How Many Travelers Use eSIMs in Europe?

The way people stay connected while traveling in Europe has changed dramatically over the last decade. Just a few years ago, most travelers either bought local SIM cards upon arrival or paid expensive roaming fees to their home operators. Today, eSIMs (embedded SIM cards) are reshaping the experience of staying online abroad.

This article takes a deep dive into how many travelers in Europe use eSIMs, what the adoption statistics show, why people are switching, and what the future holds for this technology.

Current Scale of eSIM Adoption in Europe

The adoption of eSIMs in Europe is growing rapidly, though exact numbers are not always made public by mobile operators. Based on industry research and market forecasts:

• In 2024, around 40 million global travelers used eSIMs while abroad. By 2028, this figure is expected to reach over 215 million worldwide. Europe is predicted to represent a significant share of this growth.
• Surveys from mobile industry associations suggest that millions of European travelers already use eSIMs annually, with adoption climbing fastest in markets like the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.
• By 2029, more than half of European smartphone users are projected to own devices with eSIM support, which naturally drives higher travel usage.

From these insights, it’s reasonable to estimate that 5–10 million European travelers are currently using eSIMs every year, with double-digit growth expected annually.

Why Travelers in Europe Are Switching to eSIMs

1. Cost Savings

Traditional roaming fees remain high in many countries, especially outside the EU. A week-long holiday using roaming can cost over €50–€100, whereas a comparable travel eSIM package may cost only €15–€20. Frequent travelers save hundreds of euros per year.

2. Convenience Across Borders

Europe is unique in that travelers often move across multiple countries in one trip. With an eSIM, there is no need to buy and register separate SIM cards for France, Spain, Italy, or Germany. A single eSIM plan can cover dozens of European destinations seamlessly.

3. Instant Connectivity

Instead of searching for a mobile shop at the airport, travelers can scan a QR code before departure and land in Europe already connected. This “ready-to-go” factor is one of the strongest adoption drivers.

4. Device Compatibility

Apple, Google, and Samsung have pushed the adoption of eSIMs by removing or reducing dependence on physical SIM slots in their flagship devices. With each new iPhone and Pixel generation, the pool of eSIM-ready users in Europe expands.

5. Security and Reliability

Relying on unsecured public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés, or airports is risky. eSIMs allow travelers to connect to official, secure mobile networks with ease, reducing vulnerability to cyber threats.

The Cost Advantage: eSIM vs. Roaming in Europe

The biggest reason people switch is money. Here’s a realistic comparison:

• Roaming Plans: UK travelers pay around £2–£3 per day for basic roaming bundles, often limited in data. Over a two-week trip, this adds up to £40–£60 per person.
• eSIM Plans: A 5GB Europe-wide eSIM can cost as little as €15–€20, providing greater flexibility and no hidden charges.
• Heavy Data Users: Someone streaming videos or working remotely abroad could save over 90% compared to roaming.

These savings are especially relevant in 2025 as inflation pushes up travel costs overall—making affordable connectivity an attractive decision.

Growth Trends in European eSIM Adoption

Rapid Market Expansion

The travel eSIM market in Europe is projected to more than double in value over the next five years. Analysts predict the sector will become a mainstream option rather than a niche product.

Influence of Tech Giants

Apple made headlines by releasing eSIM-only iPhones in North America, and similar shifts are expected in Europe. Google’s Pixel 10 and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 already highlight eSIM as a primary connectivity option.

Growing Consumer Awareness

Travel blogs, airlines, and even tour companies now recommend eSIMs to customers. Awareness campaigns are fueling curiosity, with many first-time users converted after a single positive experience.

Multi-Destination Travel in Europe

Because Europeans frequently cross borders (by car, train, or short flights), the value of an all-Europe data plan is uniquely high. eSIMs fit perfectly into the European lifestyle, making adoption faster compared to larger single-country regions.

Challenges Slowing eSIM Growth in Europe

While growth is impressive, some challenges remain:

• Limited Device Support: Not all budget smartphones support eSIM yet.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Certain countries (like Turkey) have restricted eSIM providers, creating temporary disruptions.
• Consumer Awareness Gaps: Some travelers still don’t know what eSIM is or assume it’s complicated.
• Security Concerns: As with any online service, concerns about data routing and transparency affect trust for some users.

Despite these issues, momentum is firmly in eSIM’s favor, and barriers are being addressed with each passing year.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for eSIMs in Europe?

By 2030, eSIMs are likely to become the default travel connectivity option. Predictions include:

• Mainstream Adoption: More than half of European smartphones will be eSIM-only or dual eSIM-capable.
• Enterprise Use: Beyond leisure travelers, businesses will increasingly adopt eSIMs for employee travel.
• Integration with Travel Apps: Airlines, booking apps, and OTAs may integrate eSIM purchases directly into ticket booking.
• Better Pricing Models: As competition grows, prices will drop further, making eSIM the most affordable connectivity option.

The convenience, security, and cost benefits all point to eSIM being the future standard for European travel connectivity.

Conclusion

So, how many travelers use eSIMs in Europe?
While exact figures vary, millions already do, with adoption rising fast. By 2028, Europe will account for a major share of the projected 215 million global travel eSIM users. For travelers, the reasons are clear: lower costs, instant setup, borderless convenience, and safer connectivity.

The bottom line? eSIMs aren’t just a trend—they are becoming the new normal for travel in Europe.