Using Lebara in Europe: My Travel SIM for France, Belgium, Spain and Portugal

Last Updated: April 21, 2026

Using Lebara in Europe has been one of those small travel upgrades that has saved me a lot of hassle. I keep Lebara as a second SIM in my iPhone, and I have used it for data in France, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. It has never let me down.

Why I Started Using Lebara as a Travel SIM

I originally liked the idea of Lebara because it is cheap enough to keep as a second SIM. I break down the exact dual-SIM setup in this Best Second SIM for iPhone UK guide. My main SIM does the normal everyday job, but no network is perfect everywhere. When the main SIM struggles, Lebara gives me another route onto mobile data.

That backup idea becomes even more useful abroad. On European trips, I do not want to mess around looking for local SIM shops, scanning QR codes in a rush, or relying on hotel Wi-Fi that may or may not work. I want data that is already set up before I leave.

For me, that is where using Lebara in Europe makes sense. It is already in the phone. I already know how the app works. I can switch my iPhone's mobile data line when I need it, and I can top up if a trip uses more data than expected.

Where I Have Used Lebara in Europe

I have personally used Lebara in:

• France for maps, messages, browsing and travel admin
• Belgium while moving around and checking route information
• Spain for mobile data on holiday and day-to-day travel use
• Portugal for maps, apps, browsing and keeping connected away from Wi-Fi

Across those trips, it has worked amazingly well for me. I am not saying every single location in Europe will be perfect, because roaming depends on local partner networks and coverage. But in the places I have used it, Lebara has been quick, reliable and good enough that I stopped thinking about it. That is exactly what I want from a travel SIM.

What I Use Lebara Data For Abroad

Most travel data use is boring, but boring is important. I use it for:

• Google Maps and Apple Maps
• WhatsApp and iMessage
• Email and booking confirmations
• Hotel, ferry, airline and parking apps
• Restaurant searches and opening times
• Banking apps and two-factor checks
• Occasional tethering when Wi-Fi is poor
• Uploading photos or checking cloud backups

That is why I care about reliability more than a theoretical top speed test. When I am abroad, I want the phone to work when I need directions, booking details or a quick search. Lebara has handled that well for me.

If your travel costs are starting to stack up, this pairs well with the tips in my guide to avoiding foreign transaction fees when travelling. Mobile data and card fees are two areas where small choices can save a surprising amount.

The Best Part: It Is Useful at Home Too

A lot of travel SIMs are only useful when you are away. Lebara is different for me because I use it in the UK as well. If my main SIM has weak signal, I can switch data to Lebara. That makes it easier to justify keeping it active, because it is not a once-a-year holiday purchase.

This is the bit I think more people should consider. If your iPhone supports dual SIM, a cheap second SIM can be a practical backup. You get another network, another data allowance, and a travel option in the same setup.

Topping Up Data While Travelling

When I am abroad, I like knowing I can add data if I use more than expected. In my own account, I have seen extra data at around £10 for 20GB, which is excellent value if you burn through your normal package. Prices and add-ons can change, so check your own MyLebara account before relying on a specific amount.

My practical advice is to sort this before travelling:

1. Install the MyLebara app.
2. Log in before leaving the UK.
3. Check your plan, allowance and roaming status.
4. Make sure your payment card works.
5. Know where the add-ons or top-up section is before you need it.

If you run out of data in a busy train station, that is not the moment to discover you cannot remember your password.

Lebara vs a Travel eSIM for Europe

I still think travel eSIMs have a place. They can be brilliant for one-off trips, especially outside Europe. But for regular UK users travelling around Europe, Lebara has a big advantage: it is not just a travel product.

• Lebara: better if you want a UK SIM that also works well for European roaming
• Travel eSIM: better if you need a short-term data-only package for a specific destination
• Main network roaming pass: easiest if included, expensive if charged daily

For my use, Lebara wins because it gives me value before, during and after the trip.

For the more technical roaming details, read my Lebara EU roaming explained guide.

Who Should Consider Using Lebara in Europe?

I would consider it if you:

• Travel to Europe a few times a year
• Want a cheap second SIM for your iPhone
• Need backup data in the UK and abroad
• Do not want to pay daily roaming fees
• Want included international minutes as part of the same plan
• Like having the option to buy more data if needed

I would be more cautious if you need guaranteed heavy hotspot use every day, or if Vodafone coverage is poor where you live. Check coverage and current roaming rules first.

How to Get Started with Lebara Before a Europe Trip

1. Use the referral link to get the current 50% off for 3 months offer.
2. Choose a plan with enough data for both UK and travel use.
3. Activate your SIM before your trip.
4. Add it to your iPhone as your second SIM.
5. Turn on roaming for the Lebara SIM before travelling.
6. Test mobile data while still in the UK.
7. Keep the MyLebara app ready in case you need more data abroad.

You can start with my full Lebara referral code guide, which explains the 50% off offer and how the signup works.

Final Verdict: Is Lebara Good for Europe?

Yes. Based on my own use, using Lebara in Europe has been excellent value. It has worked well for me in France, Belgium, Spain and Portugal, and it gives me exactly what I want from a travel SIM: reliable data, easy top-ups, no extra faff, and value that still makes sense when I am back in the UK.

The referral offer makes it even easier to try, because new customers can get 50% off for the first 3 months on eligible plans.

Source note: roaming countries, data add-ons and fair use limits can change. Check your live Lebara plan and account before travelling.

Steven

I’m Steven, founder of MoneyAppReviews. I test money apps, referral programs, and EV tools in real life before I write about them. I drive a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, use Octopus Intelligent Go for home charging, and regularly track costs, savings, and app performance over time. I focus on practical, evidence-based reviews that help people decide what is actually worth using, not just what pays the highest commission.