Planning a city break? Here is how to stay online without roaming charges, plus the local apps that make London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Berlin easy.
A city trip is short, so every hour counts. You do not want to spend the first one hunting for wifi or a SIM shop. Here is how to land connected, and which apps to install before you go. 🏙️
For a long weekend, most travellers use 1 to 3 GB: maps, transport apps, messages and photos. Streaming or working on the go? Take more, or an Unlimited plan. Not sure? Read how much data you actually need abroad.
The UK is outside EU roaming rules, so many European phone plans charge extra there. Pay contactless on the Tube and buses, and check Citymapper for the fastest route. From Heathrow, the Elizabeth line takes you straight into central London. eSIM for London · Heathrow guide
Download the RATP app for the metro and RER, and book museum slots online, as many sell out. The RER B runs from Charles de Gaulle to the centre. eSIM for Paris · Charles de Gaulle guide
Book the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in advance, and use a taxi app instead of hailing on the street. The Leonardo Express train connects Fiumicino with Termini. eSIM for Rome · Fiumicino guide
Sagrada Família and Park Güell need timed tickets, so book them on your phone. The Aerobús runs from El Prat to Plaça de Catalunya. eSIM for Barcelona · El Prat guide
The BVG app sells public transport tickets. Card payments are now common, but some small cafés and bars still prefer cash. Trains run from BER into the city in about 30 minutes. eSIM for Berlin · BER guide
Hopping from Paris to Rome to Barcelona? One Europe eSIM covers them all, so you do not need a new plan at every border. London is included too.
1. Buy your eSIM and install it at home (setup guide). 2. Download the city apps above while you are still on wifi. 3. Save offline maps as a backup. 4. On arrival, switch mobile data to your eSIM and keep roaming off on your home SIM.
More cities? Browse all city guides.
