Whether EU roaming is included
• Which countries are included (European roaming doesn’t necessarily mean all of Europe)
• How much data you’re allowed to use abroad
• Whether there’s a daily roaming charge
• Whether there’s a fair-use limit

If you’re only going away for a couple of weeks and don’t use huge amounts of data, your existing SIM may well be the best option.

Option 2: Get a separate data SIM

If your UK network charges a fortune for roaming — or you’re away for several weeks — a separate data SIM can make much more sense.

You can put it into a spare phone and use that as a hotspot to connect your other devices too, OR put it into a little mobile Wi-Fi dongle like this.

That means your phone, tablets, laptop and Smart TV can all connect to it — without constantly using your phone as a hotspot.

Remember, a data-only SIM is primarily for internet access — don't assume you'll be able to use it for normal calls and texts

NOTE: I do NOT recommend removing your main SIM from your phone and putting in another SIM card. Your bank may need to text you a security code, someone might need to contact you urgently, or you might need access to your usual number. We had someone do this on one of our trips and their bank account ended up being blocked — which was NOT fun to sort out abroad.

WARNING:

Look at how much data you actually get in Europe, how long it lasts from activation and, most importantly, exactly which countries are covered.

A SIM advertised as having 100GB in the UK may have a much smaller roaming allowance.

Also, make sure the data sim is unlocked so you’re not tied to one network, and check that it works in the countries you’re visiting.

What about eSIMs?

An eSIM is basically a SIM card which isn't a physical card.

Instead of buying a little plastic SIM and putting it into your phone, you buy a data package online linked to an eSIM and add it to your phone electronically. Not all phones can use eSIMs, but most newer smartphones can.

So, for example, you could keep your normal UK SIM card in your phone — which means your usual phone number still works — and then add an eSIM just for internet/data while you're travelling in Europe.

You normally choose how much data you want and how long you want it to last, pay online, then follow the instructions to add it to your phone. There's no need to swap SIM cards.

They're particularly handy as a backup too. If your normal UK network has no signal where you're parked, you may be able to switch to the eSIM (which is hopefully on a different network) and get a connection.

Which brings me to another tip...

Don’t rely on ONE network

If having internet matters to you — whether that’s for working, navigation, keeping in touch with family or finding somewhere to stay — having access to two different networks can be incredibly useful.

I’ve been in plenty of places where one network has absolutely nothing and someone standing three feet away from me has full signal on another. 🙄

So which UK network is best in Europe?

Ok. Here we go.

I'm well aware of two things:

1- This is a snapshot in time. Packages and network options change regularly, so please do your own research before signing up to anything.

2- There will always be someone who tells me about an amazing deal they got 10 years ago and still have. Or someone who disagrees with me.

Caveat: I've tried to give a useful answer based on some of the best deals right now. Obviously, I can't compare every network or even every package option inside those networks. But I've looked at the best I can find right now and tried to give a balanced overview for you.

So, here we go

(You'll need to turn on your images to see the below table)

Tesco Mobile is particularly interesting. Their current “Home From Home” scheme lets you use your UK allowance in 48 European destinations at no extra cost, and Tesco says it has no plans to reintroduce EU roaming charges at the moment. That list also includes some useful non-EU destinations for motorhomers, including Switzerland and Norway.

Having said that, some people have reported gaps in coverage with Tesco mobile, so check them against where you plan to go.

SMARTY is cheap and straightforward, and EU roaming is included, but there's a 12GB monthly fair-use limit- which is WAY too low for me. I can easily use 5-10GB in a weekend.

So I'd say it's potentially great for holidays and light use, but less appealing if you're trying to use it as your main network. They do now offer EU roaming passes which can unlock more of your UK allowance for a limited number of days.

And the EE doesn't openly offer the deal I got. I moved from Vodafone to EE and negotiated the deal when I moved. So don't be scared to ask!

But don't assume you have to move.

Check your current contract first. You might have an older plan with better roaming terms, a roaming benefit included in your package or a different data allowance.

Also remember that “Europe” doesn't mean the same thing to every mobile network. Switzerland, Norway, the Channel Islands and other destinations can be included by one provider and excluded by another.

Pre-paid data SIM cards

One of the easiest options is to get a pre-paid data sim card to put into a router or dongle.

Again, you can buy these with various data allowances and time limits. You literally just buy one and activate it.

A few of the best I've found with EU roaming included are:

• ​Unlimited data sim on Three AND Vodafone combined - currently 15% off
• Smarty SIM with unlimited UK data and 12GB EU roaming for £20/month
• ​Multi-network sim, which works on a variety of well-known networks, including EE and Vodafone, in the UK, Ireland and the EU. 25GB included

What if you can’t get a signal at all?

This is the bit people often forget.

No matter what network you choose, there will be areas that it doesn't cover. And even if there is one that is able to connect to every single 4G/5G network, there are plenty of places around Europe (and the UK!) which don't have network coverage.

These are normally up a mountain... or in the middle of London 🙄

No SIM card or Wi-Fi dongle can magically give you internet if there’s no usable mobile signal where you’re parked.

And motorhomes don’t always help — all that metal and insulation can interfere with reception.

If you regularly stay in remote places, you might want to look at an external 4G/5G antenna or suitable mobile signal booster, like this.

Do check compatibility carefully before buying one — and fitting instructions! I have mine permanently mounted on my roof and it's wired into my router in my motorhome.

Phew! We made it. I hope that helps make the whole data-in-Europe thing a little less confusing. And don't forget to enable roaming before you go- including on the SIM in your router/dongle!

Safe (and well connected!) travels,

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P.S: Want to know more about the internet options?

If you'd like to try the router I have, get it here (use code WANDERINGBIRD10 for 10% discount- that code applies to any product on the That Leisure Shop website too ☺️)

Starlink - most people do NOT need this! Having said that, you can get a free month of service using this link​

Don't forget, if you're heading to Europe soon, join the Epic Places in Europe workshop here and get ideas for the next 10 years of touring! :)