June 5, 2025, 6:00 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Roaming costs or the search for a local SIM card are often unavoidable hassles for many travelers. But Vodafone wants to put an end to that. The network provider has announced the launch of a digital travel platform and a new option called “Travel eSIM”—ready for use in over 200 travel countries and more than 700 mobile networks worldwide.
In European countries, vacationers can often rely on regulated EU roaming, which allows mobile internet surfing under the same conditions as at home. Beyond the EU borders, however, it can quickly become expensive if you haven’t booked a corresponding roaming data package or acquired a foreign SIM card. Many still wonder what the best option for vacation is. This is exactly where Vodafone wants to step in with a new offer. The network provider has launched the so-called “Travel eSIM.”
Travel eSIM usable in 200 countries and more than 700 mobile networks
The Travel eSIM can be booked on a newly established online platform. A benefit for customers is the quick activation. Even those who are heading directly on vacation can book the option without lead time, as the eSIM can be activated and used directly via QR code.
Available plans offer data volumes from 1 to 150 GB and a duration of up to 90 days. Vodafone promises an option for nearly every travel destination, as the Travel eSIM works worldwide in over 200 countries and is compatible with more than 700 mobile networks—without the need to change SIM cards. The requirement is that the smartphone supports eSIM, which is now the case with most high-end models and a variety of mid-range devices.
Caution, cost trap! Calls and SMS abroad not covered
Vodafone’s Travel eSIM is intended exclusively for mobile data use. Customers cannot make calls or send SMS with it. Vodafone refers to the existing mobile tariff for this, but customers should be cautious. If you make calls or send SMS with a German SIM card outside the European Union, high roaming costs can arise. The exact fees depend on the respective mobile provider, the chosen tariff, and the country of stay.
For phone calls from a non-EU country to Germany or within the country you are in, costs usually range between 1.50 euros and 5.00 euros per minute. It can be particularly expensive if you call from one non-EU country to another—prices of over 5.00 euros per minute are possible. Incoming calls outside the EU can also cost between about 1.00 and 3.00 euros per minute.
Sending SMS from outside Europe usually costs between 0.39 euros and 0.99 euros per message. Receiving SMS is mostly free, even outside the EU.
Also read: Cost trap alert! What to consider when using your phone on vacation
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Solution for calls abroad
To avoid these costs, it is advisable to book special roaming packages or so-called “Travel” options with your provider before the trip. However, this would hinder the simplicity of Vodafone’s Travel eSIM, which boasts easy booking and uncomplicated activation. Alternatively, travelers can use free services like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Signal for calls and messages over Wi-Fi or the mobile internet of the Travel eSIM.
Those staying abroad longer should consider purchasing a local SIM card or an eSIM with its own phone number for better local reachability.
Prices and data packages of Vodafone’s Travel eSIM
The Travel eSIM from Vodafone can be booked on a special website. Here, customers first select their travel destination from a list and then specify how much data they need and how long they want to use the option. The number of required eSIMs can also be specified here.
The activation of the Travel eSIM takes place in four steps:
- Select data package on travel.vodafone.com
- Receive QR code via email
- Activate eSIM abroad
- Start surfing, streaming, and navigating directly
Prices are within range, but according to TECHBOOK samples, they are slightly higher than those of a local prepaid SIM card. However, this must first be purchased on-site—a hurdle some travelers shy away from. Vodafone’s rates start at 4 euros for Europe, 6 euros for North America, 8 euros for the Middle East, and 10 euros for Africa. Billing is done in various currencies like euros or U.S. dollars. Depending on the package, the eSIM remains active for up to 90 days. Discounts are available for multiple Europe eSIM purchases. For example, two bookings receive a 15 percent discount, three get 20 percent, and four get 25 percent off.
The Travel eSIM supports 5G, hotspot functionality, and can be used alongside the existing SIM—such as in dual-SIM mode. It does not offer a separate phone number.