5 Best eSIMs for Europe When Travelling from Nigeria

I used to have some anxiety when travelling to Europe from Nigeria. This anxiety is not because of airport queues or because I’ll miss my family, but because of internet stress. If you’ve ever landed in a new country and started hunting for WiFi like it’s gold, you understand the struggle.

The first time I travelled, I tried using my Nigerian SIM to roam. The bill that I received afterwards? Let’s just say I started having a headache. The next time, I decided to give a physical SIM a try, only to realise it didn’t work with my phone. On another trip, a friend introduced an eSIM. It worked for a few days… then crashed right when I needed Google Maps the most.

After repeating these struggles one too many times, I finally got an eSIM that serves me well. The good thing about this eSIM is that I can pay for it in Naira; I don’t have to fund my Virtual dollar card as I do with many others I’ve used. And with how much we rely on the internet for navigation, communication, payments, and even posting small vacation content on Instagram, having the right eSIM is no longer a luxury. It’s essential.

So if you’re planning a trip soon, here are the 5 Best eSIMs for Europe When Travelling from Nigeria. 

5 Best eSIMs for Europe When Travelling from Nigeria

5 best eSIMs for Europe when travelling from Nigeria are: Cardtonic, Ubigi, Firsty, Nomad, and Airalo.

1. Cardtonic

Cardtonic is widely known for trading gift cards and virtual dollar cards, but they now offer eSIMs, and it’s one of the best eSIMs for Europe I’ve tried. It covers over 40 European countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. I recently learned about their eSIM, and the price is affordable and the payment is stress-free.

Cardtonic eSim should be your go-to eSim because you can buy it directly in naira on the Cardtonic website or app, you receive the QR code in minutes, they offer affordable plans ranging from $5 to $50 for short and long trips, and there are no hidden charges.

Whether you’re sightseeing in Spain, attending concerts in London, or touring Paris, Cardtonic makes staying connected smooth and convenient. It’s one of the best options if you want a European eSIM with a phone number or just data.

2. Ubigi

Ubigi is another great European travel eSIM for Nigerians seeking something affordable yet reliable.  They cover more than 35 European countries, including popular destinations such as the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland.

Their plans are usually between $5 -$25, depending on the data size and duration. One big advantage is that they support local card payments and even cryptocurrency, making the purchase process smooth for Nigerians.

3. Firsty

Firsty is perfect for Nigerians travelling on a tight budget but still want a stable connection across Europe. They’re known for their cheap data packages, and they cover most major European destinations — including France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, and the UK.

Their plans range from $3 for small plans to around $20+ for larger bundles. Even with their lower price, the quality is still decent, and setting up the eSIM doesn’t require any technical stress.

4. Nomad

Nomad is popular among travellers for its fast connectivity, competitive pricing, and flexible packages. They cover over 37 European countries, giving you the choice between regional Europe-wide plans and single-country plans if you’re only visiting one place.

The price range is between $6 and $30, depending on the data bundle and country. Activation is not tricky. All you have to do is scan the QR code, and the eSIM becomes active automatically once you’re in Europe.

5. Airalo

Airalo is one of the most popular global eSIM providers, and many Nigerian travellers trust it because it offers extensive European coverage. Their eSIMs work in over 40 European countries, including almost every major city and travel destination.

They also have Europe-wide plans, meaning you don’t need to switch eSIMs if you intend to visit multiple countries. Their prices range from $5 to $35, depending on the plan and duration.

To activate Airalo is also easy; they send an installation profile after purchase. Tap to install, or scan the QR code, and the eSIM connects automatically when you land in Europe.

Tips for Choosing an eSIM for Europe

Before buying your Europe eSIM, make sure it covers multiple European countries, has data validity, a good internet speed, and is compatible with Nigerian phones.

1. Covers Multiple European countries:

Some eSIM providers list European plans in their apps, but that doesn’t mean they have coverage across all European countries.

If you will be visiting two or three European countries, make sure the countries you plan to visit are supported before you choose your preferred eSIM. 

2. Data Validity Period:

All eSIM plans come with a fixed validity period. Standard packages are 7-day, 15-day, or 30-day packages. If your journey is for 15 days and you have a 7-day plan, your connection will stop automatically, and you will have to top up manually. 

Therefore, always match the validity period of your eSIM data plan to your full travel schedule so you do not lose connectivity while using Google Maps.

3. Speed:

All eSIMs don’t offer the same internet speed. Some give 3G in certain regions like Ubigi and Nomad, while others provide strong 4G or even 5G.

Before buying your plan, always check the internet speed offered in the exact countries you’re visiting. A good Europe eSIM should keep you connected fast enough for Google Maps, Instagram, WhatsApp calls, and even quick work emails if needed.

4. Price and Data Options:

eSIM prices vary a lot. Some providers look cheap at first, but when you check the data price, you’ll realise the plan won’t even last you through one city tour.

So, instead of picking the cheapest option, look at how much data you’re getting and how long you are staying.

5. Compatibility with Nigerian phones:

Double-check that your phone can actually use an eSIM. Most recent iPhones and Android phones sold in Nigeria support eSIM, but not all models do.

Just run a quick Google search on your phone and see if they support eSIM. 

Trust me, it can be painful to buy an eSIM only to find out your phone doesn’t support it.

Frequently Asked Questions About eSims from Europe When Travelling from Nigeria

1. Is eSIM Safer Than Roaming or Physical SIMs?

Yes! This is because an eSIM is built into your phone; it cannot be removed, and no one can steal it. It’s also harder to clone. Plus, you don’t have to worry about losing your SIM.

2. Can I use my Nigerian Number and eSIM at the Same Time?

Of course! This is one of the most amazing features that comes with using an eSIM. Cardtonic eSim, for instance, covers over 40 European countries, making it a safe option for travellers. Your Nigerian SIM still stays where it is in your phone while your eSIM is scanned. No need to swap cards, no stress.

3. Is eSIM Supported in all European Countries?

Almost all major European countries support eSIM, from France to Italy, to Germany, to the Netherlands, and many more. All you need to do is make sure the provider you choose has plans for the specific countries you’ll be visiting. Cardtonic eSim, for example, covers over 40 European countries, making it a safe choice for multi-country trips.

4. Will my WhatsApp Number Change?

Not at all! Your WhatsApp number remains the same—even when you switch to an eSIM or travel across 10 countries. WhatsApp is connected to your phone number, not your data provider.

5. Can I Top up my eSIM Plan when the Data Package Runs Out?

Yes, you can. Cardtonic lets you top up instantly through their app or website.

Just make sure you are connected to a WiFi long enough to process the top-up.

Conclusion

Travelling across Europe as a Nigerian doesn’t have to come with internet stress anymore. With the right eSIM, you can navigate, make payments, upload content, chat with family, and enjoy your trip without thinking about roaming bills or unreliable WiFi.

If you want something fast, convenient, and reliable, Cardtonic eSIMs remain among the best for European travel. They’re affordable, they work in multiple European countries, and activation is as simple as scanning a QR code.

As you plan your trip to Europe, getting the right eSIM can make your trip a good, connected experience; therefore, take some time to select the right plan before flying. It’s a tiny decision that says a lot about how you will enjoy your European journey.