Nomad Europe eSIM Review (2026): 35 vs 36 Countries, Networks, 5G & Best Routes
A practical look at Nomad’s two Europe plans, current prices, local networks, 5G, hotspot use and the routes where a regional eSIM makes sense.
Nomad is one of the first eSIM providers I check for a multi-country trip. Its Europe product is useful because one regional eSIM can cover most conventional Western, Central and Southern European routes without changing SIMs at every border.
The part worth understanding is the 35-country vs 36-country split. I have used Nomad extensively across Asia and travel very frequently in Europe. I have not pretended that one speed test in one European city represents an entire regional plan. This review focuses on the current Europe product, its published networks and rules, and the routes where I would actually buy it.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, promotions, networks and coverage lists can change, so confirm the live plan before paying.
For a normal multi-country Europe trip, Nomad Europe 35 is one of the regional plans I would check first. I would usually choose 10 GB or 20 GB rather than unlimited. If Turkey is part of the route, check Europe 36. For a Balkan-heavy itinerary, compare Nomad’s separate Balkans plan.
The main decision
Nomad Europe 35 vs 36 Countries
Nomad currently shows separate 35 Countries and 36 Countries Europe products. Europe 35 includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Vatican City, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Europe 35
My starting point for a conventional Western, Central or Southern Europe route.
- Includes the UK and Switzerland.
- Includes Gibraltar and San Marino.
- Current product supports Nomad Pass.
- Offers fixed and unlimited data options.
Europe 36
The version I would inspect when the route extends beyond the standard 35-country footprint.
- Nomad’s Turkey page points to Europe 36.
- Check territories separately at checkout.
- For the Canary Islands or Northern Cyprus, verify the live list.
- Compare price and validity, not just the country count.
Nomad currently separates Europe 35 and Europe 36. Choose by route rather than assuming the larger number is automatically better.
Going to the Canary Islands? Check the live regional coverage before paying. I also have a dedicated Canary Islands eSIM guide.
Current pricing
Nomad Europe Prices in September 2026
These were the Europe 35 prices I saw on 19 September 2026. Nomad runs sales, so use them as a dated reference.
| Plan | Validity | Price checked | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | US$5.50 | Very light use |
| 5 GB | 30 days | US$17.50 | Short trip |
| 10 GB | 30 days | US$23 | My default for many 1 to 2 week trips |
| 20 GB | 30 days | US$27 sale | Uploads, navigation and some tethering |
| 50 GB | 30 days | US$35 sale | Heavy fixed-data use |
| Unlimited | 5 days | US$19 | Heavy short trip, with daily high-speed limits |
For most travelers I think 10 GB or 20 GB is the sweet spot. Ten gigabytes is comfortable for maps, messaging, browsing and moderate social media. Twenty gives more room for uploads and occasional laptop tethering.
Nomad Europe 35 pricing in September 2026. Promotions can change.
For repeat trips
What Is Nomad Pass?
Nomad Pass is now part of the Europe 35 offer. At my check it cost US$3 every 30 days, included 1 GB per billing cycle and gave registered users 15% off eligible Europe add-ons. I would not subscribe for one holiday, but it could be useful if you return to Europe regularly. Unused base data does not roll over.
Carrier access matters
Which Networks Does Nomad Use in Europe, and Is There 5G?
Nomad is not a mobile network operator. Its Europe eSIM connects through local partners. The current Europe product lists carriers including Orange, Vodafone, O2, EE, KPN, MEO, Movistar, SFR, Sunrise, Salt, WINDTRE, Iliad and A1. Exact availability depends on the country and plan.
| Country | Networks Nomad currently lists on its country product | Useful Unusual Nomad guide |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Movistar, Orange | Spain network comparison |
| Italy | Iliad, WINDTRE | Italy network comparison |
| Portugal | MEO, Vodafone, Sonaecom | Portugal network comparison |
| Greece | Nova, Vodafone | Greece network comparison |
| UK | Three, O2, Vodafone on current data plans | UK eSIM guide |
| Switzerland | Salt, Sunrise | Europe eSIM guide |
Nomad supports 4G and 5G where the partner network and plan allow it. I would still care more about the underlying network than the 5G badge. A stable 4G connection on a strong network is more useful than intermittent 5G on a weak one.
