# Using an IoT SIM in Europe

> What changes when a device works in the EU as well as the UK, how ThingSIM handles Europe, and what to sort out before devices cross a border.

Choosing a SIM · 19 February 2026

A device that stays in the UK fits neatly on a UK plan. A device that crosses into the EU, such as a tracker on a haulage trailer or a unit installed at a European site, needs coverage there too. ThingSIM handles Europe as a project rather than an off-the-shelf plan, so the first step is a short conversation.

## UK plans and EU plans are different

ThingSIM's UK plans roam across the UK networks: all four (O2, Vodafone, Three and EE) on UK 4-network, or three of them on UK 3-network. They are priced per SIM per month and ordered online.

Devices that need coverage across the EU use Europe roaming plans, which are priced per project. That lets the plan match where the devices actually go and how much data they use, rather than paying for coverage they never touch.

## What to work out first

A few answers make a Europe project quick to set up:

| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which countries? | Coverage and price depend on where the devices go |
| How much of the time abroad? | A UK device that occasionally crosses differs from one based in the EU |
| How much data per device? | The same calculation as for a UK device; see [how much data your device needs](/how-much-data-does-my-device-need) |
| How many devices? | Shapes the plan and the set-up |
| Does the device need SMS? | SMS is supported, but confirm it is part of the plan you agree |

## Physical SIMs ship to the EU

Physical SIMs are posted to UK and EU addresses, and eSIMs arrive as a QR code minutes after ordering, so devices based in the EU can be supplied directly. See [eSIM or physical SIM](/esim-or-physical-sim) for which suits your device.

## The device matters as much as the plan

Mobile networks use different frequency bands in different countries. Check that your device's modem supports the bands used in the countries it will work in, as listed in its specification. A device that connects perfectly in the UK can struggle abroad if it lacks a band the local networks rely on.

## Getting started

Tell us the countries, the device and the expected data, and we will set the plan up with you: [talk to us](/contact?topic=fleet). For devices that stay in the UK, the UK plans can be ordered online now, from £0.90 a month per SIM on UK 4-network.

## Common questions

### Can I order a Europe plan online?

Not at the moment. Europe roaming plans are priced per project; get in touch with the countries, devices and data you need and we will set them up with you.

### Will a UK plan work when a device is in the EU?

UK plans are for devices in the UK. If devices spend time in the EU, talk to us about a Europe plan that covers where they go.

### Can physical SIMs be sent to an EU address?

Yes. Physical SIMs are posted to UK and EU addresses, and eSIMs arrive as a QR code with nothing to post.

Source: https://thingsim.com/iot-sim-in-europe