eSIM Cards for Poland
Are you planning to travel to Poland or already living here and looking for the perfect eSIM card to suit your needs? With plenty of options available, choosing the right eSIM card in Poland can be overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the world of eSIM cards, comparing providers, data plans, and coverage, while also providing you with essential information on fees, services, and setup requirements. Let's dive in and find the best eSIM card for you!
Table of Contents
Revolut
Digital nomads and frequent travelers
Revolut
Digital nomads and frequent travelers
Key Features
Account Details
Summary
Airalo
International travelers and tourists
Airalo
International travelers and tourists
Key Features
Account Details
Summary
Orange Holiday
Extended EU travelers
Orange Holiday
Extended EU travelers
Key Features
Account Details
Summary
Important Information
Most eSIM providers offer their websites primarily in English. Use your browser's translation feature to navigate in English. If certain functions don't work in the translated version, switch back to English. Many providers provide English-speaking customer service through dedicated phone lines or at branches in major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk.
Why You Can Trust Us
We are independent from the providers of the financial products that we test and evaluate.
We are transparent regarding our research processes and evaluation methods.
Our content undergoes careful quality check to ensure that it is well-researched, factually correct, and understandable.
We have extensive experience with financial products and understand what expats in Poland want and need.
How to Choose the Best eSIM for Poland in 2025
Finding the right eSIM for Poland doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're visiting Warsaw for business, exploring Krakow's historic sites, or relocating to Poland permanently, your connectivity needs will vary significantly. The key is matching your specific situation with the right provider and plan.
Most travelers make the mistake of choosing based solely on price. However, factors like network coverage in rural areas, data speeds in major cities, and customer support quality matter much more when you're actually using the service. Polish mobile networks are generally excellent, but some eSIM providers have better partnerships with local carriers than others.
Match Your Stay Duration with the Right Plan
Short Visits (1-7 days)
Perfect for tourists. Look for providers with instant activation and small data packages. Airalo's 1GB/7-day plans work well for basic navigation and social media.
Medium Stays (1-4 weeks)
Business travelers and digital nomads need more data. Orange Holiday's 8GB/14-day plans include voice calls - essential for work calls and local bookings.
Long-term (1+ months)
Expats and remote workers should consider Revolut for combining banking with global roaming, or local Polish SIM cards for the best rates.
From my experience helping expats in Poland, most underestimate their data usage. Streaming music during commutes, video calls with family, and GPS navigation in unfamiliar cities consume more data than expected. Start with a slightly larger plan than you think you need.
Network Coverage: What Really Matters in Poland
Poland's mobile infrastructure is impressive, but coverage varies dramatically between cities and rural areas. Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, and Wrocław have excellent 5G coverage from all major networks. However, if you're planning to visit the Tatra Mountains, Bieszczady region, or smaller villages, network performance can be spotty.
Here's what I've learned from testing different providers across Poland: Revolut partners with major European networks, giving you the best overall coverage. Airalo uses Orange Poland's network, which is excellent in cities but can be weaker in remote areas. Orange Holiday obviously has the best Orange network access.
Pro tip: Check coverage maps before traveling to rural areas. Download offline maps in major cities before heading to remote locations like Zakopane or the Baltic coast.
Real-World Usage Considerations
Beyond technical specifications, consider how you'll actually use your eSIM in Poland. Need to make local calls for restaurant reservations or tour bookings? Orange Holiday includes voice calls, while most other eSIM providers are data-only. Planning to use your phone as a mobile hotspot for your laptop? Check if your plan allows tethering.
Customer support matters more than you might think. When your eSIM isn't working at 6 AM in Krakow's airport, you want English-speaking support that's actually available. Revolut and Airalo both offer 24/7 English support, which has saved many travelers from connectivity headaches.
Finally, consider your broader financial needs. If you're visiting Poland frequently or staying long-term, Revolut's combination of global roaming and fee-free foreign transactions can save significant money compared to using separate eSIM and banking services.
How to Use an eSIM in Poland
Most foreigners can use an eSIM in Poland within 30 minutes at major providers like Revolut or Airalo. You'll need your passport and proof of address - this can be your home address in your origin country or a Polish address if you have one. A PESEL number may be required for some services, but most eSIM providers work without it.
EU citizens have it easier - just bring your European ID and proof of Polish address. Non-EU citizens need additional documents like a residence permit or long-term visa. Some providers like Revolut and Airalo have dedicated expat specialists who speak English and understand foreign documentation.
Pro tip: Book an appointment online first, especially in Warsaw or Krakow branches. Many expats successfully use eSIMs at city center locations where staff are more experienced with international clients. Digital providers like Revolut even allow online applications.
Call your friends worldwide.
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio - pexels.com
Best eSIM Networks and Data Plans for Poland
Choosing the right network partner is crucial for your eSIM experience in Poland. Here's what you need to know about coverage, data speeds, and which providers offer the best value for money.
After testing these three providers extensively across Poland - from Warsaw's business districts to the mountains around Zakopane - here's how they actually perform in real-world conditions. Each serves different types of travelers, so your choice depends on how you plan to use your phone in Poland.
Revolut
Overall Winner
Long-term travelers, expats
Worldwide roaming
Fair usage abroad
Free account
Yes + banking
If you're staying in Poland for more than a week, Revolut is unbeatable. You get worldwide roaming, fee-free spending in Poland, currency exchange at real rates, and proper banking services. Perfect for digital nomads and expats who need both connectivity and financial services.
