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Best prepaid uk esim | data plan buyer’s guide.

A guide to finding the best prepaid eSIM data plans for visiting the United Kingdom

phones and technology

uk tourist esim

Before visiting the United Kingdom you’ll want to ensure you have a high-speed mobile data plan for your phone. But don’t make the expensive mistake of using your home plan’s data package because you could get hit with a huge bill. Luckily, UK eSIM data plans are very affordable and easy to set up.

In this guide, I’ll cover how to find the best UK eSIM data plan that will give you consistent high-speed mobile data without spending a lot of money.

Why It’s Best To Not Use Your Home Plan’s International Data Plan in The UK

Your current mobile phone provider likely offers an international data plan option but this is typically expensive and the service is often slow, inconsistent, and has limited data allowances.

For example, If you’re American, the AT&T International Day Pass costs $10/day, Verizon TravelPass is also $10/day, and many T-Mobile plans offer free international roaming but you’re only guaranteed 2g data speeds… which will struggle to load Google Maps or even email. Some of these plans offer “unlimited” data but you only get 1-2GB/day of 4G data before you’re throttled down to 3G speeds. Canadian and Australian carriers probably offer similar packages.

These “international data plans” are 5X as expensive as buying a UK eSIM data plan—for example, eSIM data plans from Orange or Holafly will cost you around $2-$3/day.

On a personal note, I use T-Mobile as my domestic carrier and I can attest that I’ve gotten very inconsistent data speeds when using their free international data roaming plan while visiting Europe. For example, I was in Barcelona in March 2024 and about 20% of the time service was slow but somewhat usable but the other 80% of the time I couldn’t even load a simple webpage or use Google Maps. After a few days, I switched to Holafly and had zero problems.

For more in-depth information, check out The Savvy Backpacker’s guide on How To Use Smartphones and Data Plans In Europe and The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To Using eSIM data plans in Europe .

Comparing The Best eSIM Data Plans for the UK

uk tourist esim

Brexit and Data Roaming: By EU law, data roaming fees within EU countries have been banned since so, for example, an Italian plan will work seamlessly in France, Germany, Spain, etc. But the United Kingdom is no longer covered by this rule since they left the EU in 2020. As of now, many data plans still operate as they did before Brexit but there is a possibility that some UK eSIM data plans might not work in the rest of Europe and vice versa. I’ll try to emphasize this for each plan I recommend below.

There are a handful of different mobile providers that offer eSIM data plans in the UK.

The first (and most complicated) option is to buy an eSIM data plan directly from one of the main UK mobile carriers ( Vodafone UK , BT/EE , O2 UK , and Three UK ). The problem for visitors is that many of these UK plans are intended for people who live in the United Kingdom so you’re forced to sign up for a long-term contract. This can be a good deal if you’re visiting the UK for multiple months but this isn’t the case for most travelers.

For tourists, the best option is buying a prepaid UK eSim data plan geared toward short-term visitors. These plans are much more “tourist-friendly” so you don’t have to mess with registration, etc.

For this guide, I’ll focus on these “tourist-friendly” eSIM plans.

Each eSIM plan I list in this guide will vary slightly so spend time looking at the specific details of each plan. But here are the main things to consider:

  • Data Allowance: Most plans give you a set amount of mobile data (i.e. 5GB, 10GB, 30GB, etc) but others give you unlimited data over a set amount of time (5 days, 15 days, 30 days, etc).
  • Plan Length: eSIM data plans can be valid anywhere from about 5 days to 90 days. It depends on your plan so it’s something you’ll want to consider when picking a plan.
  • Mobile Hot Spot Tethering: Most eSIM plans don’t allow you to use your phone as a mobile hot spot.
  • NOTE: You can still use iMessage to “text” between iPhones but you can’t send messages between iPhones and Android phones. Or you can download WhatsApp to send messages over data (which is what most Europeans do).

Geography Refresher: The United Kingdom (UK) is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is not part of the UK.

HOLAFLY UK ESIM [Best Unlimited Data UK eSIM]

uk tourist esim

Holafly  is a new data-only eSIM provider that I previously used while visiting Europe and had a great experience using (read my  Holafly eSIM Review  to get a more in-depth look). Holafly sells both UK-specific plans and Europe-wide data plans. Holafly isn’t an actual mobile carrier but they rent bandwidth from a local UK mobile provider (Vodafone UK) so there’s a possibility you might get less priority on the Vodafone network during peak usage times than actual Vodafone customers.

Unlike other companies, Holafly gives you unlimited data and their plans run from 5 to 90 days. However, Holafly/Vodafone may throttle your data if you use excessive data but it shouldn’t be an issue with most users.

  • 10 Days: $34
  • 15 Days: $47
  • 20 Days: $54
  • 30 Days: $64
  • 60 Days: $84
  • 90 Days: $99
  • Service Speed:  4G/LTE
  • Calls:  None
  • Texts/SMS:  None
  • Tethering:  No
  • Network: Vodafone UK
  • Service works everywhere in the EU and UK

Holafly eSIMs are data only so you don’t get any voice calls or texting with these plans. Holafly doesn’t allow data tethering in most cases so you won’t be able to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

But I do like how Holafly offers multiple plan options to fit various trip lengths so you don’t have to over/underbuy for your particular trip.

Bouygues My European eSIM [Best Full-Featured UK eSIM]

uk tourist esim

Bouygues is another major French telecommunications company and they’ve recently released their own prepaid eSIM data plan to compete with the popular Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan. I used a prepaid Bouygues SIM card on a previous trip to Europe so I’m glad they’re finally offering an eSIM.

There’s a lot to like about the Bouygues My European eSIM plan—especially since it comes standard with 30GB of data and unlimited calls/texts within Europe. I also like how this Bouygues eSIM plan is valid for 30 days so it’s a great option for longer trips.

Additionally, the Bouygues My European eSIM plan comes with a local European phone number that can call any other European phone number for free.

  • Price: $44.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
  • Data Tethering: Allowed
  • Service Speed: 4G/LTE
  • Calls: Unlimited within Europe
  • Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe
  • Credit validity: 30 day
  • Phone Number: This eSIM card comes with a French phone number
  • Coverage : Anywhere within the European Union (except Switzerland)

Orange Holiday Europe 50GB eSIM [Upgraded, Full-Featured UK eSIM]

uk tourist esim

If you need a ton of mobile data, consider the newly released  Orange Holiday Europe 50GB eSIM data plan  which is a beefed-up version of the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM. It has 50GB of data and it’s valid for 28 days (compared to 14 days with the Orange Holiday Europe plan). This eSIM also comes with many features you don’t find with other plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that works anywhere in Europe).

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot so you can put that extra data allowance to good use.

Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

  • Price:  $59.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
  • Data:  50GB
  • Calls:  Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
  • Texts/SMS:  Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
  • Credit validity:  28 day
  • Data Tethering:  Allowed
  • Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
  • This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can still be used anywhere in Europe
  • Service works everywhere in the EU

ORANGE HOLIDAY EUROPE ESIM [Full-Featured UK eSIM]

uk tourist esim

  • Price:  $49.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
  • Data:  20GB (they sometimes give you 30GB of data)
  • Credit validity:  14 day
  • This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can still be used in the UK

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM data plan is the most robust eSIM plan on this list because it comes with many features you don’t find with other mobile plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that will work anywhere in Europe). The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

You’ll get 20GB of data with this plan but Orange sometimes runs a special where they give you an extra 10GB. But even 20GB should be plenty of data for most users. Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

The potential downside to the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan is that it’s only valid for 14 days once activated so it’s not great for longer visits (but you can always buy a second plan).

I’ve personally used the Orange Holiday Europe plan while traveling through Europe and it worked flawlessly. Read my Orange Holiday Europe review to hear more.

ORANGE HOLIDAY ZEN ESIM [Best Budget-Friendly UK eSIM]

uk tourist esim

  • Price:  $29.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
  • Data:  8GB (they sometimes give you 15GB of data)
  • Service Speed:  4G/LTE
  • Calls:  Unlimited within Europe and 30 min outside of Europe.
  • Texts/SMS:  Unlimited within Europe and 200 outside of Europe.

The Orange Holiday Zen eSIM is the budget version of the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan. It comes with 8GB of data and has fewer voice minutes and texts, otherwise, it’s the same as the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan.

Most users will use more than 8GB of data while traveling for a week or two but light data users could easily use less than 8GB of data during a typical 10-14 day trip.

MORE TIPS ON USING YOUR MOBILE PHONE IN THE UK

I’ve written extensively about using  smartphones and data plans in Europe  and tips for buying SIM Cards For Visiting Europe . Below are some more helpful tips about using your phone in the UK and throughout Europe.

BRING A PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGER

Traveling with your phone will quickly drain your batteries so I highly recommend a portable battery. I use  Anker PowerCore 10000  because it’s tiny and affordable but there are multiple options.

Be Aware of Theft While Using Your Phone

Pickpockets love stealing smartphones so pay attention while you’re using your phone, stash it away safely while on public transportation/crowds, and don’t set it down while you’re in public. Read my guide to Pickpockets in Europe for more anti-theft advice.

TAKE STEPS TO LOWER YOUR MOBILE DATA USAGE

It’s extremely easy to unknowingly burn through a lot of data because many apps use data in the background. Facebook, email, Instagram, Snapchat… those all constantly use data throughout the day without you knowing it. That’s why it’s important to know how to limit your data usage.

USE AIRPLANE MODE AND BLOCK DATA TO SPECIFIC APPS

I’ll put my phone in Airplane Mode because that disables all data (but GPS still works in Airplane Mode). You can also go into the settings and disable data access to each individual app. I’ll go in and turn every off except for things like Google Maps or others that I’ll use more frequently — this way when I turn off Airplane Mode only those apps that will use data. Then I’ll turn Airplane Mode back on when I’m done.

DOWNLOAD OFFLINE MAPS

Google Maps lets you download entire city maps so they can be used offline. As an added bonus, GPS doesn’t use data so offline Google Maps works fairly well (but not all functionality works). Here is a good  YouTube video  that explains everything.

Save Heavy Phone Usage For WiFi

Wait until you’re somewhere with a WiFi connection before you do any heavy streaming or download files.

