Paris Speed Test (Q4 2025): CDG Airport vs City Center vs Hotel Wi‑Fi

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Paris Speed Test (Q4 2025): CDG Airpor...

Paris Speed Test (Q4 2025): CDG Airport vs City Center vs Hotel Wi‑Fi

29 Oct 2025

Speedtests
Paris Speed Test (Q4 2025): CDG Airport vs City Center vs Hotel Wi‑Fi

Heading to Paris and wondering if your phone or hotel Wi‑Fi will keep up? This paris speed test internet report compares real‑world performance at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport, across the city centre, and on typical hotel Wi‑Fi. We focused on what travellers actually feel: stable video calls, map loads, photos backing up, and whether streaming stutters underground on the Metro. We measured download/upload speeds, latency, and jitter, and we separated indoor versus outdoor results. The short version: outdoor 5G in the centre is the fastest and most consistent, CDG cellular is fine but spiky at busy gates, the Metro works for messages and music but can wobble during handovers, and hotel Wi‑Fi quality varies wildly by property and floor.

We’ve published an open CSV so you can audit or remix the dataset. If you’re planning a broader itinerary, browse our country picks on Destinations or grab a local Esim France plan before you land.

TL;DR results at a glance

  • City centre (outdoor 5G): median 180–260 Mbps down, 18–35 Mbps up; latency 18–30 ms; jitter 4–9 ms
  • City centre (indoors near window): median 70–120 Mbps down; jitter rises to 8–15 ms in older buildings
  • CDG Airport cellular (landsid/airside): median 45–90 Mbps down, 8–15 Mbps up; latency 28–45 ms; jitter 8–18 ms
  • CDG Airport public Wi‑Fi: highly variable, typically 10–40 Mbps down, jitter >20 ms during peaks
  • Paris Metro snapshot: platforms 60–110 Mbps down; in‑tunnel 25–60 Mbps down; jitter spikes during cell handovers
  • Hotel Wi‑Fi: budget/mid‑range median 20–60 Mbps down with jitter 15–35 ms; premium/business floors often 100–250 Mbps down, jitter 6–12 ms

Interpretation: for calls and uploads, latency and jitter matter more than raw speed. City‑centre 5G is excellent; CDG and Metro are usable with occasional blips; hotel Wi‑Fi is the wildcard.

How we tested (transparent methodology)

  • Dates and windows: three days in Q4 2025 (morning, lunchtime, evening, and late night runs)
  • Zones: CDG Terminals 1/2 (arrivals halls, selected gates, RER entrance), central Paris (1st, 2nd, 9th, 11th), and two hotels (one mid‑range, one upscale)
  • Indoors vs outdoors: repeated runs on pavements, inside cafés, lobbies, and hotel rooms (window vs corridor side)
  • Mobile tech: 5G NSA/SA and LTE where 5G unavailable
  • Devices: recent iOS and Android flagships with eSIM; laptop for Wi‑Fi validation
  • Tools: two independent speed test engines; concurrent ping to EU anycast; jitter measured as latency variance over 30–60 seconds
  • Metrics recorded: timestamp, coordinates (3‑digit geohash), location type (airport/city/hotel/metro), indoor/outdoor, network tech (5G/LTE/Wi‑Fi), signal stats (where accessible), download, upload, latency, jitter, packet loss, device, and notes on crowd density
  • Sample size: 120+ mobile tests, 40+ hotel/airport Wi‑Fi tests, 30+ Metro runs

What we didn’t do: exhaustive operator‑by‑operator benchmarking or rural coverage. This is a traveller‑centric snapshot, not a national audit.

CDG Airport: cellular vs airport Wi‑Fi

What we saw: - Cellular is “good enough” for maps, ride‑hailing, and messaging, with occasional dips around crowded gates and security queues.
- Airport Wi‑Fi is convenient for quick browsing but can feel laggy at peak times due to higher jitter and captive portal overheads.

Typical numbers: - Cellular near arrivals: 60–90 Mbps down, 10–15 Mbps up; latency 30–40 ms; jitter 8–12 ms
- Cellular at busy gates: 30–60 Mbps down; jitter 12–18 ms (spikes during boarding calls)
- Public Wi‑Fi: 10–40 Mbps down, 5–20 Mbps up; latency 20–35 ms; jitter 20–40 ms

Practical tips: - If the airport Wi‑Fi feels sluggish on calls, switch to cellular; lower jitter helps stability.
- Move a few metres away from dense crowds or metal structures; micro‑shifts can halve jitter.
- Disable low‑data/low‑power modes when you need top performance for a call or upload.

City centre: outdoor 5G is king, indoors is about placement

Outdoors (boulevards, squares): - Consistently fast 5G, especially on wider streets with clear line‑of‑sight.
- Median 180–260 Mbps down, 18–35 Mbps up; latency 18–30 ms; jitter 4–9 ms.
- Excellent for hotspotting a laptop or rapid photo backups.

Indoors (cafés, lobbies, apartments): - Older buildings with thick walls or deep corridors dampen mid‑band 5G.
- Near windows: 70–120 Mbps down, 10–20 Mbps up; jitter 8–15 ms.
- Interior tables or basement bars: speeds drop to 25–60 Mbps; latency and jitter both rise.

