ZenSim Review: Why I Use This eSIM for My Europe Travels
After more than a decade on the road, I’ve finally stopped playing the SIM card game every time I cross a border. If you’re traveling through Europe in 2025 — especially across multiple countries — switching to an eSIM just makes sense. After trying out a few different providers, I landed on ZenSim, and it’s now the only one I use.
If you’re wondering what the Best eSIM Europe options are, I’ve broken that down in detail in my full guide here: https://onestep4ward.com/best-esim-europe/.
Table of contents
This post is my personal ZenSim review — how it performs on the road, why I keep using it, and who I think it’s perfect for. Whether you’re a digital nomad, frequent flyer, or vacationer, this will help you decide if ZenSim is worth it.
Why I Switched to eSIMs for Europe
Traveling in Europe used to mean getting a new SIM card at nearly every airport, dealing with language issues, odd store hours, and unpredictable coverage. Even with EU roaming, there are still limitations when you step outside the Schengen zone or visit fringe countries.
That’s when I made the shift to eSIMs. I talk a lot more about the benefits and use cases in my complete breakdown of the Best eSIM Europe options — but for this post, I’ll focus on how ZenSim stacks up.
What Makes ZenSim Stand Out
ZenSim isn’t the only eSIM provider, but here’s why I now exclusively use it for my European trips:
Coverage in 30+ Countries
One plan that works across all major European destinations, including the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Croatia, Hungary, and more. No roaming fees, no SIM swaps.
Instant Setup and QR Delivery
After purchasing, you receive a QR code via email almost instantly. Just scan it, activate, and you’re online. The setup took me about two minutes.
Flexible Plans
Whether you’re traveling for a week or a month, ZenSim has plans ranging from 1GB to unlimited, with validity periods of 10, or 30 days.
Hotspot Enabled
ZenSim allows you to share your mobile data connection with other devices. This has saved me countless times when hotel Wi-Fi was patchy.
No Speed Throttling
I’ve never experienced a slowdown with ZenSim, even after heavy use uploading videos, running livestreams, and hotspotting.
My Real-World Use Cases
Over the past year, I’ve used ZenSim while working remotely in Tallinn, navigating backroads in Albania, uploading content in Paris cafés, and hotspotting during long train rides in Poland.
Each time, it’s worked without fuss. What really sealed the deal for me was using ZenSim while covering my latest travel series. I needed to upload high-res video content on tight deadlines, and the connection never once let me down.
Who Is ZenSim Best For?
Digital Nomads
If you work remotely and travel regularly, especially across multiple borders, ZenSim simplifies your life and keeps you connected reliably.
Vacationers Visiting Several Countries
If you’re planning a 2-week trip hopping from France to Italy to Spain, a single ZenSim plan will cover it all.
Backpackers on a Budget
You can choose lower-data plans that keep you online for maps, translation apps, and hostel bookings.
Business Travelers
No roaming fees, fast 4G/5G, and hotspot capability means you’re ready for Zoom calls or email replies on the fly.
How to Set It Up
Visit the ZenSim website
Choose your European travel plan
Pay online
Receive your QR code via email
Scan the QR code in your mobile settings (“Add eSIM”)
Activate and label it (e.g. “Europe Trip”)
Done
You can also re-top up if needed without reinstalling anything.
FAQs
Is ZenSim cheaper than local SIMs?
In most cases, yes — especially when you factor in not needing to buy multiple SIMs as you move. Plus, the convenience saves time.
Does it work outside Europe?
ZenSim has global plans too, but this review is based solely on their European offerings.
What phones does ZenSim work on?
Most modern smartphones — iPhones XS and newer, Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+ — support eSIMs. Double-check your device settings.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number?
Yes — eSIMs don’t affect apps tied to your phone number like WhatsApp.
Is it safe for online banking and sensitive data?
Yes, more secure than public Wi-Fi, and with hotspot sharing, your laptop stays protected too.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of eSIMs out there, but after using ZenSim extensively across Europe, I’m convinced it’s the most balanced option for travelers who want a no-fuss, always-on solution.
It’s the one I personally use, and if you’re curious about why, check out my full post on the Best eSIM Europe for everything you need to know: https://onestep4ward.com/best-esim-europe/
If connectivity matters to you — and if you’re reading this, it probably does — then ZenSim is a solid, smart choice.
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