More UK Travel Tips From The Savvy Backpacker

uk tourist esim

Check out more of my favorite articles to help you plan your trip to the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe:

  • Backpacking Europe Packing List
  • Europe Packing List for Women
  • The Best Travel Shoes
  • The Best Travel Backpacks  and  The Best Travel Backpacks for Women
  • London Travel Guide
  • London on a Budget
  • Recent Posts

James Feess

  • How To Buy Train Tickets in France | Guide To Buying French Train Tickets - July 26, 2024
  • France Train Guide — How To Travel France By Train - July 25, 2024
  • Best Prepaid USA eSIM Data Plans For Travelers | eSIM Buyer’s Guide - July 3, 2024

uk tourist esim

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Best eSIM for Traveling to the UK in 2024

uk tourist esim

Are you planning a trip to the UK and looking for the best tourist eSIM card to stay connected? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM cards when traveling to the UK including a comparison of the best the UK eSIM cards for 2024.

Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM card for the UK on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per August 2024 and all specifications per eSIM card.

This guide will show you where and when to order an eSIM card for the UK, more info about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, an answer to all FAQ about eSIM cards, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards for the UK and of course links to directly order your eSIM card for traveling to the UK online.

Ever since 2012 I am traveling the world non-stop and eventually turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger . That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.

In 2022 I visited 62 different countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and eSIM cards I used throughout the last two years.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country but nowadays I mostly use eSIM cards to stay connected when traveling abroad.

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visit and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world:  USA , Canada , Dubai , Egypt , Asia , China , Thailand , Malaysia ,  Indonesia , Europe , Italy , France , Spain , Vietnam , Philippines ,  Singapore , Australia , New Zealand ,  international eSIM cards and many more.

Of course Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for the United Kingdom as well as specific guides for buying a sim card at London Heathrow Airport , Manchester Airport , London Gatwick , Luton and Stansted airport in the UK.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money while traveling.

Some links in this article about the best eSIM cards for the UK are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

My recommendation

Let me start with giving you my eSIM card recommendation for the UK. Traveltomtom recommends the following two eSIM cards for traveling to the UK in 2024.

holiday europe esim card for uk 2024

1. Orange Holiday Europe eSIM for $59.90 USD

  • 100 GB data
  • Valid in all of Europe + UK
  • Unlimited calling/texting in Europe
  • 120 minutes to anywhere in the world
  • 1,000 sms to anywhere in the world
  • Valid for 28 days
  • $0.6 USD per Gigabyte

The best value tourist eSIM card for the United Kingdom is the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM that you can order via SimOptions. It gives you 100 GB data and is 5G ready. The best thing about this Orange eSIM card for the UK is that it is valid in 39 countries (free EU data roaming) and comes with unlimited calling and texting in Europe at a rate of $0.6 USD per Gigabyte.

You can order this eSIM card for traveling to the UK via  SimOptions .

Because the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM card is valid in all of Europe it is also rated as one of the best sim cards for traveling to Europe in 2024 .

2. Jetpac UK eSIM for $15 USD

  • 15 GB data-only eSIM
  • Valid only in the UK
  • NO incoming/outgoing calls
  • Valid for 30 days
  • $1 USD per Gigabyte

A very good second best are the eSIMs offered by Jetpac . Their eSIM plans are very affordable and Jetpac has eSIM plans from $1 USD. However, the Jetpac eSIM plans are data-only, are only valid in the UK and are also not 5G ready. More about it later.

Is the UK one of your stops on a trip around the world then you can also look into getting an eSIM card for traveling internationally . Just like the Orange Holiday Europe international eSIM there are eSIM cards that cover up to 141 countries.

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an eSIM card for the UK or in general before using an eSIM card.

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. eSIM cards only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or eSIM card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

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eSIM compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: eSIM cards only work if your smartphone supports eSIM cards, also called eSIM compatible. All newer smartphones support eSIM cards. If you are not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is eSIM compatible. You will get the answer instantly.

If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM card for traveling to the UK.

However, in this case you can still order a sim card for traveling to the UK on the internet before your trip. But it will be a physical prepaid sim card instead of an eSIM card.

Check out Traveltomtom’s complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for the UK in 2024  or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024 .

Comparison of the best eSIM cards for the UK

Buying an eSIM card on arrival in the UK is still not possible for tourists. As per August 2024 Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three still provide physical prepaid sim cards for tourists only. In stores, as well as on airports in the UK, there are NO eSIM cards available for tourists. 

But luckily there are multiple eSIM providers on the internet that sell eSIM cards for the UK and they actually have amazing offers, even better than buying a sim card in the UK on arrival. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM card for traveling in the UK from one of the well-known eSIM card providers like Nomad, Airalo, SimOptions, Jetpac, Holafly, etc. which all have proven to be reliable operators.

Traveltomtom's favorite eSIM providers for many years are  SimOptions  and  Airalo , but are they still the cheapest and the best? The competition is fierce...

So before you buy an eSIM card first read all my tips below.

SimOptions is the only eSIM provider that also offers international prepaid sim cards for the UK . These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to the UK and it is plug and play when you arrive in the UK.

Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac and Holafly only sell eSIM cards for the UK.

Airalo is a very reputable eSIM card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your eSIM card for the UK through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM card deals.

Airalo is normally one of my top recommendations but the Airalo eSIM card plans for the UK are slightly more expensive compared to SimOptions and Nomad. However, sometimes they have on going offers so it is worth checking them out anyway.

airalo esim card plans for united kingdom 2024

Here are the UK eSIM card plans from Airalo for 2024:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
  • 2 GB data for 15 days = $7.5 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $22.5 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $36 USD

Click here to order an eSIM card for the UK from Airalo .

The Airalo eSIM cards for the UK are from Uki Mobile and operate on the 4G/LTE network of O2 and Three. Unfortunately the Airalo Uki Mobile eSIM cards for the UK are not 5G ready. 

In pretty much all the amazing places to visit in the UK you will find a 4G/LTE signal tho and the data speed is pretty generally good. However, there is 5G in a lot of popular tourist attractions in the UK already.

For more info about the best 4G/5G network in the UK check my complete guide for the best prepaid sim card for tourists in the UK in 2024 , including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.

All the Airalo eSIM cards are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website .

jetpac esim cards for united kingdom

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider that offers eSIMs valid in multiple countries. However, the Jetpac eSIMs for United Kingdom are only valid in the UK. Here are the Jetpac UK eSIM plans:

  • 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
  • 3 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $7 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
  • 15 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
  • 30 GB data for 30 days = $24 USD
  • 40 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD

Click here for more info or to order the Jetpac UK eSIM card .

The Jetpac UK plan with 30 GB data for just $24 USD makes it one of the best value eSIM card for the UK with a rate of only $0.8 USD per Gigabyte.

These eSIM are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number. The Jetpac UK eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of EE, Three and O2, but are unfortunately not 5G ready.

You can instal your Jetpac eSIM card before your trip to United Kingdom, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in the UK, basically when the plane lands. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.

An extra advantage of Jetpac eSIM cards is that they provide free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided. This is a complimentary service that no other eSIM cards offer. For more info check the Jetpac website .

SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM card provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering an eSIM card.

Why using SimOptions? When it comes to UK eSIM cards SimOptions has better eSIM card plans than Airalo and is therefore also recommended as the best eSIM cards for tourists traveling to the UK. 

SimOptions has a lot of UK eSIM cards and most of them are actually international eSIM cards that are valid in all of Europe and beyond and on top of that most of these eSIM cards come with unlimited calling and texting.

Let me first show you the UK eSIM cards from SimOptions, which in fact are not so interesting.

simoptions esim card plans for uk 2024

The best SimOptions eSIM cards for the UK are the international eSIM cards that are valid all over Europe.

simoptions international esims for uk 2024

  • 10 GB data (5G ready) + $2 calling credit for 30 days = $22.90 USD
  • 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $23.90 USD
  • 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
  • 20 GB data-only valid in UK, Canada, USA, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand = $34.90 USD

These international eSIM cards are valid in up to 39 countries in Europe, including the UK and come with free EU data roaming.

simoptions international esim cards for uk 2024

If you need a lot of data then check out the following eSIM card deals:

  • 30 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 30 days = $44.90 USD
  • 30 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
  • 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $51.90 USD
  • 100 GB data (5G ready) + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $59.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order a SimOptions eSIM card for the UK .

The eSIM cards from SimOptions are from various but well-known and reputed mobile internet operators in Europe: O2, Orange, Bouygues Telecom and Three.

Unfortunately SimOptions doesn’t specify which mobile network operator in the UK they use and most of these international eSIM cards only offer 4G/LTE max data speed.

However, one of the reasons Traveltomtom rated the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM as the best eSIM card for traveling to the United Kingdom is that this eSIM is also 5G ready.

All the international eSIM cards that you order via SimOptions come with a phone number and they allow incoming and outgoing calls and sms. Most of these eSIM cards even have unlimited calling and texting in all of Europe.

The validity of these eSIM cards is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the eSIM card, even if you are not in the UK. For more info check the SimOptions website .

Nomad is another reliable eSIM provider and they often have amazing eSIM card deals for tourists, but for UK eSIMs they don't offer anything special compared to Airalo, SimOptions or Jetpac.

Traveltomtom has used Nomad in more than 10 different countries and had some mixed experiences, but overall it was good.

nomad esim card plans for uk 2024

Here are the regular Nomad eSIM card plans for the UK in 2024:

  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD

Click here to order an eSIM card for the UK from Nomad .

The Nomad eSIM cards for the UK are from 1GLOBAL and they use the 4G/LTE mobile data network of EE in the UK. The Nomad eSIM cards for the UK are NOT 5G ready. All Nomad eSIM cards are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported 

Below you can find the Nomad eSIM card specifications for the standard eSIM plans.

nomad uk esim specifications

The Nomad the UK eSIM cards have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in the UK. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website .

Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other providers they only offer eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy). More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until it resets.

Here are the Holafly unlimited data eSIM plans for the UK:

  • 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
  • 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
  • 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
  • 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
  • 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
  • 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
  • 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
  • 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
  • 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
  • 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
  • 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
  • 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
  • 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
  • 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD 

As you can see the Holafly eSIMs are significantly more expensive than other eSIM providers like Jetpac, Airalo and SimOptions. The Holafly eSIM cards for the United Kingdom are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number. The Holafly eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of O2 and EE.