Pro tips: - Sit by a window or door for the biggest improvement.
- If your 5G is flaky indoors, forcing LTE can reduce jitter for video calls.
- Prefer headset calls to mask brief jitter bursts.

Paris Metro snapshot: good on platforms, variable in tunnels

Coverage across platforms is solid. Trains see more variability during handovers between cells in tunnels.

Observed: - Platforms: 60–110 Mbps down, 10–20 Mbps up; latency 25–35 ms; jitter 8–12 ms.
- In‑tunnel: 25–60 Mbps down; upload can sag below 8 Mbps; jitter 12–25 ms, with brief spikes on line transitions.
- Music streaming and messaging are reliable; HD video calls may stutter during handovers.

Quick checklist for underground reliability: - Pre‑download maps and playlists before you descend.
- Use audio‑only for calls where possible; switch cameras off to withstand jitter.
- Messaging apps with store‑and‑forward (e.g., sending photos) cope better than live uploads in tunnels.

Hotel Wi‑Fi: the biggest wildcard

Mid‑range hotel (older building, multiple repeaters): - 20–60 Mbps down, 10–25 Mbps up; latency 15–25 ms; jitter 15–35 ms.
- Congestion spikes between 19:00–22:00; 2.4 GHz often overloaded.
- Corridor‑side rooms had weaker signal and higher jitter than window‑facing rooms.

Upscale/business‑focused hotel (Wi‑Fi 6/6E): - 100–250 Mbps down, 20–50 Mbps up; latency 8–15 ms; jitter 6–12 ms.
- Consistent evenings; 6 GHz band notably cleaner near conference floors.

Practical hotel playbook: - Ask reception for a 5 GHz or 6 GHz SSID if available; avoid legacy 2.4 GHz.
- Try a wired Ethernet adaptor when available for rock‑steady jitter on calls.
- If the captive portal keeps dropping you, tether via your eSIM; mobile jitter is often lower than congested Wi‑Fi.
- For multi‑country trips, carry a regional eSIM like Esim Western Europe and tether when hotel Wi‑Fi degrades.

Which eSIM plan makes sense for Paris?

  • Staying in France only: a local Esim France gives you the best price‑per‑GB and excellent city coverage.
  • Multi‑country route (e.g., Paris → Brussels → Milan → Barcelona): go with Esim Western Europe for seamless cross‑border data. If Italy or Spain are next, see Esim Italy and Esim Spain.
  • Starting your trip stateside: load your plan before departure with Esim United States for transit coverage, or cover both regions via Esim North America plus a Europe plan.
  • Teams on the road: pooled data and fleet eSIMs via For Business.
  • Travel trade and resellers: co‑brand or bundle data through our Partner Hub.

Step‑by‑step: get the best speeds in Paris

1) Before you fly - Install and activate your eSIM (don’t wait for the jet bridge).
- Update carrier settings and OS; disable Low Data Mode/Low Power Mode if you’ll hotspot.
- Add your plan to priority data line; enable Wi‑Fi Calling for weak indoor spots.

2) On landing at CDG - Skip congested airport Wi‑Fi if you need a call; use cellular for lower jitter.
- If speeds feel erratic, toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds to re‑register on a stronger cell.

3) Around town - For cafés and indoors, sit near windows or doors.
- If 5G is “fast but choppy”, switch to LTE for steadier calls.
- Keep background cloud backups paused during important video calls.

4) In hotels - Prefer 5/6 GHz SSIDs; ask for a room closer to an access point if you’re staying multiple nights.
- Have your eSIM ready to tether during evening congestion.

5) On the Metro - Download offline maps; switch calls to audio‑only when entering tunnels.

Open dataset and reproducibility

We’ve published an open CSV covering every run in this report. Typical columns include: - timestamp_utc
- geohash_3 and location_label (e.g., “CDG T2F gate”, “Le Marais street”, “Hotel A room 5F window”)
- indoor_outdoor (indoor/outdoor/platform/train)
- network_type (5G/LTE/Wi‑Fi) and band note where available
- rsrp/sinr (if accessible), download_mbps, upload_mbps
- latency_ms_median, jitter_ms (stddev over 30–60s), packet_loss_pct
- device (generic) and notes (crowd level, time pressure, observed handover)

Method validation: - Dual test engines per spot to avoid single‑service bias.
- Parallel latency probes to an EU anycast target.
- Repeats across time‑of‑day to capture peak/off‑peak variance.

Use the dataset to slice results your way (e.g., indoor vs outdoor deltas, Metro handover jitter), or compare with speeds in other cities listed on Destinations.

Limitations and what’s next

  • This is a city snapshot, not an operator shoot‑out. Performance varies by SIM profile, building, and crowd density.
  • We used recent flagship devices; older phones may show lower 5G sensitivity.
  • Hotel results represent two properties; your experience may differ considerably.
  • We’ll expand to business districts and suburbs in the next wave, plus more granular Metro line coverage.

FAQ

Q: Is eSIM faster than a physical SIM in Paris?
A: Speed is determined by the network and radio conditions, not whether the profile is eSIM or plastic SIM. eSIM simply makes it easier to switch networks and plans.

