Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stay in Poland, using an eSIM is the easiest and most hassle-free way to stay connected. Forget about roaming charges and having to swap your SIM card, eSIMs are here for the long run. That’s why, we tested and compared the leading eSIM providers based on price, speed, ease of use, and coverage. Today, we are going to tell what we found.
What is an eSIM for Poland?
An eSIM for traveling in Poland is a digital SIM card that lets you connect to a mobile network in a foreign country without needing to buy or insert a physical SIM card. It’s ideal for tourists, digital nomads, or business travelers who want fast, easy access to mobile data abroad.
Why travelers are preferring eSIMs?
- No physical SIM required – Activate it digitally via QR code or app.
- Instant connectivity – Set it up before your trip or right after landing.
- Avoid roaming fees – Use local or regional data plans at lower rates.
- Easy switching – Change countries or plans without visiting a store.
- Dual SIM convenience – Keep your home number active while using travel data.
Devices that support eSIM technology
Most modern smartphones support eSIM, including:
- iPhone XR and newer (including iPhone SE 2020/2022)
- Google Pixel 3 and newer
- Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer
- Many newer iPads and laptops (e.g. Surface Pro, Apple M1/M2 Macs with cellular support)
Types of eSIMs you can get in Poland
There are two main ways to get an eSIM when you’re traveling in Poland:
- Buy an eSIM online through a third-party provider – These are digital-only and can be activated before or after you arrive, often through a website or app. Providers like SimSolo, Airalo, or Nomad offer these with easy setup and instant connectivity.
- Buy an eSIM directly from a Polish mobile provider – You can visit a local store (like Orange, Play, or T-Mobile) and request a prepaid eSIM instead of a physical SIM card. Most major mobile networks in Poland offer both formats for prepaid plans.
If you’re planning to get your eSIM upon arrival, keep in mind that as of April 2025, eSIMs are still not available at Warsaw Chopin Airport. Tourist SIM cards sold at the airport are physical only, so if you need an eSIM, you’ll have to either order one online in advance or visit a mobile store in the city after arrival.
eSIM in Poland activation
There are two ways to install your eSIM:
Scan a QR code
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (or Mobile Data > Add eSIM)
- Scan the QR code you received
- Follow the prompts and label your eSIM (e.g., “Poland Trip”)
- Turn on the eSIM line when you’re ready to use it
Option 2: Enter details manually
If you’re given an activation code instead of a QR:
- Go to Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually
- Input the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided
- Follow setup steps
Activate it when you arrive
Once you land in your destination country, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) and turn on the eSIM line. Make sure data roaming is enabled for that line. You should connect to a local network within seconds.
Tips:
- Install your eSIM while connected to Wi-Fi, ideally before departure.
- You can switch between your primary number and eSIM in your phone’s settings.
- Keep a copy of the QR code or activation email in case you need to reinstall it.
Best eSIM for Poland
1. SimSolo – Best for instant setup & travel simplicity
SimSolo offers a seamless eSIM experience for travelers, focusing on fast activation, simple setup, and excellent local coverage in Poland. Their plans are competitively priced and designed for tourists who want easy, reliable data without fuss.
- Plans: Start from 1 GB up to 40 GB full speed
- Validity: 7–30 days
- Price: From around $5
- Network: Strong coverage via Polish Tier-1 networks like Orange or Play
- 5G Support: Yes, where available
- Why Choose: Quick QR code activation, no app required, great for first-time eSIM users
- Best For: Tourists who want a fast, no-hassle eSIM setup without downloading apps
2. Airalo – Best for global travelers
- Offers Poland-only, regional (Europe), and global plans
- Plans: From 1 GB to 20 GB
- Validity: 7–365 days
- Price: $9–$89
- 5G Support: Yes
- Bonus: Discover+ plan includes call/text support in some regions
- Best For: Travelers visiting multiple countries
3. Nomad – flexible plans at competitive prices
- Poland-only data plans from 1 GB to 20 GB
- Validity: 7–30 days
- Price: $6–$35
- 5G Support: No (4G/LTE)
- Best For: Short-to-medium stays with flexible needs
Holafly – unlimited data option
- Unlimited data plans from 5 to 30 days
- Price: $19–$64
- 5G Support: Yes
- Best For: High-data users and content creators
Saily – most budget-friendly
- Data from 1 GB to 20 GB
- Validity: 7–30 days
- Price: From $4.49
- 5G Support: Yes
- Best For: Budget travelers and students
SUMMARY OF TOP eSIM PROVIDERS
| Provider | Data options | Validity | Price range | 5G | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SimSolo | Unlimited | 7–30 days | From $5-$67 | ✅ | Instant activation, app available |
| Airalo | 1–20 GB / Global | 7–365 days | $9–$89 | ✅ | Global & regional coverage, app available |
| Nomad | 1–20 GB | 7–30 days | $6–$35 | ❌ | Flexible, competitive price |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 5–30 days | $19–$64 | ✅ | Unlimited data for heavy users |
| Saily | 1–20 GB | 7–30 days | $4.49–$20 | ✅ | Lowest-cost option |
What’s the final word?
It all depends on what type of traveler you are and what your plans are during the trip. If you’re planning to stay in Poland for more than just a few days, a SIM card from a local provider might be a great option. These are often more cost-effective and are designed with residents in mind, offering generous data packages and long-term usability. You’ll also find a wide range of plans at affordable prices, especially if you plan to use mobile data frequently or stay in one place for an extended period.
On the other hand, if you’re only visiting Poland for a short time, an eSIM can be a much more convenient choice. It allows for instant activation without the need to visit a store or insert a physical SIM card, perfect for modern travelers looking for speed and simplicity. Also, it’s important to consider your data needs during the trip, whether you’re a heavy user or just plan to use basic apps like WhatsApp and maps. Understanding your usage will help you choose the best data package for your travel style.
Lastly, if you’re traveling with a group or have multiple devices to connect, a portable Wi-Fi (pocket Wi-Fi) router might be the most practical solution. It lets you share internet with several people at once, often with unlimited or high-cap data, making it ideal for families, friends, or business travelers who need reliable internet on the go