You can use a hotspot on the Holafly eSIM cards, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.

Why 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with this in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.

If I hate something then it is slow data speed. Imagine being on a 10 hour bus or train ride in the UK and after 3 hours you hit your FUP, then the rest of the bus ride you have pretty much no internet on your phone.

Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIM cards with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for the UK.

Also, Traveltomtom tested Holafly in another country and was very disappointed with the overall performance. Holafly was using the weakest mobile data network operator in that country and while people all around me constantly had a data connection I was pretty much offline for a whole week. Even when we were in big cities I constantly had to ask for the public WiFi of my hotels, restaurants and bars because my Holafly eSIM was super slow.

I understand in the UK it could be a different story, but it just put me off a little.

Nowadays you can buy an eSIM card for pretty much every country in the world. Order directly from one of the above eSIM card providers and instantly receive your eSIM card in your email.

Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of eSIM cards? I mentioned before that I travel the world full time and I am on the road constantly. Pretty much every week I need another sim card to stay connected.

What is the cheapest eSIM card for the UK?

cheapest esim card for uk 2024

Truly the cheapest eSIM for the UK is from Jetpac . They offer a $1 USD eSIM, but it is only valid for 4 days.

An  Airalo eSIM card for $5 USD  will give you 1 GB data for 7 days. This eSIM is only valid in the UK and does not support calling and texting.

Why ordering an eSIM card for traveling in the UK

eSIM cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to the UK in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes. 

The most important reason to get an eSIM card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to the UK without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in the UK with an activated eSIM card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to the UK, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to the UK so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.

eSIM cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

Overseas dat roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you at pretty  much every amazing tourist destinations in the UK there is at least a 4G/LTE signal if not even already 5G available. 

Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: “can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, get yourself an eSIM card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to the UK. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.

Where to buy an eSIM card for the UK?

You can only buy an eSIM card for the UK on the internet through an eSIM card provider. There are multiple eSIM card providers for the UK. Traveltomtom compared 6 eSIM card providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones ( SimOptions , Airalo ,  Nomad , Jetpac  and Holafly) are the best eSIM card providers for traveling to the UK in 2024. 

When buying an eSIM card for the UK through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM card is instantly ready to use after installation.

On arrival in the UK

There are 4 main mobile internet provider in the UK: Vodafone, EE, Three and O2. As per August 2024 none of these operators offer eSIM cards for tourists, only physical prepaid sim cards.

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in the UK in 2024  click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in the UK, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.

Flying into the UK and landing in either London, Liverpool, Manchester or any other international airport then you can buy a tourist sim card for the UK on arrival at the airport, but only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists are provided, there are no eSIM cards for tourists available.

When to order/activate an eSIM card for the UK?

You can order an eSIM card for the UK pretty much any time you want. Most eSIM cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM card. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIM cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM card on the day of departure to the UK or before. When in the UK you will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM card. Pretty much every international airport in the UK has free WiFi so you could use that to install your eSIM card. Just make sure it is a stable internet connection and therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM card in your home country.

So my personal advice is to instal your eSIM card for the UK before you get into the plane and as soon as the plane lands you will already be connected without any problems.

How do I know all this? Traveltomtom visits the UK multiple times per year. 

As mentioned before at London Heathrow Airport you can only buy physical prepaid sim cards, no eSIMs. Click on the link for more info about my experiences buying a prepaid sim card at London Heathrow International Airport or check out my vlog on YouTube .

For more detailed info about the best prepaid sim cards for the UK , check out my complete guide in the link or click here for my YouTube video .

How to activate an eSIM card

Installing and activating an eSIM card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code. 

When you order an eSIM card plan for the UK you instantly receive a summary of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed. 

You will see a summary of your eSIM card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your the UK eSIM card.

But installing an activating an eSIM card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM card on. The QR code contains all the information about your the UK eSIM card. 

Once you scan the QR code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM card is successfully installed. 

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an eSIM card with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation. 

Things to know before ordering an eSIM card for the UK

Here are some general tips for using eSIM cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for the UK eSIM cards, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM card in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked 

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: eSIM cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to the UK. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to the UK or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to the UK and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support eSIM cards? 

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM card is if your smartphone supports eSIM cards. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIM cards. 

The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these eSIM card providers?

All the eSIM card providers for the UK recommended above:  SimOptions , Airalo ,  Nomad , Jetpac  and Holafly are reputable eSIM card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in the UK.

Traveltomtom has successfully partnered for several consecutive years with SimOptions and Airalo. Nomad is a fairly new partner of Traveltomtom, but has so far proven to be a reliable eSIM card provider as well. All eSIM card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund. 

Traveltomtom does NOT sell the UK eSIM cards, only RECOMMENDS you to use eSIM cards for traveling to the UK.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a UK eSIM card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM card to stay connected when traveling to the UK. An eSIM card can be used next to your physical or eSIM card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM card.

So you can have multiple eSIM cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new the UK eSIM card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs. 

This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications if your UK eSIM does not come with a phone number.

Switching between physical and eSIM cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.

Can I make phone calls with a UK tourist eSIM card?

Yes, you can but it depends which eSIM card you order. All the Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac and Holafly eSIM cards for the UK are data-only. Data-only means that incoming and outgoing calls are NOT supported and the eSIM card does not come with a phone number.

If you want to make phone calls in the UK/Europe with your eSIM then Traveltomtom recommends ordering an international eSIM card from  SimOptions . These eSIMs support incoming and outgoing calls and sms. Most of these international eSIM cards for Europe come with unlimited calling and texting in and to every country in Europe.

These SimOptions eSIMs also come with a local phone number from Europe depending on the eSIM.

So if you like the option of receiving and making phone calls then definitely order your eSIM card for the United Kingdom through SimOptions. 

In the above the UK eSIM card comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM card. 

Can I use 5G on a UK eSIM card?

Yes, some of the UK eSIM cards that you can buy on the internet are 5G ready, but definitely not all of them. Unfortunately the Nomad, Jetpac, Holafly and Airalo eSIMs are not 5G ready. Remarkable because the 5G network in the UK is pretty advanced.

One of the reasons why Traveltomtom rates the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM with 100 GB data as the best tourist eSIM for the UK is that this eSIM card is 5G ready and you can expect faster data speed from this eSIM compared to all others that only support 4G/LTE.

Are there eSIM cards for the UK with unlimited data?

Yes, the Holafly eSIM cards for the UK include unlimited data. However, Traveltomtom is not a big fan of unlimited data sim cards.

Always ask yourself is unlimited truly unlimited. Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called FUP. Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes. 

Holafly is an eSIM card provider that sells eSIM cards with unlimited data for United Kingdom and uses a so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP is. Which is very dissatisfying.

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend UK eSIM cards with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not even loading!

Especially on days that you have a long bus or train ride and you need a lot of data, you definitely don't want any data speed restrictions that day.

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIM cards for the UK with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then Holafly might be your favorite eSIM card. However, if you don't use so much data per day then what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data... is what you have to ask yourself.

For $59.90 USD you get a UK sim card with 100 GB data via SimOptions . These eSIMs offer a lot of data and there is no real need for an eSIM card with unlimited data unless you want to upload your whole camera roll to a Google Drive or iCloud via 4G instead of WiFi.

There are a lot of different specifications per eSIM card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best eSIM cards for traveling to the UK in 2024 before choosing your favorite.

Are eSIM cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to the UK?

eSIM cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to the UK, but what is the best way? This of course depends on your own needs.

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to the UK:

Local prepaid sim cards

International prepaid sim cards.

  • eSIM cards 

Let’s compare eSIM cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.

In general if you use a lot of data local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected and this is also the case in the UK. Local prepaid sim cards with big data bundles are cheaper than the UK eSIM cards that you order on the internet. 

The difference is just a couple dollars though and local prepaid sim cards for tourists can only be purchased on arrival in the UK in a phone store or at the airport and NOT on the internet.

More info about the best the UK sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a tourist sim card in the UK in 2024 .

international prepaid sim cards for traveling to uk 2024

If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to the UK. Some of them are great for the UK as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play! 

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for the UK directly online . 

As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIM cards:

  • eSIM cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
  • eSIM cards that you buy in the UK in a mobile internet provider store

However, as of August 2024 eSIM cards are still not available for prepaid tourist sim cards in the UK.

Traveltomtom personally shopped around in the UK to find out if eSIM cards were available for tourists and the answer is: NO!

On arrival at the international airports in the UK they only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists and in every phone store of EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three they told me eSIM cards where not available for tourists. 

Read all about it in my detailed guide for buying a sim card at London Heathrow Airport or if you are interested in watching a vlog about my arrival and buying a sim card at London Heathrow Airport then check out my YouTube video. 

There is also a video about buying a prepaid sim card in the UK on my YouTube Channel.

eSIM cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM card is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to the UK, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to the UK. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in the UK. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

Price difference

But what is cheaper? An eSIM card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?

When we compare the best the UK eSIM card for tourists with local prepaid sim cards for the UK, Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that local prepaid sim cards are slightly cheaper than the eSIM cards. 

When buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in the UK the best prepaid sim card deal is a Three UK physical prepaid sim card for £15 GBP, which is around $18 USD that give you 25 GB data for 30 days. That means only $0.75 USD per Gigabyte.

This is the price you pay for a prepaid sim card in a Three store around the UK. So on arrival you will need to locate the nearest phone shop next to your hotel via Google Maps. Bring your passport and get in line for a UK prepaid sim card. A lot of hassle I would say if you are on a holiday. But up to you…

For more detailed info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards for tourists in the UK in 2024 .

Normally at international airports sim cards are more expensive but at London Heathrow Airport there is actually a sim card kiosk that sells prepaid sim cards for the UK that goes as low as $0.25 USD per Gigabyte. There is a Three UK prepaid sim card deal with 100 GB data for just £25 GBP, which is around $32 USD.

Click here to read my complete article with detailed info about buying a sim card at London Heathrow Airport .

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. With an eSIM card that you buy on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands.

For this convenience Traveltomtom definitely recommends to order one of the listed best eSIM cards for the United Kingdom in the comparison above.

Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM card for the UK. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need. Because there is also an eSIM card for the UK for just $5 USD.

Data speed 

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM card that have to be mentioned is the data speed.

The eSIM cards you order on the internet are through a third party, a roaming partner or a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). This means these operates buy/request bandwidth of one of the main mobile internet operators in the UK.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIM cards through a roaming partner or an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy.

Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIM cards ordered through a third party is in general less compared to a local prepaid sim card directly from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of eSIM cards can be less compared to a local UK prepaid sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM card for your trip to the United Kingdom were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, FAQ and tips and tricks it was easier for you to make a decision and order your favorite eSIM card for the UK right away.

If you still have any questions about eSIM cards then please leave me a comment below. I promise I will try to reply instantly and I am more than happy to help you out finding the best way for you to stay connected.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my 650K Instagram account or 1.3 Million TikTok account both called @traveltomtom. Follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of August 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to the UK!

  • united kingdom
  • uk sim card
  • london heathrow

Best eSim for UK & London for 2023 (Affordable)

If you are heading to the United Kingdom you are going to want to avoid the expensive data roaming charges that come with your home mobile network provider.

At A Glance: Our Top 3 UK eSIM Options

  • best uk esim for travellers Airalo Jump To Review
  • Unlimited Data Holafly Jump To Review
  • cheapest esim plan uk Maya Mobile Jump To Review
  • Good For 20GB+ Nomad Jump To Review

Getting local prepaid sim cards is one option but it is not that convenient which is why we think getting an eSim for your trip is better than getting a UK sim card. But, which eSim card is best for the United Kingdom? That is what we are here to find out when we compare eSim plans for the UK

Join me as I run through the best eSim for the UK from eSim card providers for the United Kingdom and London, their different data plans, and why eSim cards are so great for traveling with.

Top Product Overview

Best esim for the uk.

Airalo is a global eSim provider that operates in over 190 countries and the United Kingdom is one of them, of course.

Airalo has perfected their system which makes using their eSim very simple and efficient for tourists, and their customer support is excellent too. They offer great mobile data network coverage across the UK and their speeds are solid too.

Airalo data plans allow you to choose from short or longer eSim data plans. You can get  the following packages from Airalo:

  • 1GB/7-day for $5 ($5 per GB)
  • 2GB/15-day for $7.5 ($3.75 per GB)
  • 3GB/30-day for $10 ($3.33 per GB)
  • 5GB/30-day for $15 ($3 per GB)
  • 10GB/30-day for $22.50 ($2.25 per GB)
  • 20GB/30-day for $36 ($1.8 per GB)

This is affordable pricing, but not as good as the unlimited data offers from Holafly . However, often the service and professionalism from Airalo make up for that.

  • Good choice of plans
  • Fast speeds and good coverage
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Awesome customer support
  • Unlimited data is not an option

Holalfy is the perfect eSim provider for heavy data as all their data plans give you unlimited data. They also offer great international eSim cards too if you travel to lots of different countries often.

Holafly is also reliable with great coverage and good connection speeds, so you won’t be waiting ages for things to load.

Holafly has a number of unlimited data packages across a range of days. The unlimited data plans start at

  • $19 for 5 days
  • $34 for 10 days
  • $47 for 15 days
  • $54 for 20 days
  • $64 for 30 days
  • $99 for 90 days

You can be online as much as you like for your entire trip without worrying about mobile data usage and the prices are very affordable too.

The only drawback is that you can not tether/hotspot/share data with Holafly, so working on your laptop using your phone as a hotspot is not an option, which is unfortunate.

But, if you want the freedom of unlimited data, they are one of the few on the market.

  • Good coverage and connection speeds
  • Unlimited data on all plans
  • Very affordable
  • Ideal for heavy mobile data users
  • Tethering/hotspots not allowed

Maya Mobile

Maya is one of the up-and-coming UK eSim providers and they are certainly challenging the likes of Airalo and Holafly. For me, Holafly is great for unlimited data (in most cases) and Airalo for smaller packages. But Maya is somewhere in between.

Not only do they have decent offers for smaller packages, but they also have a great 1-month UK eSim package with unlimited data for $49 . You can also go with their Europe-wide package (30 countries) if you plan on traveling to Europe during that month too!

Their packages include (all for one month):

  • 1 GB – $5
  • 3 GB – $7
  • 5 GB – $10
  • 10 GB – $16 (Good deal!)
  • Unlimited in UK – $49
  • Unlimited Europe – $49

But wait, it gets better. Maya has decided to beat the other eSim providers in offering a fair-use policy that means they don’t severely throttle heavy users and you can tether/hotspot on their packages as well. Which is great for digital nomads like us! (or you perhaps)?

Holafly has unlimited data but you can’t tether, which is painful if you have to work via your phone-laptop combo!

And I have been trying Maya’s support too. It is not instantaneous, but within an hour or two they get back to you  and they are super helpful. Also, if you are not satisfied – money back! Easy peasy.

  • Hotspot/tethering allowed
  • Unlimited for 30 days is unbeatable
  • Good packages
  • Great support
  • Not as cheap for small packages

Nomad is another reliable eSim provider that has some great eSims for UK travel . Their network coverage is great as are their connection speeds, here are their UK eSim plans.

You have 5 eSim plans to choose from with Nomad starting at

  • 1GB/30 days for $5 
  • 3GB/30 days for $9
  • 10GB/30 days for $17
  • 20GB/30 days for $21
  • 30GB/30 days for $58
  • 100GB/30days for $175

The above are just a sample of the plans, there are also data plans in between (5GB, 40GB, 50GB etc).

All the contracts are 30 days and they come very affordable per GB when you choose the higher ones.

Unfortunately, there are no unlimited data plans offered by Nomad but hopefully, this will change soon.

  • Easy to buy & activate
  • Broad coverage
  • Good customer service
  • Fast connection
  • No unlimited data options
  • Very expensive

Know Roaming

Know Roaming only have 2 eSim plans for the UK, but they might fit your needs well. Like with the Nomad eSim plans, they all run for 30 days, which is handy, as often the 1GB plans only last a week or so.

There are Know Roaming’s plans:

  • 1GB / 30 days – $4     ($4 per GB)
  • 5GB / 30 days – $13   ($2.6 per GB)
  • All plans 30 days
  • Good 5G plan
  • Very few other plans

Flexiroam is another reliable eSim provider that provides good coverage and connection speeds in the UK.

What I love about Flexiroam is that they have lots of different options so you can always find the right amount of GB/Days for your needs.

Their plans start as low as 0.5GB/3-days for $3 and go all the way to 10GB/24 days for $25. This is excellent pricing and their service is excellent but they do not offer unlimited data plans!

  • Lots of plans to suit your trip
  • Reliable and fast
  • Good service
  • Easy to use
  • No unlimited data plans
  • No longer-term plans

Gigsky doesn’t offer UK eSims but they do offer Europe eSims that include the UK. This means you can use their eSim in almost every country in Europe.

They offer 4 eSim plans starting at 1GB/7-days for $4.99 and going up to 50GB/90-days for $174.99. While the plans are handy being long and short-term, they are expensive compared to the likes of Holafly and Airalo.

  • Covers all of Europe
  • A good amount of options
  • Solid coverage
  • Unlimited data not available

Truphone provides eSim plans in over 190 countries and they are very good at it. Their customer service is great, it is all done through the app, and their connections are both reliable and fast.

The UK plans they offer range from 1GB/1-day for $4.22 up to 20GB/30-days for $31.66, the latter being very affordable. All their plans are 30 days, bar the 1 day option, and there are 5 to choose from which is good.

Again, not unlimited data options are available, so they might not be the best choice if you like to browse a lot!

  • Fast and reliable coverage
  • Affordable rates
  • A nice range of plans

Benefits of Getting an eSim in the UK

There are a lot of benefits to getting an eSim for a trip to the United Kingdom and the main one is just how easy it is.

You can buy an eSim online, activate it, and have a mobile internet connection within about 5 minutes of landing in the United Kingdom. You don’t have to find a shop, queue, buy a local sim card, top it up, or swap out your home sim card either – life is simpler with an eSim.m

One thing I love about an eSim is that you don’t have to remove your home sim card and can still receive calls and texts while using data on your eSim. Essentially this creates a dual sim phone where you can be online on one sim while getting texts from your bank on your home number.

eSims are also far more affordable than data roaming, and close in price to local sims, so you are either saving money or paying a similar price with a lot more convenience.

Using eSims also avoids a lot of waste that comes with physical sim cards. There is no plastic, no packaging, and no precious metals used in them that normal sims come with!

Devices Compatible with an eSim in the UK

Not all devices work with eSims as eSim technology is relatively new. eSims are embedded sim cards meaning the sim card is built into the phone or tablet and you can then add and remove eSim provider plans as you wish.

This means that only phones and tablets made in the last 3 years will have them, and it’s only higher end smartphones that have them too. So, how do you know if your phone or tablet supports eSims?

It’s very simple! Just dial *#06# and your phone will bring up its unique information. This includes its IMEI number, which all smartphones have and perhaps an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number.

If your phone has an EID number, it is compatible with eSims. But, there is one more step! For your phone to accept an eSim it has to be unlocked from a network provider.

To unlock your phone, call your network provider and ask them to unlock it, it should only take a couple minutes.

Local Mobile Operators Offering eSims in the UK

It is always wise to buy an eSim that comes from a local network provider in any country you are going to as they will have the best speeds and coverage. You will also have the option to add sms texts and phone calls with your data plan in the United Kingdom.

In the UK, there are 4 local network providers that supply eSims and these include EE, O2, Vodafone, and Virgin Mobile.

Data Needed When Traveling to UK

How much data you need while traveling around the United Kingdom depends a lot on your data usage. The last thing you want is to buy an eSim data plan and run out, as this would entail buying another data plan, which makes it expensive overall.

On average, people use about 5GB of data per week but if you like to use a lot of data, then you might hit the 20GB a week mark.

You can go into data usage settings on your phone and get a report of how much data you use over a certain amount of time. This will give you an idea of how much data you will need for a certain number of days in the UK, then it is all about finding a data plan to match.

The last thing you want is to run out of mobile data while using Google Maps to navigate around London, so always make sure you have enough data.