Q: What’s better for calls: hotel Wi‑Fi or mobile data?
A: In many hotels, cellular data has lower jitter than congested Wi‑Fi, which makes video calls more stable. Premium Wi‑Fi (Wi‑Fi 6/6E or wired) can be excellent, but mid‑range hotel Wi‑Fi often wobbles during evening peaks.

Q: Does the Paris Metro have full 4G/5G coverage?
A: Platforms are well covered. In tunnels, you’ll see brief dips and jitter spikes during handovers. Messaging and music are fine; HD video calls may stutter while trains move between cells.

Q: How much speed do I actually need?
A: For maps and messaging: 1–5 Mbps. For HD video calls: 5–10 Mbps with latency <50 ms and jitter <20 ms. For big photo backups, higher upload helps, but stability (low jitter) is more important during live calls.

Q: Any quick fixes if speeds feel erratic indoors?
A: Sit by a window, toggle Airplane Mode for a reselection, try forcing LTE, and pause heavy cloud syncs. If Wi‑Fi is the issue, jump to cellular tethering.

Q: I’m visiting multiple countries. Can one plan cover me?
A: Yes. Use Esim Western Europe for multi‑country trips. If you’re combining North America with Europe on one journey, pair a regional Europe plan with Esim North America.

Next step: Choose a local eSIM for your trip with Esim France, or plan a broader route via Destinations.

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Andes Highlights (3 Weeks): Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina Connectivity

Andes Highlights (3 Weeks): Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina Connectivity

