The Erasmus program is one of the most transformative experiences of university life. Connectivity is an essential part of that experience: to stay in touch with family and friends in Spain, to integrate into the life of the host country, to explore neighboring countries on weekends. This guide is specifically designed for Erasmus students who want to maximize connectivity without breaking the bank.
The Erasmus Traveler: Profile and Needs
| Erasmus Need | Data/week | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp with family | 1 GB | High |
| Instagram/TikTok | 4 GB | Medium |
| Maps and transportation | 0.5 GB | High |
| Online classes / Teams | 1 GB | High |
| Spotify / streaming | 2 GB | Medium |
| Weekend travel bookings | 0.5 GB | Medium |
Connectivity Options for Erasmus by Region
| Destination | Most Economical Option | Monthly Cost | Advantages / Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus in EU (without UK) | Free roaming with Spanish operator (if plan includes it) | €0 | Free but with GB limit |
| Erasmus in EU | Local SIM card in the country | €8–15/month | You change your number |
| Erasmus in EU | PuraSIM monthly plan eSIM | €15–20/month | You keep your Spanish number |
| Erasmus in UK (post-Brexit) | Local UK SIM (giffgaff, Lebara) | €10–15/month | Very good coverage |
| Erasmus in Turkey, Morocco... | Local SIM card of the destination | €5–12/month | Very cheap |
Most Popular Erasmus Destinations and eSIM Coverage
| Erasmus City | Country | eSIM Coverage | Average 4G Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | Portugal | Excellent | 55 Mbps |
| Berlin | Germany | Excellent | 50 Mbps |
| Amsterdam | Netherlands | Excellent | 48 Mbps |
| Warsaw | Poland | Very good | 40 Mbps |
| Istanbul | Turkey | Very good | 35 Mbps |
| Rome | Italy | Very good | 42 Mbps |
Erasmus Student Apps
- ESNcard app: discounts on transportation, restaurants, and Erasmus activities
- Meetup: events and activities to meet locals and other Erasmus students
- Duolingo / Babbel: learn the country's language
- Citymapper: public transport in European cities
- Wise / Revolut: bank account with no fees for Europe
Adjust Your Plan to Your Erasmus Budget
Erasmus has a tight budget — these are the options by spending level:
| Monthly Connectivity Budget | Recommended Option | Monthly Data |
|---|---|---|
| €0 (maximum savings) | Campus WiFi only + free hotspots | 0 — very limited data |
| €5–10 (very tight) | Basic local SIM of the destination | 5–10 GB |
| €10–20 (moderate) | Local SIM or PuraSIM eSIM | 15–20 GB |
| €20–30 (comfortable) | PuraSIM eSIM + unlimited data at home | 30+ GB |
Conclusion
For Erasmus students in the EU, first check if your Spanish operator includes free EU roaming — if so, it's the most convenient option for the first few days. For long stays or if roaming has a limit, a local SIM or PuraSIM's eSIM are the most economical solution. The difference between spending €0 and €80/month on connectivity can be used to fully experience Erasmus.
Frequently asked questions
Does free EU roaming cover the entire Erasmus semester?
It depends on the operator and the plan. In Spain, free EU roaming has a GB limit (usually the same as the contracted plan). For a semester, it probably won't be enough without a top-up.
Can I use my Spanish number as a contact number during Erasmus?
Yes. With Dual SIM (Spanish SIM + data eSIM), you can continue to receive calls on your Spanish number even if you use the eSIM for data.
How do I get a local SIM in the Erasmus country?
In almost all European countries, you can buy one at supermarkets, phone stores, or gas stations with just your passport.
Does the eSIM work when I travel to other countries during Erasmus?
With a European regional plan, yes — it covers multiple countries. For destinations outside Europe on excursions, you would need an additional plan.
Do I need to change my plan if I go to the UK for Erasmus?
Post-Brexit, the UK is no longer in the EU. Your Spanish operator's EU roaming does not cover the UK. You will need a specific plan for the UK (local SIM like giffgaff or an eSIM with a UK plan).