Tips for Using an eSim in UK

Do not activate your esim until you are in the uk.

eSims come with contract lengths ranging from a day to 90 days. If you activate it early, before you are in the UK, your days will start being used up before you even get there. Wait to activate it until you land!

Use Whatsapp

Everyone in the UK uses Whatsapp to communicate as it allows you to call and text over data only. This means you can send sms’ and make calls by using just your eSim data plan, and won’t need to buy any sms or call credit.

Download Google Maps For Offline Use

Did you know that you can download parts of google maps for offline use? If not, here is how. The benefit of this is that you can navigate your way around the United Kingdom using maps while using no data at all!

Conserve Data With Airplane Mode

Airplane mode is one of my top functions as it saves battery and data too. Apps often use your data while they are closed to check for updates and other things like that, on airplane mode, all of this is stopped.

You can still use the GPS to navigate as well as take pictures with your phone, so all is not lost.

Use Free WiFi Hotspots

Most of the cities in the United Kingdom are filled with cafes and restaurants that offer free wi-fi. If you want to reduce your data consumption on your eSim plan, use the free WiFi for your heavier apps like Instagram.

How can I buy eSim in UK?

You don’t even need to be in the United Kingdom to buy an eSim for the United Kingdom, all you need is an internet connection.

You can buy a UK eSim from any country in the world online, and here is how to do it:

  • Find the eSim card provider and eSim data plan you prefer online
  • Save the activation code or a QR code sent via email or in the app
  • Install the eSim on your phone following the instructions from the provider

Do Not Activate your eSim card until you land in the UK or it will start being used up!

How do I activate my UK eSim?

To activate your eSim, you will need to be connected to the internet. Then it is a matter of following the instructions and using your activation code. It should take less than a minute to do and be very simple.

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A Broken Backpack

Complete Guide: Best eSIM UK Providers

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 19, 2024 | Europe , SIM Cards , Travel Tips , United Kingdom

Are you planning a trip to the United Kingdom and want to stay connected while on the go?

Look no further than an eSIM! An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that can be used instead of a physical SIM card and is becoming increasingly popular for travelers.

It eliminates the need to buy multiple physical SIM cards from different carriers, saving you time and money.

In this guide, we’ll provide all the information you need to find the best UK eSIM for your upcoming travels.

So let’s start – it’s time to find out which UK eSIM is truly “the best”!

London Bridge

Best eSIM UK Deals

Here are the best UK eSIM providers depending on your needs:

  • Cheapest UK plans: The answer to this could vary depending on the data and period required. Overall, Onesim , Ubigi , and BNESIM offer the most affordable options. However, if you need more data, or if you travel to multiple countries, other eSIM providers may be better.
  • Cheapest unlimited plans in the UK: Holafly is the best option.
  • Plans without expiration: BNESIM is the only eSIM provider offering plans without expiration.

Best eSIM UK 1GB

If you only need a bit of data for emergencies, 1GB might be enough for you. However, it’s important to note that you’ll get better value by purchasing a bigger data plan.

BNESIM offers the cheapest one-off plan for 1GB, with no expiration.

Best eSIM UK 3GB

Most 3GB plans are good for 30 days. If you only need a bit of data here and there, a 3GB plan might be the best option for you.

Onesim offers the cheapest one-off plan for 3GB, valid for 30 days.

Best eSIM UK 5GB

Most 5GB plans are good for 30 days. For most travelers, this will be enough data for one month.

Onesim offers the cheapest one-off plan for 5GB, valid for 30 days.

Best eSIM UK 10GB

Most 10GB plans are good for 30 days. This should be enough for one month.

Ubigi offers the cheapest one-off plan for 10GB, valid for 30 days.

Best eSIM UK Unlimited Data

Another great option to consider is unlimited plans. Some eSIM providers offer unlimited data plans to travelers.

Holafly offers the best deals on unlimited data plans in the UK. You’ll get to pick the amount of days needed.

Best eSIM UK With Calls And SMS

Finally, if you need a data plan that includes calls and SMS too, the best option is SimOptions .

ESIM Installation And Compatibility

eSIM technology is currently supported on a few devices, including:

  • Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, and newer models.
  • Google Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and newer models.
  • Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, and newer models.
  • Huawei P40, and newer models.

If you’re considering upgrading your phone soon, read about the best eSIM phones .

To verify if your device is compatible with eSIM , go to Settings and locate your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). This will tell you if your device supports eSIM.

Here’s how to do it add an eSIM on a Google Pixel device:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Go to Network and Internet
  • Click on Add more
  • Choose Download a SIM instead.
  • Click on next.
  • Scan the QR code.
  • Name the eSIM.
  • Pick the eSIM to provide data.
  • Make sure the roaming is on.

Woman installing an esim on her phone

How To Choose The Best eSIM Provider?

Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s look at how to choose the best travel eSIM provider for the United Kingdom.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing an eSIM provider, including:

  • Coverage: Make sure the eSIM provider has good coverage in the United Kingdom. In short, the eSIM should use a good network in the UK.
  • Data: How much data do you need? If you’re a heavy user, you’ll need a plan with more mobile data.
  • Speed: Not all eSIM providers offer the same speeds. If you need fast speed, make sure to choose a provider that offers 5G or LTE.
  • Price: eSIM plan prices can vary, so consider your budget when choosing an eSIM provider. You can compare a few options to get the best value for your money.

Where To Buy An eSIM?

eSIMs for UK travel can be bought from eSIM providers.

Many eSIM shops sell eSIMs directly from their websites. This is the most convenient option, as you can activate your eSIM immediately.

Some eSIM apps like Ubigi allow you to purchase a plan without data or WiFi.

So, how do you pick an eSIM provider?

Let us help! We’ll review the best eSIM for UK travel below.

BNESIM is an eSIM provider that was founded in 2017. They offer plans in 200+ countries. You’ll also find other options like international phone numbers, unlimited data packages, and monthly subscriptions.

To learn more, you can read our complete BNESIM review .

Here’s an overview of the plans available in the United Kingdom:

  • 1GB, no expiration for $3.47
  • 3GB, no expiration for $10.09
  • 5GB, no expiration, for $16.31
  • 10GB, no expiration for $31.20
  • 20GB, no expiration for $60.97

Go to BNESIM

BNESIM Offer

Get a EUR 4 discount on your first purchase over EUR 10 with my BNESIM promo code: MELISSA4OFF.

Nomad offers data plans in 100+ countries. They offer plans in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They also have regional and global plans. You can read our Nomad eSIM review to learn more.

I’ve tried Nomad, and it worked well. Although, it’s not my favorite because they only have short-term plans (up to 60 days, but mostly 30 days).

They offer regular plans and unlimited plans in the UK.

  • 1GB, valid for 30 days for $5
  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for $9
  • 5GB, valid for 30 days for $10
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for $17
  • 20GB, valid for 30 days for $30
  • Unlimited data, valid for 1 day for $7
  • Unlimited data, valid for 3 days for $15
  • Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $22
  • Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $30
  • Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $41

Go to Nomad

Nomad Offer

Get $3 off on your first purchase on Nomad by using my referral code: MELI23HJ.

Airalo is the most popular eSIM store and offers eSIMs in 200+ countries at affordable prices.

I’ve been using Airalo for a while now, and you can read our complete Airalo review to learn more about this eSIM provider.

Here’s an overview of the Airalo plans available in the United Kingdom:

  • 1GB, valid for 7 days for $5
  • 2GB, valid for 15 days for $7.50
  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for $10
  • 5GB valid for 30 days for $15
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for $22.50
  • 20GB, valid for 30 days for $36

UK Airalo esim

Go to Airalo

Airalo Offer

Get 10% off on your first purchase on Airalo by using my referral code: ABB10.

Get A Discount Now

aloSIM is a new eSIM provider offering plans in 130+ regions and countries. You’ll find many affordable local and regional eSIM plans.

To learn more, you can read our complete aloSIM review .

Go to aloSIM

AloSIM Offer

Get a 5% discount on your first purchase with my AloSIM promo code: ABB5. To add a coupon code, you’ll need to enter it as a voucher when choosing a payment method.

Ubigi offers eSIM plans in 200+ countries. Depending on your travel plans, you can pick between a local, regional, or global plan.

I’ve tried Ubigi, and it worked great. You can even purchase a plan in the app without WiFi or the Internet, which is great. You’ll also choose if you want a one-off plan or a monthly subscription.

Learn more by reading our Ubigi review .

  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for €8
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for €15
  • 50GB, valid for 30 days for €39

Go to Ubigi

Ubigi Offer

There are no offers at the moment.

Onesim is a new eSIM provider offering plans in 125+ regions and countries. All their eSIM plans are regional or global, which means you’ll get coverage in multiple countries.

To learn more, you can read our complete Onesim review .

  • 1GB, valid for 7 days for $3.90
  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for $6.90
  • 5GB, valid for 30 days for $9.90
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for $16.90

Go to Onesim

Onesim Offer

Get a 10% discount on your first purchase with my Onesim coupon code: BACKPACK10. To add a coupon code, you’ll see an option that says, “Have a coupon? Click here to enter your code”.

Yoho Mobile UK

Yoho Mobile is an eSIM provider offering plans in 190+ regions and countries. You’ll also find local and regional plans for Europe and Asia.

To learn more, you can read our complete Yoho Mobile review .

  • 1GB, valid for 7 days for $4.77
  • 3GB, valid for 20 days for $6.88
  • 5GB valid for 15 days for $11.10
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for $17.47
  • 20GB, valid for 30 days for $36.04
  • 30GB, valid for 30 days for $53.34
  • 50GB valid for 30 days for $80

Go to Yoho Mobile

Yoho Mobile Offer

Get a 5% discount on your first purchase with my Yoho Mobile promo code: abrokenbackpack5. To add a coupon code, click on View Cart and paste the coupon code there.

Holafly is an eSIM provider with eSIM plans for more than 190 destinations.

I tried Holafly before, so you can read our complete Holafly review to learn more.

  • Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $21
  • Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $29
  • Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $37
  • Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $51
  • Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $62
  • Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $75
  • Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $107
  • Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $139

holafly united kingdom esim

Go to Holafly

Holafly Offer

Get 5% off your first purchase on Holafly with my referral code ABROKENBACKPACK.