Airalo
Tourist Favorite
Short-term tourists
Orange Poland network
1GB - 20GB packages
18 PLN ($4.50* / €4.10*)
Data only
Quick setup, reliable Orange Poland coverage, and affordable small data packages make Airalo perfect for short trips. The app is intuitive, activation is instant, and customer support speaks English. Just remember it's data-only, so you'll need WhatsApp or Skype for calls.
Orange Holiday
Multi-Country
Business travelers, EU trips
EU-wide Orange network
8GB - 30GB with calls
110 PLN ($27* / €24.99*)
Yes + SMS
The only eSIM here that includes actual phone calls and SMS, plus it works across all EU countries. Higher price point, but worth it if you're traveling through multiple European countries or need to make local calls for business meetings or restaurant reservations.
Network Performance in Major Polish Cities
When I tested these eSIM providers across Poland's major cities, the network performance varied significantly depending on location. In Warsaw's business district and Krakow's Old Town, you'll get excellent 5G speeds that easily handle video calls and streaming. The same goes for Gdansk's Śródmieście and around Wrocław's Market Square - these central areas have been prioritized for the newest network infrastructure.
Moving to suburban areas and smaller cities like Lublin or Katowice, you'll still get solid 4G coverage that's perfectly adequate for most travelers. Highway coverage is generally reliable too, which is great news if you're planning road trips around Poland. I rarely experienced dropped calls or slow data speeds on major routes between cities.
However, coverage becomes spotty once you venture into Poland's more remote regions. The Tatra Mountains above 1000 meters can be particularly challenging - I lost signal completely in some areas near Zakopane's higher trails. Similarly, remote villages in the Bieszczady region and dense forest areas often have weak or no coverage across all providers.
My advice? Download offline maps and any essential content before heading to rural areas. Even Orange, which has the most extensive network in Poland, struggles with coverage in the country's most remote corners. This isn't unique to eSIM providers - it's simply the reality of Poland's geography and network infrastructure priorities.
*Currency conversions are estimated and for reference only. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so actual costs may vary when paying with foreign cards or currency exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions About eSIMs in Poland
What phones support eSIM in Poland?▼
Most modern smartphones support eSIM including iPhone XS and newer models, Google Pixel 3 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer, and most flagship Android phones from 2019 onwards. To check if your phone supports eSIM, go to Settings >Mobile Data (iOS) or Settings > Connections > SIM card manager (Android). If you see "Add eSIM" or "Add Mobile Plan" options, your device is compatible.
How much does eSIM cost in Poland?▼
eSIM costs in Poland vary by provider and data plan. Airalo offers plans starting from $4.50 for 1GB, Orange Holiday starts at €24.99 for 8GB with calls, and Revolut provides global roaming with their free account. Tourist eSIMs typically cost $10-30 for short visits, while long-term plans range from 20-100 PLN monthly depending on data allowances.
Can tourists buy eSIM in Poland?▼
Yes, tourists can easily buy eSIM for Poland. Airalo and Orange Holiday are specifically designed for tourists and don't require Polish residency. You can purchase and activate these eSIMs before arriving in Poland. Simply download the provider's app, buy your plan, and scan the QR code to activate. No physical SIM card pickup required.
Does eSIM work with 5G in Poland?▼
Yes, eSIM works with 5G networks in Poland. All major providers (Orange, Play, Plus, T-Mobile) offer 5G coverage in Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, and other major cities. Your eSIM will automatically connect to 5G if your phone supports it and you're in a coverage area. 5G speeds in Polish cities can reach 100-500 Mbps for downloads.
How to activate eSIM in Poland?▼
To activate eSIM in Poland: 1) Purchase your eSIM plan from providers like Airalo or Orange Holiday, 2) You'll receive a QR code via email, 3) Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM (iOS) or Settings > Connections > SIM card manager (Android), 4) Scan the QR code with your phone's camera, 5) Follow the setup prompts to name your plan and set data preferences. Activation usually takes 2-5 minutes.
Can I use eSIM and physical SIM at the same time in Poland?▼
Yes, most modern phones support dual SIM functionality with one physical SIM and one eSIM active simultaneously. This is perfect for travelers who want to keep their home number active while using a Polish eSIM for local data. You can choose which SIM to use for calls, texts, and data in your phone's settings. iPhone XS and newer, plus most Android phones from 2019+ support this feature.
Which eSIM provider has best coverage in Poland?▼
Orange has the best overall coverage in Poland, reaching 99.9% of the population including rural areas. Airalo uses Orange's network, so you get the same excellent coverage. Play and Plus also offer good coverage in cities and highways. For remote areas like Tatra Mountains or Bieszczady region, all networks have limitations, but Orange typically performs best.
Do I need Polish address for eSIM?▼
No, you don't need a Polish address for tourist eSIMs like Airalo or Orange Holiday. These are designed for travelers and only require your home country address. However, if you want a Polish mobile contract with local providers like Play or Plus, you'll typically need proof of Polish residence. Revolut accepts either home country or Polish addresses.
Ready to Get Your Polish eSIM?
Choose from our top-ranked providers and start your eSIM journey in Poland. Compare features, read reviews, and find the perfect eSIM for your needs.