Canada’s guide to EU prepaid travel sim cards

You can use a prepaid travel SIM card to access your phone plan while you travel. It helps to pay upfront and cover data usage, calls, and texts. If you’re travelling to the EU from Canada, buying a SIM card at your destination allows you to pay like a local and access the best phone deals, compared to buying the same in Canada at a much higher price.

Heading abroad? Don’t forget your Wise card! Spend money in 150+ countries and hold money in 40+ currencies – all from one account.

Table of contents
Before you purchase a SIM Card for your trip to the EU Coverage Application and activation process Access and compatibility E-SIM vs physical SIM card Some of the most recommended prepaid plans in the EU Orange Vodafone Lebara Lyca Mobile Save when you spend abroad with the Wise Virtual Card Where to purchase your SIM card on arriving in the EU Conclusion

Before you purchase a SIM Card for your trip to the EU

Let’s take a look at a few things to consider before purchasing your SIM card for Europe travel from Canada.

Coverage

It’s important to find a prepaid SIM card that offers the coverage you need while you travel, including texts, calls, and data.

If you’re travelling to multiple countries in the EU, you may want to choose EU-wide coverage so that you can stay in contact wherever you travel. However, country-specific phone plans may be best if you’re only staying in one place during your trip.

You may need data to access your apps, navigate around unfamiliar places, and log into your bank accounts abroad. It’s also a good idea to use a SIM operator that lets you make calls home to Canada whenever you need it.

Application and activation process

Many European countries may need you to provide a photo ID when buying your SIM card, such as your passport. However, you may be able to buy your EU SIM for travel without providing these documents at some kiosks or online vendors.

You’ll also need to activate your prepaid travel card before you can use it. Choose online e-SIM cards for an easy digital activation process.

Access and compatibility

Some mobile devices are locked to a specific company, so make sure to double-check with your operator before buying a new phone plan. You may be able to buy a specific travel plan from your operator, or you can unlock your device to access a different provider.

You’ll also need to check how long you can use your SIM card, as most cards are intended as a temporary solution. For example, the Orange® Holiday Europe 30GB plan lasts for 14 days.¹

Most providers encourage you to add a certain amount of data, minutes, and texts to your card. Once you’ve used these up, you’ll need to top up your SIM card. However, this is typically a simple process – and many providers let you top up your card online.

If you need customer support in English and French, make sure to choose a prepaid travel card provider that offers this feature, too.

E-SIM vs physical SIM card

There are a range of different prepaid travel SIMs, including e-SIM cards and physical cards. Depending on your device, both of these cards are suitable for trips to the EU.

An e-SIM is easier to activate than a SIM, as you can instantly download it onto your phone rather than inserting a physical card. However, you may find that your e-SIM is just for data, rather than calls or texts.

Some of the most recommended prepaid plans in the EU

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular EU travel SIM cards for Canadian travellers.

Orange

There are a few different European SIM cards available from Orange. You can buy these cards online, with easy e-SIM options for your holiday.

Prepaid travel card	Texts and calls	Data	Cost	Duration
Orange Holiday Europe 30GB	1000 texts and 120 minutes	30GB	39.99 EUR	14 days
Orange Holiday Europe 12GB	200 texts and 30 minutes	12GB	19.99 EUR	14 days
Orange Holiday Europe 1GB	Not included	1GB	4.99 EUR	7 days
Orange Holiday Europe 50GB	1000 texts and 120 minutes	50GB	49.99 EUR	28 days

These plans cover many major EU countries – and you can top up your allowance online. You can even use your card on multiple devices, such as your mobile phone or tablet.¹

Vodafone

You can access a selection of international roaming options with Vodafone®. Vodafone’s Global Roaming lets you use your phone in 51 European countries, including 5G coverage across Europe.²

Vodafone also sells inclusive European Roaming passes, including:

• 10 GBP for 8 days
• 15 GBP for 15 days

You can easily add these passes to your current Vodafone plan before you head out of Canada. However, it’s important to ensure you have the right coverage, as these plans don’t include picture messages, premium calls, or texts.²

Lebara

Lebara® specializes in international prepaid travel cards, with options to call, text, and use data in 44 countries across the globe.

Let’s take a look at some of Lebara’s top mobile travel plans.

Prepaid travel card	Texts and calls	Data	Cost
Lebara All in International 5GB	100 texts and 500 minutes	5GB	15 EUR
Lebara All in International 8GB	100 texts and unlimited minutes	8GB	20 EUR
Lebara All in International 15GB	100 texts and unlimited minutes	15GB	30 EUR
Lebara All in International SIM only	Unlimited texts and minutes	5GB	12.50 EUR

Lebara also offers a range of different top-up options for international travellers. You can buy your SIM card online and customize your plan depending on what you need.³

Lyca Mobile

Lyca Mobile® lets you use your phone in multiple EU countries. The Europe Plus prepaid travel plan includes:

• unlimited Poland and Romania Lyca Mobile calls
• 300 international and national minutes
• 5GB national data
• EU Roaming in Europe

This SIM card costs 10 EUR and lasts for 30 days. You can use it in various EU countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy – so it’s great if you’re moving around during your trip.⁴

There are also a few other international Lyca Mobile plans, including long-term solutions if you’re moving abroad for several months. Buy or top up your Lyca prepaid card online.⁵

Save when you spend abroad with the Wise Virtual Card

Travelling to the EU? Don’t forget your Wise card!

Use Wise to access:

• multilingual customer support, including French and English
• international transfers at the mid-market exchange rate
• minimal fees for all costs abroad

You can even hold multiple currencies in your Wise account – letting you make easy payments in EUR and CAD whenever you want.

Some stores, restaurants, or tourist attractions add an exchange rate markup on your purchases – but you’ll never get that from Wise. Use your Wise card to buy food and hotel stays in the EU or send money abroad to Canada – all at the standard rate.

Unlike banking providers, Wise doesn’t charge an exchange rate margin or currency conversion fee. Avoid ATM fees^* and – and use your digital Wise card to make payments with Apple or Google Wallet, online and in-store.

Travel in freedom with Wise. No hidden fees, no markups, no stress!

^* Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Where to purchase your SIM card on arriving in the EU

If you want to purchase a physical SIM card on arrival in the EU, there are a few places you can visit. This includes:

• airport kiosks or shops
• supermarkets
• convenience stores

You can also purchase and set up your prepaid SIM card by heading online before or during your big trip.

Conclusion

Choose the right phone plan to stay on the grid while you explore Europe.

Researching the best prepaid SIM travel card for your trip can help you avoid activation or compatibility issues – and you can make the most of texts, calls, and data usage abroad.

To start spending your money like a local, check out Wise.

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Sources:

1. Orange
2. Vodafone
3. Lebara
4. Lyca Mobile
5. Lyca Mobile

Sources verififed on: 20 December 2023