SimCorner UK

SimCorner offers data plans in 80+ countries. They offer both prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between local and regional plans.

I’ve tried SimCorner, and it worked great.

However, I needed to wait a few hours to receive my eSIM. If you wish to purchase an eSIM plan on SimCorner, I recommend buying it a few days before your trip. This way, you’ll have it on time for your trip.

Learn more by reading our SimCorner review .

Here’s an overview of the plan available in the United Kingdom:

  • 30GB, valid for 30 days for $49, including calls and SMS

Go to SimCorner

SimCorner Offer

Get a 5% discount with our promo code: ABBPTravel.

eSIM Plans Available In The UK And Europe

If you’re traveling to other European countries, you might want to purchase an eSIM for Europe and the UK.

Here are the best eSIMs for the UK and Europe.

Airalo Europe

Airalo offers multiple plans in Europe . The plan includes coverage in 39 countries, including the UK.

  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for $13
  • 5GB valid for 30 days for $20
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for $37
  • 50GB, valid for 90 days for $100
  • 100GB, valid for 180 days for $185

Holafly Europe

Holafly offers plans in Europe that include coverage in the UK:

Onesim Europe

Onesim offers plans to facilitate your travels in Europe. Their plans cover the UK.

Here’s an overview of the plans available:

  • 20GB, valid for 30 days $29.90

SimOptions Europe

SimOptions offers 4 different plans in Europe and the UK:

  • 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $17.90
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for $24.90
  • 8 GB, valid for 14 days for $29.90, including unlimited calls and SMS
  • 20GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90, including unlimited calls and SMS

AloSIM UK, Ireland, Scotland

AloSIM offers various European plans, but if you travel in the UK, you might be interested in this plan for UK, Ireland, and Scotland:

  • 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
  • 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $9
  • 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $13.50
  • 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $20

Benefits Of Using An eSIM In The UK

eSIMs offer many benefits, which is excellent news if you’re a frequent traveler.

Here are the main reasons why I love using eSIM:

  • You get data as soon as you arrive.
  • You can activate your eSIM immediately.
  • You can keep your usual phone number and use eSIM to get data.
  • You don’t need to remove your SIM card or find a store to purchase one during your travels.
  • You can top up quickly.

woman using data abroad with her esim card

Final Thoughts On The Best eSIM UK

Many eSIM providers are out there, but not all offer the same coverage in the United Kingdom.

I can say that they’re all excellent eSIM providers with great eSIM plans.

Onesim , Ubigi , and BNESIM offer the cheapest plans in the UK overall.

If you prefer using an unlimited plan in the USA, we recommend Holafly .

Finally, if you’d rather have a plan without an expiration date,  BNESIM is the only eSIM provider offering plans without expiration.

Traveling soon? Read one of the following guides:

  • UK SIM card
  • Best eSIM for Europe
  • Best cities to live in UK

uk tourist esim

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Best eSIM for international travel of 2024

eSIMs that are easy to install and provide excellent network coverage

Best eSIM overall

  • Best for customizable plans
  • Best for easy installation
  • Best value for money
  • Best for security
  • Best for beginners
  • Best for frequent travellers
  • Best for network coverage
  • Best for unlimited data
  • Best for global plans
  • Best for Europe
  • Best for data-only plans
  • eSIMs for international travel FAQs

The best eSIMS for international travel make it simple and easy to stay connected with your phone wherever you are, without breaking the bank.

A person using dictation with a smartphone.

1. Best overall 2. Best for customizable plans 3. Best for easy installation 4. Best for value for money 5. Best for security   6. Best for beginners 7. Best for frequent travellers

8. Best for network coverage 

9. Best for unlimited data 10. Best for global plans 11. Best for Europe   12. Best for data-only plans 13. FAQs

eSIMs have gained a lot of traction in recent years, especially in international travel. Admit it, you do not like getting into huge queues to buy an eSIM just after you’ve landed at your dream location. You can now skip the queue with the best eSIM for international travel, with plans ranging from 3 days to as long as a year.

These eSIMs are easy to install and provide excellent network coverage. However, with so many providers offering eSIMs, which one should you purchase? I have done the hard yards to find and review the best eSIM you can get for international travel, regardless of whether you want to travel to Europe, the USA, Asia, Africa, or Australia. So, make sure you read till the end to know everything you could ever need before purchasing your next eSIM.

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The best eSIM for international travel of 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Website screenshot for Airhub

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Airhub is a huge online store from which you can buy eSIMs in over 190+ countries worldwide. It has a massive variety of eSIM plans that include data, local call minutes, SMS, and international call minutes. 

While most eSIM providers usually have around 3-5 plans per country, Airhub provides up to 15 plans to choose from for a single country which gives you the flexibility to select the plan that resonates best with your needs. Also, Airhub has truly managed to make some of the best partnerships with local companies to offer the cost-effective deals that it does. 

If you're going to hang in a country for multiple months, you can simply go for the monthly subscriptions. Some of these plans also include unlimited voice minutes and SMS - you truly get the best deal here. 

The majority of plans that you will find on the website are prepaid, with a few postpaid plans and a postpaid monthly subscription in a few countries, the most important one being the United States. However, it doesn't have strong coverage in Latin America. For example, I found them offering only a single plan in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. Moreover, there are no plans for countries like Cuba, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Ecuador. 

The regional plans offer an attractive price proposition as well, with options available in APAC, Africa, North America, the Middle East, and Europe. We highly recommend the Europe plan if you're about to go on a Europe tour. Airhub covers up to 49 countries in the plans, with the plans starting at just $11 for a month with a 3GB data limit. We could also spot a few 1-year plans in Europe ranging from 10GB to 100GB for the year.  

When you open the Airhub app, there's not a lot going on like most other eSIM apps — the interface is clean and intuitive. After logging in, you will find a page that lets you select the country, with three tabs differentiating local eSIMs, regional eSIMs, and Monthly plans (note that the global package is included in the regional eSIM category). 

Concluding, Airhub stands out with its great plans, minimalist apps, and websites and ticks all the boxes of travelers and remote workers looking for an affordable and effective eSIM. 

Read our full Airhub review.

  • ^ Back to the top

Best eSIM for customizable plans

Website screenshot for Airalo

Airalo is easily one of the best eSIM providers for travelers looking for an affordable and reliable SIM card, which is in more than 200 countries. The stand-out thing about Airalo is its great collaborations with local telco companies all over the world which makes it the cost leader that it is today. 

Keep in mind that this also means the cost of Airalo depends on the place you're traveling to, and the cost of data there — validity and data limit being the other two factors that affect its price.

It also offers 7 regional plans, including Latin America and Caribbean Islands — regions that aren’t well catered by other eSIM providers.

It also has a specific global plan that provides access to around 84 countries worldwide — perfect for international travelers. You can choose between 1GB to 20GB of data spread across 7 days to 180 days validity. 

To buy the eSIM, you simply have to go to the app, create an account, choose the place you are traveling to, and the package of your choice, and then install the eSIM. After that, you’ll need to follow a simple eSIM activation procedure, and that’s it. The payment can be made through a credit card or Apple Pay. 

One major thing to look out for when getting an Airalo eSIM is that most of them don't offer voice minutes — there's only a data plan. So if you're someone who makes a lot of voice calls throughout the day, you might want to look out for an alternative here. That said, you can always communicate via Internet calls when needed. 

Airalo has a loyalty feature where you get credit every time you purchase data from the service provider. Initially, you get a 5% Airalo credit for every purchase, which keeps increasing as you collect more and more credit. So, initially, if you spend $20 on a package, you get a $1 credit that you can use for future purchases. 

Read our full Airalo review.

Best eSIM for easy installation

Website screenshot for AloSIM

AloSIM is a Canada-based tech company that offers great prepaid data SIMs at affordable prices. One innovative feature of the app is its Data Calculator which helps you find the estimated data that you will require depending on the things you use your internet for on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Once you have decided on the amount of data you need, you can head over to the eSIM area and select a plan to your liking.

The reason why this is so great is because it bears testimony to the brand's transparency and genuineness. Being able to calculate your daily requirements won't let you overspend on something you don't need. 

Another thing I love about AloSIM is that you get to see which partnering networks you're gonna be connected with before you purchase any package so that you can assure that you are connected to a reliable network. You can also check the speed availability in the region (3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE). This is something most eSIM providers do not offer.

Installing the eSIM is also easy with AloSIM. There are three ways in which you can do that:

1. Automatic installation — if you want to start using your plan straight away, you should go with this option. 

2. Scanning QR code — this option is available in almost all eSIM providers — you just have to scan the QR code to activate your network. 

3. Manual installation — You will have to go through a step-by-step instruction manual to adjust your settings and activate your eSIM. 

The prices at AloSIM are among the most reasonable I’ve seen. You can get the 5 GB for 30 days plan for as low as $16 in the US. That's a lot of difference compared to the plan your home SIM can provide you. Plus, data sharing is supported, so you can use your personal hotspot to connect to other devices or let a friend free ride with you. AloSIM also offers as many as 11 regional plans — one of the highest on our list. 

However, I couldn’t spot a regional plan for Africa or an extensive Asian plan. The Asian regional plan covers just five countries in Southeast Asia. Thus, it isn’t a great option if you’re traveling East.

Just like every data-only eSIM, you will not get a phone number with AloSIM. Also, there's no unlimited plan for you to rely on if you're a data junkie. Overall, AloSIM stands out with its transparency, auto-installation feature, and affordable price. 

Read our full AloSIM review.

Best eSIM for value for money

Website screenshot for Nomad

Nomad eSIM is a great option if you’re on short trips and need a travel eSIM that doesn't cost you a fortune. It is well-known for its short-duration plans of 7 and 15 days. Its offerings are divided into regional plans and individual country plans. 

You can also purchase an unlimited data plan in selected individual countries, such as the UK, something that isn’t available with regional plans. With Nomad, you can purchase one GB of data for as low as $1.30 (in Asia and the Americas).

It has an incredible value proposition in North America, Asia, and Europe. However, when it comes to Latin America, you can definitely find cheaper options. For example, 1GB of data with a 7-day validity costs $9 on Nomad. However, the same plan is available at $6.5 on Airalo, with both of them covering the same three counties —Canada, USA, and Mexico,

What we love about this provider is that it doesn't charge you any one-time connection fee or even a fee for the SIM card itself. There's no hidden cost, and you don't have to worry about enormous roaming costs as well. Just pay for the upfront amount of the package, and you’re good to go.