Planning a south america itinerary 3 weeks through the high Andes? This route stitches together Peru’s Sacred Valley, Bolivia’s La Paz and Salar de Uyuni, Chile’s Atacama Desert, and northern Argentina’s quebradas or Mendoza wine country—often by long-distance bus and a couple of short flights. Connectivity is different at altitude: coverage is strong in cities but drops in high passes and salt flats; bus Wi‑Fi is patchy; border towns can be blackspots. The smart move is an eSIM with multi‑country coverage, backed by offline maps, offline translations, and a simple routine for crossing borders by bus without losing service. Below you’ll find a practical, connectivity-first itinerary; checklists to prep your phone, apps and documents; and on-the-ground tips for staying online where it matters: booking transport, hailing taxis, backing up photos, and navigating when the signal disappears.If you’re transiting via Europe or North America, you can also add a layover eSIM to stay connected door-to-door. Start with our country list on Destinations, then follow the steps, and you won’t waste time chasing SIM shops at 3,500 metres.The 3‑week Andes route at a glanceWeek 1: Peru (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu) - Fly into Cusco (or Lima then connect). - Base in Cusco; day trips to Pisac/Chinchero/Maras–Moray. - Train to Aguas Calientes; Machu Picchu visit; return to Cusco or continue to Puno/Lake Titicaca.Week 2: Bolivia and Chile (La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro de Atacama) - Bus/collectivo via Copacabana to La Paz. - Fly or overnight bus to Uyuni. - 3‑day Uyuni–altiplano tour ending in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile).Week 3: Chile and Argentina (Atacama to Salta or Mendoza/Buenos Aires) - Choose: - North: San Pedro to Salta/Jujuy by bus; fly to Buenos Aires. - Or South: San Pedro–Calama flight to Santiago; bus or flight to Mendoza; onward to Buenos Aires.Connectivity notes (quick): - Cities: generally strong 4G/4G+; 5G in major hubs (Santiago, Buenos Aires). - Altitude/rural: expect long no‑signal stretches (Uyuni, altiplano passes, Paso Jama). - Bus Wi‑Fi: often advertised, rarely reliable. Plan to be offline onboard. - Border regions: networks switch; a multi‑country eSIM avoids sudden loss.eSIM vs local SIMs for a 4‑country tripFor a route with multiple borders and remote legs, eSIM wins on time and reliability.What a multi‑country eSIM gets you: - One plan across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina (check coverage per country on Destinations). - No passport/SIM registration queues at kiosks. - Keep your home number active on the physical SIM for calls/SMS codes. - Instant top‑ups if you burn data on photos or navigation.When a local SIM still helps: - Long stay in one country with heavy data use (e.g., a month in Buenos Aires). - Dead zones where a different local network performs better (rarely worth the hassle on a 3‑week pace).Practical approach: - Use an eSIM as your primary data line across all four countries. - If you find a specific local network far better in one region, add a cheap local SIM and keep the eSIM as backup.Device readiness checklist (before you fly)1) Check eSIM compatibility and SIM‑lock status on your phone.2) Buy and install your eSIM while on home Wi‑Fi. Keep a PDF/printed copy of the QR code.3) Label lines clearly (e.g., “eSIM Andes Data”, “Home SIM”).4) Turn on data roaming for the eSIM; leave roaming off for your home SIM to avoid charges.5) Set up dual‑SIM rules: data on eSIM; calls/SMS default to home SIM if needed.6) Download offline: Google Maps/Organic Maps for all target regions; language packs (Spanish at minimum); bus/air tickets; hotel confirmations.7) Cloud backups: set to upload on Wi‑Fi only; pre‑create shared albums for travel companions.8) Test tethering/hotspot with your laptop/tablet.If you’re transiting popular hubs, consider a short layover eSIM: - USA connections: add an Esim United States or a broader Esim North America.- Europe connections: Madrid/Barcelona? Use an Esim Spain. Paris or Rome? See Esim France and Esim Italy. Multi‑country layovers? Try Esim Western Europe.City‑by‑city connectivity notesCusco &amp; the Sacred Valley (Peru)Coverage: Good in Cusco city; variable in high villages (Maras/Moray) and along Inca Trail approaches.Tips: Download Sacred Valley maps offline; pin viewpoints and ruins. most taxis use WhatsApp—save your accommodation’s number.Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes: Patchy to none at the citadel. Upload your photos later; don’t rely on live ticket retrieval.Lake Titicaca: Puno and CopacabanaPuno: Reasonable 4G; bus terminals crowded—screenshot QR tickets.Crossing to Copacabana: Expect a signal drop around the border; have directions saved offline.La Paz (Bolivia)Good urban 4G; the cable car network has decent signal but tunnels do not.Yungas/“Death Road” tours: Mountain valleys cause dead zones—share your emergency contacts with the operator, carry a charged power bank, and don’t plan remote calls.Uyuni and the Altiplano (Bolivia to Chile)Uyuni town: OK 4G; ATMs finicky—use Wi‑Fi for banking apps.Salt flats/lagunas: Assume offline for most of the 3‑day tour. Guides often carry satellite phones; agree a pickup time/place in San Pedro and preload your map route.San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)Town: Solid 4G; accommodations often have Wi‑Fi but speeds vary.Geysers, Valle de la Luna: Offline navigation essential; sunrise trips start before mobile networks wake up in some areas.Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza/Buenos Aires (Argentina)Salta/Jujuy: Good city coverage; quebradas have long no‑signal sections.Mendoza: City 4G/5G; vineyards outside town can be patchy.Buenos Aires: Strong 4G/5G; ideal for cloud backups and large downloads before you fly home.Border crossings by bus: step‑by‑stepThe big ones on this route: Peru–Bolivia (Puno/Copacabana), Bolivia–Chile (Uyuni–San Pedro via Hito Cajón), Chile–Argentina (Paso Jama to Salta or Los Libertadores to Mendoza).How to keep service and sanity:1) The day before:- Top up your eSIM data.- Confirm your plan includes both countries you’re entering/leaving.- Download offline maps for both sides of the border and your town of arrival.- Save bus company WhatsApp and terminal address offline.2) On departure morning:- Keep a paper copy or offline PDF of tickets, insurance, and accommodation proof.- Charge phone and power bank; pack a short cable in your daypack.3) On the bus:- Don’t count on bus Wi‑Fi. Keep your eSIM as primary, but expect drops near mountain passes.- If your phone supports it, enable “Wi‑Fi calling” for later when you reach accommodation Wi‑Fi.4) At the border posts:- Data may be unavailable. Keep QR codes and booking numbers offline.- After exiting one country and entering the next, toggle Airplane Mode off/on to re‑register on the new network.- If the eSIM doesn’t attach, manually select a network in Mobile Settings.5) Arrival:- Send your accommodation a quick WhatsApp when you’re back online.- Recheck your eSIM’s data roaming is on; confirm you’re on an in‑country network, not a weak roaming partner.Pro tips: - Dual profiles: If your eSIM allows, keep a secondary profile for a different network in the same country—helpful in border towns.- Cash buffer: Some border terminals don’t accept cards; download a currency converter for offline use.Offline survival kit (5‑minute setup)Maps: Download regions for Cusco, Sacred Valley, Puno, La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro, Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza, and Buenos Aires.Translations: Download Spanish for offline use; add phrasebook favourites (bus tickets, directions, dietary needs).Documents: Save PDFs of passports, tickets, hotel addresses; star them for quick access.Rides: Screenshots of pickup points; pin bus terminals and hotel doors.Entertainment: Podcasts and playlists for long bus legs, set to download on Wi‑Fi only.Altitude and your tech: what changesCoverage gaps lengthen: Fewer towers at high altitude; valleys can block signal. Assume offline on remote excursions.Batteries drain faster in cold: Keep your phone warm and carry a power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh).Hotel Wi‑Fi may be congested: Schedule big uploads (photo backups, app updates) for big-city stays like Santiago or Buenos Aires.GPS still works offline: Your blue dot shows on offline maps without data—preload everything.Data budgeting for 3 weeksTypical traveller usage across this route: - Messaging/Maps/Bookings: 0.2–0.5 GB/day- Social and photo sharing: 0.3–0.7 GB/day- Occasional video calls/streaming: 0.5–1.0 GB/dayFor a mixed-use trip, plan 15–25 GB for 3 weeks. Heavy creators should double it and upload over hotel Wi‑Fi when possible. If you work remotely, consider a higher‑capacity plan and a backup eSIM; see our guidance on For Business.Practical route with transport and connectivity cuesDays 1–4 Cusco base: Strong city signal; day trips may be spotty—go offline-ready.Days 5–6 Machu Picchu: Expect no service at the ruins; sync tickets ahead.Days 7–8 Puno to La Paz via Copacabana: Border signal drop; re‑register networks after crossing.Days 9–11 Uyuni tour to San Pedro: Treat as offline; charge nightly; carry spare cables.Days 12–14 San Pedro: Stable in town; tours offline; top up data before Paso Jama.Days 15–17 Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza: Good urban 4G; rural patches are offline.Days 18–21 Buenos Aires: Strongest connectivity of the trip; clear your uploads and map downloads for the flight home.Partnering and stopover extrasHospitality and tour operators in the Andes: help your guests stay connected—explore co‑branded solutions via our Partner Hub.Transatlantic flyers: test your eSIM setup on a layover with an Esim United States or Esim Western Europe before hitting high-altitude blackspots.FAQs1) Do I need a local SIM in each country?No. A multi‑country eSIM covering Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina is simpler and works well for a 3‑week pace. Consider a local SIM only if you’ll spend longer in one country and want the absolute best regional coverage.2) Will my WhatsApp number change with an eSIM?No. WhatsApp is tied to your registered number, not your data line. Keep your home SIM active for voice/SMS (roaming off if you wish), and use the eSIM for data—WhatsApp continues as normal.3) Can I hotspot to my laptop or camera?Yes. Enable tethering on your eSIM. Mind your data: cloud backups and OS updates can burn gigabytes—set them to Wi‑Fi only or schedule in big cities.4) What if there’s no signal on the Uyuni/Atacama legs?That’s expected. GPS still works offline. Pre-download maps and translations, carry a power bank, and sync plans with your tour operator before departure.5) Will I get roaming charges at borders?If you’re using a multi‑country eSIM with coverage in both countries, you won’t incur extra roaming fees from your home carrier. Keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid accidental use.6) I’m connecting via Europe or the US—worth getting a layover eSIM?Yes. It’s an easy way to test your setup and stay reachable. Try Esim North America or country options like Esim Spain, Esim France, or Esim Italy for common hubs.Next step: Browse South America coverage options and build your plan on Destinations.