Regional eSIMs are most useful when the trip crosses borders. For a one-country trip, compare the regional plan with a local-country eSIM first.
Where I would use it
The European Routes Where Nomad Makes Sense
A natural Europe 35 route with no need to install a new eSIM at each border.
Another strong Europe 35 use case. Check Canary Islands coverage separately.
Switzerland being included makes one regional plan especially convenient.
Good for a route mixing islands, ferries and several mainland countries.
Check Europe 36. Nomad explicitly lists it as a regional option for Turkey.
Compare Nomad’s dedicated Balkans eSIM rather than assuming Europe 35 is best.
Turkey is the clearest reason to inspect Nomad Europe 36 rather than automatically buying Europe 35.
Compare your exact route against the 35 and 36-country lists. For most mainstream routes, Europe 35 is the simpler starting point.
Read the small print
Is Nomad Europe Unlimited Data Really Unlimited?
Not at full speed. Nomad’s Help Center says most unlimited plans include 2 GB of high-speed data per day, then throttle the connection for the rest of that 24-hour cycle. The live Europe page can show plan-specific reduced-speed terms such as 512 kbps after the daily allowance.
That is why I prefer fixed 10 GB or 20 GB plans for most trips. They are easier to understand. Unlimited is more attractive when you expect heavy daily use and are comfortable with a high-speed ceiling.
Setup
Hotspot, Activation and Border Switching
Nomad supports hotspot and tethering on most eSIMs. I would install the eSIM before departure while I have reliable Wi-Fi. In most cases it activates automatically when the phone reaches a covered destination and connects to a supported network. Turn on data roaming for the Nomad line.
Most Nomad eSIMs must be activated within about 60 days of purchase. Regional plans then connect to local partners as you move between covered countries, so you normally do not reinstall the eSIM at each border.
Strengths and limits
Nomad Europe Pros and Cons
What I like
- Useful coverage for mainstream Europe routes.
- UK and Switzerland included in Europe 35.
- Multiple local network partners.
- Good 10 GB and 20 GB options.
- Hotspot support on most plans.
- Nomad Pass for repeat Europe travel.
What I do not like
- The 35 vs 36 split needs careful checking.
- Unlimited is not unlimited full-speed data.
- Regional and country-specific network access can differ.
- One-country travelers may get better value from a local plan.
- Some Balkan routes suit Nomad’s Balkans product better.
If you are still comparing providers, use my broader best eSIM for Europe guide. This page is intentionally narrower and answers the Nomad-specific questions.
More eSIM Guides for Your Trip
Compare Nomad with other regional providers.
For trips mainly focused on Italy.
My local Greece guide and network context.
For Portugal-focused travel.
Plans and network choices for Spain.
My separate regional Nomad review based on travel across Asia-Pacific.
Common questions
Nomad Europe eSIM FAQ
Is Nomad eSIM good for Europe?
For mainstream multi-country routes, yes. Europe 35 covers a useful mix of EU countries plus the UK, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. Compare the live price with other regional eSIMs before buying.
Does Nomad Europe work in the UK?
Yes. The United Kingdom is in Nomad’s published Europe 35 coverage list.
Does Nomad Europe work in Switzerland?
Yes. Switzerland is in Europe 35. Nomad’s current Switzerland products list Salt and Sunrise, although regional-plan access can differ.
Does Nomad Europe work in Turkey?
Nomad currently lists a 36-destination Europe regional plan on its Turkey page. If Turkey is on the route, check Europe 36.
Can I use Nomad Europe as a hotspot?
Yes, tethering is supported on most Nomad eSIMs, subject to device and local network conditions.
Does Nomad Europe include calls and SMS?
Treat the regional Europe product primarily as a data eSIM unless the exact plan says otherwise. Some country-specific Nomad products can include voice and SMS.
My Bottom Line on Nomad Europe
Nomad Europe makes the most sense when the trip genuinely crosses borders. I would start with Europe 35 for a normal Western, Central or Southern Europe itinerary, choose 10 GB or 20 GB for most trips, and check Europe 36 when Turkey or another coverage difference matters. If almost the entire trip is in one country, compare the country-specific plan first.
See current Nomad Europe pricesPlan details checked against Nomad’s Europe product, country pages and Help Center on 19 September 2026. For broader comparisons, see the Unusual Nomad international eSIM hub.
Last Updated on 19/09/2026 by Panos