There are eight regional plans - APAC, Nordic, Europe, SEA - Oceania, Global, North America, Africa, and Middle East. Regional plans allow you to buy the plan once and use it in a specific group of countries - no need to buy a new eSIM for every country you travel to. For example, if you’re visiting France, Germany, and Italy, simply get the European regional plan. You’ll not need to buy a separate eSIM in each country.

The global plan is decent, with an option to purchase a global e-Sim for either 110 countries or 140 countries. The 110-country plan starts at $25/GB (validity of 7 days), while the 140-country plan starts at $19/GB for the same validity period.

Recently, Nomad added an SMS plan available in selected countries like Canada, the United States, and the UK. I found the plan to be pretty reasonable, too, starting at 100 texts for $4. 

What's more, Nomad has one of the most user-friendly apps. You can easily find all the plans, and the interface is very clean. You can also track your data usage on the go and add more data if you seem to be outrunning your current limit. 

If you're not an expert at understanding chunky instructions, you'll love its setup process that takes you through the app step by step and even includes pictures to clearly illustrate what you need to do. 

If there's still something you need help understanding, there's built-in 24/7 message support, and the response time is quick and reliable. It doesn't have a live chat feature like most of the peers.

In conclusion, Nomad is a solid option for frequent travelers with its short-term packages at affordable prices and easy-to-set-up interface. With the commendable user-friendliness of this provider’s app and reliable customer support, it’s one of the best travel eSIMs. 

Read our full Nomad review.

Best eSIM for security

Website screenshot for Instabridge

5. Instabridge

Instabridge has been around for a while, and its eSIM services are truly one to consider if you are looking for a safe and seamless internet connection. This is especially recommended if you're going to stay in one place for a long time — you can find plans that last up to a year.

It is the #1 app on iPhone for global internet access, and with access to more than 190 countries and over 200 million app downloads, you can guess that it's a hot pick among travelers.  However, you do not get any call minutes or SMS facility with Instabridge’s eSIM. Thus, you’ve to rely on Internet-based voice calls and texts — certainly not a deal-breaker.

If you are tight on budget but want to purchase a plan, you can score mobile data packages by watching ads on the app. The collection won't be too grand, of course, but it'll get you a decent data pack if you spend your free time on the app. 

The app in itself is pretty modern and intuitive. You can simply select the country you’re traveling to and choose the amount of data you need. Next, select the duration — one-time, monthly, or yearly. You’re done — simply make the payment and enjoy your internet.

Note that the website on the desktop version doesn't show all the local plans, so it's important to check the plans on the app if you don't find a suitable plan for you. You can pick between subscriptions and one-off plans depending on your needs. The website typically doesn’t show data plans for more than 30 days.

Customer support isn't always the fastest — it can take a few hours to get a reply if you're stuck in the middle of something. But you can look out for the FAQs and manuals to help you out, and the app is easy to use, too. So there are chances that you might not even need customer support.  

You can purchase multiple plans with the same eSIM, so there's no need to collect a hefty number of eSIMs if you're traveling to multiple places. For example, if you're going to visit the USA, Germany, and France over the holidays, you can just purchase a plan for each of these places and track the data usage of each of these packages through the app. 

Instabridge has a strong commitment to bringing the internet to everyone. For the same, it has decided to give away 1GB of data to someone in a developing nation for every 1 GB of data you purchase.

Concluding, Instabridge is a solid provider of data-only plans, a must-have for users who value security over anything.

Read our full Instabridge review.

Best eSIM for beginners

Saily landing page

Saily is a newcomer in the eSIM market that’s quickly gaining popularity among budget-conscious travelers looking for a straightforward and reliable service. Launched in 2024 by Nord Security, the company behind the well-known NordVPN, Saily offers competitive pricing and a user-friendly app that makes it an attractive choice for those new to eSIMs.

One of Saily's standout features is its affordable data plans, with prices starting at just $1.65 for 20GB of data. This makes it an excellent option for travelers who want to stay connected without breaking the bank. Saily's plans are country-specific, meaning you'll need to purchase a separate plan for each destination you visit. While this may be less convenient for those traveling to multiple countries, it allows for more customized pricing based on local network costs.

Saily's coverage spans over 150 countries, including popular destinations like the United States, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, and India. The company partners with local providers to ensure reliable connections and fast data speeds in most regions. However, I found that Saily's coverage is slightly more limited compared to some of its competitors, such as Airalo.

But where Saily really shines is its commitment to simplicity. The app's minimalistic design and intuitive interface make it easy for even first-time eSIM users to navigate. The installation process is straightforward, with clear on-screen instructions guiding users through purchasing plans and activating their eSIMs. 

While Saily may not offer as many features as some of its more established competitors, it excels at providing a streamlined and hassle-free experience. The app's clean layout makes it easy to track your data usage and top up your plan when needed. And if you do run into any issues, Saily offers 24/7 customer support via live chat within the app, ensuring you can get help whenever you need it.

In summary, Saily is an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize affordability and simplicity. With its competitive pricing, user-friendly app, and reliable coverage, it's a strong contender in the growing eSIM market. While it may not have the most extensive feature set or country coverage, Saily's focus on delivering a seamless user experience makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious globetrotters.

Read our full Saily review.

Best eSIM for frequent travellers

Jetpac landing page

Jetpac is a Singapore-based eSIM provider founded in 2022. With its expansive coverage spanning over 100 countries, Jetpac offers reliable internet access through both regional and global plans, catering to a variety of travel needs. Whether you're on a short 4-day trip or an extended 30-day journey, Jetpac ensures you're always connected. Their flexible data plans range from 1GB to 40GB or more, ensuring you have the data you need for every situation. 

Jetpac has partnered with local networks around the world to guarantee high-speed internet, with most connections offering 4G/LTE and even 5G speeds where available. This means you can enjoy smooth browsing, streaming, and communication no matter where you are. 

One of Jetpac’s standout features is its SmartDelay service. By registering your flight with Jetpac, you can gain complimentary access to airport lounges if your flight is delayed or canceled. This service can accommodate up to five travelers, making it a valuable perk for families or groups. Imagine the convenience of relaxing in a comfortable lounge, complete with refreshments and Wi-Fi, rather than waiting at the gate during unexpected delays.

Another notable feature is the ability to share your hotspot and connect with your laptop, tablet, or other devices to your Jetpac eSIM, ensuring that all your gadgets stay online wherever you go. This feature is particularly beneficial for business travelers who need to stay productive or for families wanting to keep everyone connected on a single plan.

Setting up Jetpac’s eSIM is straightforward and user-friendly. By downloading the Jetpac app, you are guided through the simple installation process. Additionally, Jetpac’s website offers detailed resources and guides to assist with any questions you might have. The company’s dedication to customer support is evident, with a team available around the clock to assist via email or live chat.

However, it's important to note that your device must be eSIM compatible to use Jetpac’s services. While the eSIM can be downloaded and installed before you depart, the data plan will only activate once you arrive in a supported country. 

Read our full Jetpac review.

Best eSIM for network coverage

Website screenshot for BNESIM

BNESIM offers mobile data contracts in over 170 countries —greater than most providers in our list, like Nomad. You can rest assured that no matter which country you are traveling to, you will definitely find a plan or more with BNESIM. 

Where this provider wins against the competition is its “pay-as-you-go” plans. These are plans with no expiration date. For example, if you purchase the 1GB USA data plan for $6.73, you can use the plan as long as you do not exhaust the entire data without any time restriction. This is particularly helpful for users who use minimal data and end up wasting their data by the end of the plan. 

What I like about BNESIM is its diverse regional plans. It currently offers Regional plans in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa. Apart from this, there are two unlimited data regional plans - something other providers don’t offer. 

1. BNESIM Infinity Europe

2. BNESIM Infinity Asia

For example, the Infinity Aisa plan covers 28 countries with options to purchase one-time, daily, and monthly plans. I found the “Daily Plan’ really useful in the modern data usage context. It offers a certain data limit for each day of the plan. For example, the 1GB daily data Asia plan costs just $8.85 — a steal, in my opinion.

I also found an extensive “Support” section on its website with guides on installing eSIMs on various devices, such as iPhone, iPad, and Android phones. Each of these guides includes pictures that make your job easier. Just like Airalo, BNESIM also partners with local networks to provide reliable bandwidth, which makes the network stronger in some areas.

However, if you’re looking for a longer-duration plan, BNESIM doesn’t get the job done. With a maximum validity of 30 days, their plans primarily focus on short-duration plans. Another weird thing about BNESIM is its “auto-renewal” feature — your plan will be auto-renewed at the end of the term. You’ll have to cancel the plan manually on its website or app.

All in all, BNESIM is an ideal choice for travelers looking for a flexible and cost-effective global roaming solution for frequent travel. 

Best eSIM for unlimited data

Website screenshot for Holafly

Holafly eSIM cards are among the few options offering unlimited data plans — you can send as many videos and photos with your family without worrying about the data limit. In the few countries that don't give unlimited data, it offers higher data limits than most other providers. 

In terms of duration, too, there's great flexibility. You can get plans that last 5, 10, 15, 20, 60, and 90 days. In short, there will always be a plan close to the number of days you're traveling for in about 160 countries that Holafly caters to.

On the price front, Holafly is a little high-end, but it's worth the unlimited data and stress-free traveling it offers. For example, its 5-day unlimited data plan for the USA costs $19. It also offers regional plans. However, I found it tough to locate these plans on its website, as there’s no dedicated “Regional Plans” section as in some other websites like Nomad and Airhub.

Brands like Airalo are significantly cheaper than Holafly, but you will have to get top-up plans if you exhaust your data mid-journey, which can be troublesome if you travel alone and don't have anyone to provide you hotspot in the meanwhile. 

Installing the eSIM is also a breeze with Holafly. Simply scan the QR code you receive after purchasing a plan and follow the prompts. You will be guided through each step of the process, and the payment can be made through various portals like a credit card, debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. You can also use a code for manual installation if you don't want to scan the QR code. 