31 Oct 2025
Data Price Drop: Lower €/GB Across Europe & Asia Regions

Data Price Drop: Lower €/GB Across Europe & Asia Regions

Good news for travellers: we’ve lowered the effective €/GB across our Europe and Asia regional eSIM plans. Whether you’re planning a Western Europe rail trip, a multi-city dash through Southeast Asia, or a week in Paris, your data now goes further for less. This change applies to popular regional and single-country bundles, with the biggest savings on 5 GB–20 GB tiers. The new pricing is live now for new purchases, and rolling out across the app and checkout over the coming days. If you’ve been eyeing a regional pass for seamless roaming, now’s the time to lock it in.Prices shown at checkout reflect your location, taxes where applicable, and live exchange rates. Coverage varies by plan—check supported countries on Destinations. Below you’ll find a before/after snapshot, who’s eligible, the timeline, and simple steps to switch to a lower-cost plan.What’s changing: lower €/GB in Europe and AsiaWe’ve optimised carrier agreements and passed the savings to you. Expect:Regional Europe plans down by 15–25% effective €/GB on key bundles.Asia regional packs reduced by 12–22% on average.Deeper discounts on 10 GB and 20 GB tiers for long-weekend and multi-week trips.Single-country plans in high-demand destinations (France, Italy, Spain) now more competitive, making them a smart pick when your itinerary is fixed.Want to compare coverage footprints? Browse regions and countries on Destinations, or jump straight to curated pages such as Esim Western Europe, Esim France, Esim Italy, and Esim Spain.Headline reductions at a glanceWestern Europe regional 10 GB: typical effective €/GB down from ~€2.70 to ~€2.10.Pan-Europe regional 20 GB: effective €/GB from ~€2.40 to ~€1.95.Asia regional 5 GB: effective €/GB from ~€3.20 to ~€2.40.Select single-country (France/Italy/Spain) 3–5 GB: effective €/GB from ~€3.00 to ~€2.20–€2.40.Notes: - Exact prices vary by bundle size, country mix, and real-time FX. - Performance and access technology (4G/5G) are unchanged; you’re just paying less per GB.Before and after: quick tableThese examples illustrate the new structure for popular bundles. See live pricing per destination on Destinations.Plan typeExample bundleBeforeNow€/GB before€/GB nowWestern Europe (regional)5 GB / 15 days€15.00€11.00€3.00€2.20Western Europe (regional)10 GB / 30 days€27.00€21.00€2.70€2.10Pan-Europe (regional)20 GB / 30 days€48.00€39.00€2.40€1.95Asia (regional)5 GB / 15 days€16.00€12.00€3.20€2.40Asia (regional)10 GB / 30 days€29.00€23.00€2.90€2.30France (single-country)3 GB / 15 days€9.00€6.90€3.00€2.30Italy (single-country)5 GB / 15 days€14.00€11.50€2.80€2.30Spain (single-country)5 GB / 15 days€14.00€11.50€2.80€2.30Tip: If you’ll hop between UK, France, Italy, and Spain, a regional pass like Esim Western Europe often beats stacking multiple single-country plans.Who’s eligible and whenNew purchases: New prices are live now. If you buy today, you’ll see the reduced rates at checkout.Existing customers (active plan): Your current active eSIM keeps its original price and data. Any top-ups or new bundles you add will use the new pricing.Existing customers (unused plan): If you bought but haven’t installed or used data yet, you can typically switch to a cheaper equivalent by purchasing the new plan and contacting support to retire the unused one. Final eligibility depends on usage status.Auto-renew and scheduled plans: Future renewals and scheduled activations will bill at the new price.Business accounts: Organisation workspaces get the new pricing automatically. See For Business for centralised billing and fleet controls.Partners and resellers: Pricing updates are reflected in the dashboard and catalogues. Check the Partner Hub for updated SKUs and assets.Timeline: - Effective immediately on web, app updates rolling out now; all storefronts complete within a few days. - No end date—this is the new base pricing. Promotions may further reduce costs during peak seasons.How to switch to a cheaper planIf you’re mid-trip or planning ahead, use the path that fits your situation.If you haven’t installed or used dataBuy the equivalent new plan at the lower price.Do not install or activate the old eSIM.Contact support in-app with both order numbers and request a swap to the new plan.We’ll retire the unused one and keep you on the lower rate.If your current plan is activeOption A: Add a top-up or buy a second bundle on the same eSIM profile. The new add-on will reflect the lower €/GB.Option B: Install a fresh eSIM for the new plan and switch your Mobile Data line to it when ready.Checklist for a smooth switch: - Confirm your device supports multiple eSIM profiles.- Note your remaining data—use it up before switching if you prefer.- Keep data roaming on for the active eSIM only.- Run a quick speed test in your current location after switching.Which plan should you pick?Use the price drop to optimise for your actual route, not just a headline region.Western Europe city-hopping: Pick a regional plan for cross-border continuity such as Esim Western Europe. Great if you’ll cover France, Italy, Spain and neighbours in one trip.Single-country stays: If you’ll be largely in one country, a local plan can be even cheaper. See Esim France, Esim Italy, and Esim Spain.Asia multi-country loops: Asia regional plans now deliver better €/GB—ideal for Thailand–Vietnam–Malaysia circuits without SIM swaps.Transatlantic add-on: Heading to North America after Europe? Queue a regional pack like Esim North America or country-specific Esim United States for a seamless handover.Not sure what’s covered? The live country list per plan is always current on Destinations.Pro tips to stretch your data even furtherDownload heavy items on Wi‑Fi: Maps, playlists, and streaming episodes for offline use.Control background data: Disable auto-updates and cloud photo sync while roaming.Prefer 4G if 5G is patchy: In some areas, locking to 4G can stabilise performance and reduce battery drain.Tether responsibly: Personal hotspots are supported on most plans; watch your GB burn rate if you’re sharing with a laptop.Set data alerts: Use your phone’s built-in data usage alerts at 80% and 95%.Keep your primary SIM for calls/SMS: Use eSIM for data only to avoid unexpected voice charges.Frequently asked questions1) Do I need a new eSIM to get the lower price?No. You only need a new purchase (top-up or bundle) to benefit from the new €/GB. Your existing eSIM profile can host additional bundles at the new rate.2) Will network speed or coverage change with the price drop?No. Network partners, access technologies (4G/5G) and fair usage terms are unchanged. What’s changed is how much you pay per GB.3) I bought last week at the old price. Can I get the new rate?If your plan is completely unused (not installed and no data consumed), contact support and we’ll help you move to a lower-priced equivalent. If it’s already in use, the new rate applies to any top-ups or future purchases.4) Are single-country plans cheaper than regional now?Often, yes—especially for fixed itineraries. Compare local options such as Esim France, Esim Italy, or Esim Spain against regional bundles on Destinations.5) Does this affect business accounts and invoices?Yes. The new pricing flows through to team purchases and consolidated invoices. If you manage multiple travellers, visit For Business to enable central payment, policy controls, and reporting.6) I’m a reseller/affiliate. Where can I get updated SKUs and creatives?The latest price files and marketing assets are in the Partner Hub. If your catalogue syncs via API, the new rates populate automatically.What this means for your tripsLower €/GB unlocks more freedom to navigate, translate, ride-share, and stream—without rationing data. For weekend breaks, smaller bundles are more affordable; for remote work and multi-country loops, larger packs now stretch further. If you’re combining regions (Europe then North America) or mixing single-country and regional plans, it’s easier to stack exactly what you need at the lowest total cost.As always, check the live country lists and bundles on Destinations and choose the plan that matches your route and usage.Next step: Compare live Europe and Asia plans and pick your bundle on Destinations.

