The au pair program involves living abroad for 6 to 12 months. Connectivity is not an occasional expense — it's part of the living infrastructure: to communicate with the Spanish family, integrate into local life, study the language, and manage your days off traveling around the country. This guide helps you choose the smartest solution.
Essential connectivity for au pairs
| Au pair's need | Data needed/week | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp with family in Spain | 1–2 GB | Critical |
| Weekly family video calls | 0.5–1 GB | Very High |
| Learning the language (Duolingo, apps) | 0.2 GB | High |
| Social media (Instagram, TikTok) | 2–4 GB | Medium |
| Maps and public transport | 0.5 GB | High |
| Job search / errands | 0.3 GB | High |
Which eSIM plan to choose for a 6-12 month stay
| Duration | Country | Recommended option | Approximate monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-12 months Europe | France, Germany, UK, Italy... | Local SIM card (cheaper) + PuraSIM eSIM for backup | €8–15 |
| 6-12 months UK (post-Brexit) | United Kingdom | Local UK SIM (giffgaff, Three) + eSIM for travel | €10–15 |
| 6-12 months USA | United States | Local prepaid (T-Mobile, Mint) + eSIM for travel | €15–25 |
| 3-6 months + weekend trips | Any European destination | PuraSIM monthly eSIM plan + active Spanish SIM | €15–20 |
Maintaining contact with the Spanish family
With Dual SIM (Spanish SIM + eSIM or local destination SIM):
- Your family calls you on your usual Spanish number
- To avoid roaming charges for incoming calls, activate calls over WiFi/data
- WhatsApp works perfectly with the eSIM — free of charge
- Weekly video call via WhatsApp or Facetime: consumes ~300 MB per hour
Essential apps for au pairs
- Duolingo / Babbel: learn the language of the host country
- Citymapper: public transport in European and American cities
- Facebook Au Pair groups: community, job offers, local tips
- Meetup: events and activities in the city
- Transferwise/Wise: send money to Spain without fees
Real savings in 12 months
| Option | 12-month cost | Savings vs roaming |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish operator roaming | €1,080 | Reference |
| Local SIM card in the country | €120 | €960 |
| PuraSIM monthly eSIM | €240 | €840 |
| Local SIM + travel eSIM | €168 | €912 |
Conclusion
For au pairs, a local SIM card in the destination country is generally the most economical option for daily use (€8–15/month). A PuraSIM eSIM is the ideal complement for weekend trips around Europe or for the first few days until a local SIM is obtained. The annual savings compared to roaming with a Spanish operator are €800–960.
Frequently asked questions
Can an au pair use their Spanish number abroad?
With Dual SIM, yes. But incoming calls to the Spanish number may incur roaming charges depending on the operator. The most economical solution is to redirect communications to WhatsApp.
How many GB per month does an au pair need?
Between 8 and 20 GB/month depending on usage. For WhatsApp and maps only: 8 GB. For active social media and streaming: 20+ GB.
Does eSIM work in all European countries?
PuraSIM's European regional plans cover most Western European countries. For specific countries like post-Brexit UK, check coverage.
Can I use the same eSIM when traveling to other countries on the weekend?
If you have a regional European plan, yes. If your plan is only for the country where you live, you will need to activate a different plan for the countries you visit.
How do I get a local SIM in the host country?
In most European countries, you can buy a prepaid SIM with your passport at any telecommunications store. In the US, too, although the process can be somewhat more bureaucratic.