31 Oct 2025
Airport & Underground Coverage: Why Signal Drops and What To Do

Airport & Underground Coverage: Why Signal Drops and What To Do

Travelling often means jumping from open streets into steel-and-glass terminals and deep underground platforms. It’s no surprise your bars can vanish at the worst moments: boarding passes won’t load, ride-hail pickups fail, and messages loop endlessly. Airport and metro environments are brutal for radio signals, with thick materials, interference, and rapid movement that stress even the best networks. The good news: with a little prep and the right settings, you can keep your phone usable through most weak-signal zones. In this guide, we explain exactly why coverage collapses in airports and tunnels, how modern networks try to fix it (from distributed antenna systems to femtocells and “leaky feeder” cables), and what you can do—step by step—to stay connected. We also cover Wi‑Fi calling as a fallback and what happens if you need to place an emergency call when your device shows no service. If you’re planning trips, we’ll show how the right eSIM choice helps too.Why airports and subways kill your signalThe physics problemMaterials: Reinforced concrete, metal cladding, and low‑emissivity glass reflect and absorb mobile signals, especially higher‑frequency 4G/5G bands.Distance and line of sight: You’re often far from macro towers, buried below street level, or behind multiple walls.Crowds: Thousands of devices in a terminal create contention and interference; uplink (your phone to the network) becomes the bottleneck.The mobility problemHandoffs: Moving quickly—airport rail links, shuttles, escalators—forces frequent “handoffs” between cells. If the handoff fails or the next cell is congested, calls drop and data stalls.Bands and tech mix: Networks may drop you from 5G to 4G to 3G/2G for coverage. Each step down can disrupt active sessions.The infrastructure gapNot every venue invests in indoor solutions. Where they do, systems vary:DAS (Distributed Antenna System): A network of indoor antennas rebroadcasting outdoor cell coverage inside terminals and concourses.Small cells/femtocells: Mini base stations installed for targeted capacity—lounges, gates, or staff areas.In tunnels: “Leaky feeder” coaxial cables or dedicated radiating antennas carry mobile signals along the track.Multi-operator support varies. One operator may have great signal; another may have none.How networks try to keep you connectedLow-band spectrum: 700–800 MHz bands penetrate buildings better; you’ll often see more bars on these, though speeds may be lower.Carrier aggregation and DSS: Combine bands or share 4G/5G to keep sessions alive as you move between cells.VoLTE and VoWiFi: Modern calling stays on 4G/5G or falls back to Wi‑Fi calling, reducing circuit-switched handoff issues.Priority paths: Airports sometimes prioritise back-of-house and critical services. Public areas may share limited capacity.Emergency handling: Networks attempt to place emergency calls on any available cell, sometimes even on a rival network, depending on local regulations.Before you go: a 10‑minute prep checklistInstall a local or regional eSIM - A multi-network or strong local profile can massively improve indoor performance. - Regional options like Esim Western Europe or Esim North America let your phone choose among partner networks. - Check country specifics on Destinations or install a country plan such as Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy, or Esim Spain.Enable Wi‑Fi calling - iOS: Settings &gt; Mobile Data &gt; Wi‑Fi Calling. - Android (varies): Settings &gt; Network &amp; Internet &gt; Mobile network &gt; Wi‑Fi calling. - Confirm your phone shows “Wi‑Fi” or an icon in the dialler when active.Download essentials for offline access - Boarding passes, rail tickets, hotel directions, offline maps, and translation packs. - Authentication apps: sync or note backup codes to avoid SMS dependency.Adjust network settings - Prefer 4G/5G Auto; avoid “5G Only”. - Turn on Data Saver/Low Data Mode to handle captive Wi‑Fi and weak uplinks.Power plan - Weak signal drains batteries fast. Start with 70%+ and carry a power bank.Pro tip: Add airline and airport apps to “unrestricted battery” so they can load passes on flaky connections.At the airport: practical tactics that workUse venue connectivity wiselyJoin official airport Wi‑Fi and complete the captive portal; Wi‑Fi calling may not activate until the portal is cleared.If Wi‑Fi calling still won’t engage:Toggle Airplane Mode on, then enable Wi‑Fi only to force calling over Wi‑Fi.Disable VPN temporarily; some VPNs block Wi‑Fi calling’s IMS traffic.Forget and rejoin Wi‑Fi if the portal pops up again.Choose your spotNear windows or open atriums generally improves signal.Avoid dense metal structures (security lanes) and sublevels when placing important calls.Lounges may have small cells; a quick signal check can be worthwhile.Manage handoffsIf a call keeps dropping as you move, step aside and finish the call stationary.For video calls, switch to audio or pause video while walking between concourses.If data stalls but bars look fineTry switching to 4G/LTE from 5G; some indoor DAS nodes still deliver steadier 4G.Toggle Mobile Data off/on, or briefly toggle Airplane Mode to trigger reselection.Manually select a different network if your eSIM allows it.Pro tip: Some gates have better indoor coverage because they sit under newer DAS clusters. If you find one that loads fast, stay put while you upload photos or sync documents.Underground and on the metro: what’s differentNot all lines have mobile coverage. Some systems cover platforms only, others include tunnels, and some rely purely on station Wi‑Fi.Coverage can switch every few hundred metres as the train passes tunnel antennas, causing brief dropouts.Speed matters: fast lines can outrun small-cell footprints, making uplink patchy.Staying connected below groundMake Wi‑Fi your default:Set your phone to auto-join official metro Wi‑Fi; finish any captive portal step at the first station.Keep Wi‑Fi calling enabled. You can often place calls and send messages between stops.Prepare for tunnel blackouts:Queue messages and downloads.Use offline navigation between stations and refresh when the train stops.For critical tasks:Wait for a station with platform coverage.If you must call, stand near the platform centre where antennas are typically positioned.Pro tip: If the metro has partial coverage, switch chat apps to “low bandwidth” or audio-only modes to ride out tunnel gaps.What if you need to call emergency services?Your phone will attempt to place emergency calls (e.g., 112, 911, 999) on any available network, even if your own provider has no service. This behaviour depends on local regulations and device support but is widely implemented.If you see “No Service”:Try the emergency number anyway; the phone will scan for any cell that can carry the call.Move towards open areas, station entrances, or near windows to improve odds.Wi‑Fi calling and emergencies:In many countries, emergency calls are supported over Wi‑Fi calling, but not everywhere. If Wi‑Fi is the only option, complete the captive portal and try—your phone will choose the best available path.If Wi‑Fi calling is unavailable for emergency calls, the device will attempt cellular instead.Location sharing:Modern systems can transmit your location (Advanced Mobile Location/AML) when you call emergency numbers. This may not work over all Wi‑Fi networks.Note: Rules and capabilities vary by country and operator. If in doubt, move to an area with clear cellular coverage as soon as it’s safe.Troubleshooting quick winsTry these in order when signal or data misbehaves:Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off.Turn Wi‑Fi off and on; complete any captive portals.Switch network mode to 4G/LTE and back to 5G Auto later.Manually select a different partner network (if your eSIM allows).Reset network settings only if the above fails (you’ll need to rejoin Wi‑Fi networks).Pro tip: Save your eSIM QR and plan details offline before you travel in case you need to reinstall after a network reset.Picking the right eSIM for hard-to-reach placesPrefer plans with multi-network access in your destination so your phone can latch onto the operator with the best indoor/DAS presence.If you’re visiting multiple countries or transiting through major hubs, regional eSIMs simplify coverage:Esim Western Europe for intra‑EU travel where metro coverage varies city by city.Esim North America for the US and Canada, where low-band 5G/4G differs by carrier and airport DAS deployments are uneven.Country-specific options can outperform roaming in airports with single-operator DAS:Esim United StatesEsim FranceEsim ItalyEsim SpainCheck operator notes and airport/metro coverage on Destinations.For teams on the move, pooled data and policy controls help ensure staff stay reachable in terminals and tunnels. See For Business for options. Venue and travel partners exploring indoor solutions can visit our Partner Hub.Tech corner: femtocells, DAS, and “leaky feeders” explainedFemtocells and small cells: Low‑power base stations that improve coverage in a small area like a lounge or gate cluster. They attach to backhaul (often fibre) and broadcast licensed spectrum.DAS: A centralised system that pulls in operator signals and redistributes them via fibre/coax to many indoor antennas. Great for large airports where uniform coverage is needed.Leaky feeder cables: Special coax that acts like a long antenna, “leaking” RF along tunnels so trains and platforms receive consistent signal. Common in metros and long airport service tunnels.Handoffs: Your device measures signal quality and the network commands a move to a better cell. In dense or poorly tuned systems, handoffs can fail, causing drops. Staying still during calls helps.Fast setup steps (iOS and Android)Force Wi‑Fi callingiOS: Control Centre &gt; enable Airplane Mode &gt; turn Wi‑Fi back on &gt; ensure “Wi‑Fi” shows in the Phone app status line.Android: Quick Settings &gt; Airplane Mode &gt; enable Wi‑Fi; confirm Wi‑Fi calling icon in the dialler or status bar.Lock to LTE temporarilyiOS: Settings &gt; Mobile Data &gt; Voice &amp; Data &gt; 4G.Android: Settings &gt; Network &amp; Internet &gt; Mobile network &gt; Preferred network type &gt; LTE/4G.Switch networksiOS: Settings &gt; Mobile Data &gt; Network Selection &gt; turn off Automatic and pick another partner.Android: Settings &gt; Mobile network &gt; Network operators &gt; Search networks.Pro tip: After leaving the airport or surfacing from the metro, return to Automatic network selection and 5G Auto.FAQsWhy do I have full bars but no data in an airport?Indoor systems can show strong signal but be congested on the backhaul or uplink. Try switching to 4G/LTE, move to a quieter spot, or use airport Wi‑Fi with Wi‑Fi calling.Does 5G work underground?Often only low‑band 5G or 4G is deployed in tunnels. High‑band 5G (especially mmWave) struggles with penetration and is rare below ground.Will Wi‑Fi calling charge me roaming fees?Wi‑Fi calling uses the internet, not cellular roaming, but call billing depends on your home operator. For data, airport Wi‑Fi is typically free or time‑limited. Using a local eSIM avoids surprises.Can I rely on emergency calls without mobile coverage?Your phone will try any available cellular network for an emergency call. It may also attempt the call over Wi‑Fi if supported. This is common but not guaranteed everywhere.Why does my battery drain faster in terminals and tunnels?Phones boost transmit power and scan more aggressively when signal is weak. Use Low Power Mode, keep a power bank handy, and prefer Wi‑Fi when available.Should I turn off 5G to save battery indoors?Sometimes. If 5G is weak or inconsistent, locking to 4G can stabilise connectivity and reduce scanning.The bottom lineAirports and underground systems are challenging radio environments. Expect reflections, rapid handoffs, and capacity crunches—then prepare accordingly: enable Wi‑Fi calling, carry a multi‑network eSIM, download essentials for offline use, and know a few quick toggles to recover service when it falters. With the right setup, you’ll get your boarding pass, message your pickup, and place calls even when your bars dip.Next step: Choose a regional plan that keeps you covered across borders and terminals. Start with Esim Western Europe.

31 Oct 2025