Holafly‘s customer support is one of the best in the market. You can expect a reply from them within less than a minute of entering your query. With language support in English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, you can easily access the 24/7 support via WhatsApp or chat. On top of that, there's a frequently asked questions section that will solve most of your queries regarding the installation of the eSIM. 

However, if you plan to buy a single Holafly eSIM for your family, thinking that the unlimited data plan will do the trick, beware. Holafly eSIM doesn't allow data sharing with other devices as of now. 

While Holafly has great data plans, it doesn't include calls with all plans or SMS service. Currently, you can make calls for up to 60 minutes and receive calls for up to 60 minutes in Europe, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. However, I didn’t find this off-putting due to the sheer non-functionality of SMS and calls these days. You can always make calls or send texts through Holafly’s unlimited Internet ( WhatsApp , Skype, or other apps).   Use code TECHRADAR to get 5% off.  

Read our full Holafly review.

Best eSIM for global plans

Website screenshot for GlobaleSIM

10. GlobaleSIM

GlobaleSIM provides global and local data plans for travelers and tourists in more than 150 countries, and you get extendable coverage with over 400 network carriers. It was among the first providers of eSIM when it first launched in 2016.

There are four broad plans that GlobaleSIM offers:

1. Most Popular Plan - available in 63 countries

2. Most Popular+ Plan - available in 93 countries

3. Special Plan - available in 115 countries

4. Special + Plan - available in 143 countries

For example, its “Most Popular Plan” starts at $3.00 for 500MB of data for 5 days. You also get the option of adding call minutes to your plan and selecting either a US, a UK, or a Canadian number. As there are several countries being covered under a single plan, you obviously cannot expect to get a local number to the place you're visiting, and since there's no roaming charge, a US, UK, or Canadian number isn't that bad, too, after all.

Many eSIM providers ask you to create an account before purchasing, but this one doesn't. You just have to fill out the required information, like your name, surname, and email address, and you're done. You can complete your payment via either PayPal or a credit card.  

However, I couldn’t find many single-country plans on GlobaleSIM. Even for a popular destination like the US, you’ll have to get a bundled plan that includes both the US and Canada. Moreover, despite being in the market for so long, it's a little disappointing that the provider doesn't have an application of its own, so you'll have to purchase the eSIM directly from the website. 

Unlike most other providers in the market, GlobaleSIM doesn't have chat support, the only way that you can connect to them is through emails, and the response time isn't as fast as chat support either. 

At first, you won't even find customer service or a way to get in touch with them on the front page of the website or while skimming through plans. You will have to go all the way down the page to find it. Simply put, the customer support is disappointing. 

All in all, GlobaleSIM is a great eSIM to consider if you're looking for a global plan that's easy to set up and purchase.  

Best eSIM for Europe

Website screenshot for Holiday eSIM

11. Holiday eSIM

Holiday eSIM is the best-prepaid service provider if you're traveling to Europe, with robust connections in every European country for high-speed data.  

What I like the most about this provider is that, unlike others, you get a French number with the eSIM. Its most popular plan includes unlimited calls and texts in Europe, 120 minutes of worldwide calling, and 1,000 texts. That's more than enough proposition for whatever your needs are. But of course, if all you are looking for is a data eSIM, you can also purchase the data-only packages it offers. 

The Orange holiday app is user-friendly and doesn't require any registration prior to installing the eSIM. All you have to do is install the eSIM, and the provider will automatically connect to the strongest local European mobile network provider in that area.  

Costing around $44.10 for 10GB of data with a validity of 14 days, you might argue that this isn't a cheap option. However, if you're looking to have amazing internet no matter which European street you are wandering on, this is worth the penny it costs.

Besides the European plan, there's also a competent data-only global plan with 6GB of data with a 15-day validity. What’s more — you can share your data as a hotspot, so if you want to work on your laptop while away, it won't be a problem. 

However, it doesn’t offer a lot of plan options. Thus, you do not have much flexibility, either in terms of the validity period or data limits. Moreover, I did not like the website interface as much as some other providers on our list. Finding your destination country is difficult — you’ll have to choose from a long list of options. Even when you do, you’ll find “Regional” and “Global” plans in every country. This essentially means that Holiday eSIM does not offer as many individual country plans. 

In conclusion, if you value your network connection more than your product's budget-friendliness, you should consider this for your European trip. While we're not trying to take away that this provider's plans will cost you more than the local plan you can buy from a local provider, there are also a few cheaper options that might work for you if your internet usage isn't a lot. 

Best eSIM for data-only plans

Website screenshot for Flexiroam

12. Flexiroam

eSIMs are an important part of Flexiroam's wide line of products, and it's one of the best data-only eSIM lines out there. You get access to more than 500 mobile networks worldwide through its partnership with Jersey Telecom, with multiple networks in a single place, meaning you are never limited to just one network with this one. 

When traveling, the eSIM automatically connects itself to the strongest network connection in that area for reliable and strong coverage no matter where you go.  If you still don't feel content with the connected network, you can manually switch to the provider of your choice and use it if you find that more comfortable. 

Most providers like Airalo and BNESIM work with one single provider in one area, and it’s possible that the local provider might not be the best for the area you're visiting. This is never the issue with Flexiroam.

There are more than 700 eSIM plans to choose from. However, these plans aren’t as neatly categorized as some other providers. You’ll have to select from a long drop-down list when looking for individual country plans.

Its regional plans are a mixed bag of chocolates. While there are two unique regional plans - Greater Europe and Greater China, I couldn’t find a regional plan for Asia that is offered by almost every other competitor. If you’re on an Asian trip, you’ll want to look at some other eSIMs on our list.

Having said that, Flexiroam is among the few providers that include plans for less than 7 days, and unlike Holafly, it allows data sharing through both tethering and Hotspot. So if you're traveling in a group, you can just buy a single pack and share it with your entire group.

Being a data-only eSIM, you don't get a phone number to call in case there's a network coverage issue and your internet stops working. This can usually be a problem if you're traveling to remote places.

In conclusion, Flexiroam is definitely worth your bucks if you are looking for a data-only eSIM for its affordability and wider network coverage.  

Read our full Flexiroam review.

Best eSIMs for international travel FAQs

What is an esim  .

eSIMs are digital SIM cards already embedded in your mobile device. They are small rewritable chips fixed inside your phone, which connect with an antenna to eliminate the need for a physical SIM. 

Since an eSIM is rewritable, you can change your operator with just a simple setting change. The antenna connects to whichever network you select, so there’s no need to purchase a new SIM. 

eSIMs have been around for quite some time. But when Apple decided to remove the good old SIM card slot and shift the iPhone to being completely eSIM-featured, this feature got its moment in the spotlight. The main reason eSIMs are preferred is because of their ease of use.

Some other reasons why eSIMs have gained popularity include environmental sustainability, reduced battery consumption, and the ability to switch networks on the fly in remote areas.

While there’s no major difference between using an eSIM card and a physical SIM card, eSIMs could be a slight turnoff when you want to switch phones. That said, the benefits of eSIM certainly outweigh physical SIM cards in most scenarios.

Why should I get an eSIM for international travel?  

Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s dive into why it’s so beneficial for international travel. The best thing about them is that you can store as many as eight (sometimes even more) on your phone and activate them when needed without additional roaming charges. 

Of course, if your current network operator provides free roaming service, there's no need to consider a travel-specific or local SIM. But if that's not the case, it can be quite a task to find the right operator and negotiate with language barriers.

eSIMs are also generally more secure than physical SIMs since there’s no way to remove them, so they can’t get lost. And if your phone gets lost or stolen, tracking it is much easier since eSIMs cannot be removed from the device. 

Note that international roaming works the same way on physical SIMs and eSIMS. The only difference that sets the two apart is that while you can add only two physical SIMs at a time, you can conveniently purchase an eSIM from a local carrier and switch your eSIM operators as you visit multiple locations. 

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?  

Most phones manufactured after 2018 are compatible with eSIMs, except for a few exceptions depending on the location and carrier. IPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are among the first eSIM-compatible iPhones that came out in 2018. 

Follow these steps to see if your iOS is eSIM compatible and carrier unlocked:

  • Go to Settings > General > About
  • Scroll down to find the Carrier Lock section
  • If your device is unlocked, it will show "No SIM restrictions" If that's not the case, you need to unlock your device first. 
  • If you have an iOS 15 or later, Scroll down to "Available SIM" and if you have earlier iOS versions, find "Digital SIM"
  • If your phone supports eSIMs, it will show a 15-digit IMEI number 

The following are the latest models that support eSIM: 

  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12 Mini
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Mini
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone SE 3 (2022)
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Plus
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max

You can also use eSIMs on the following iPads: 

  • iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068 onwards)
  • iPad Air (model A2123 onwards)
  • iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069 onwards)
  • iPad (model A2198 onwards)
  • IPad 10th generación (2022)
  • iPad Mini (model A2124 onwards)

For Android numbers, it is best to check with the manufacturer if your device is compatible with eSIM. This, too, depends on the model, place of manufacturing, and the carrier used for the Android device.  

Another way to check is by going to the settings > Network & Internet and tapping on the "eSIM cards". If you find a "Download a SIM instead?" option, your device is eSIM-compatible 

You can also check if your phone has an EID (Embedded Identity Document Number), which is the serial number that matches with the eSIM embedded in your device. 

  • Dial *#06# and press call
  • If your device is eSIM-compatible, you'll be able to view your EID number

Some popular Android phones that support eSIMs include: 

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 models
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 models
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20
  • Samsung Galaxy Fold Series
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Series
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 models
  • Google Pixel 7
  • Google Pixel 6
  • Google Pixel 4
  • Google Pixel Fold
  • Google Pixel 3 XL
  • Huawei P40 Series
  • Oppo Reno 5A
  • Oppo Find X5
  • Sony Xperia 1 V
  • Xiaomi 13 Series
  • Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
  • Motorola Edge+
  • Motorola Razr 2019

Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list — it’s only an indicative list of popular smartphones that support eSIMs. In case you do not find your phone year, check with your manufacturer. 

How to choose the best eSIM for international travel 

While all the providers have something or the other to offer,  it's important to know the factors that make an eSIM the best among them. 

1. Which place are you traveling to?

It's important to check the network coverage of an eSIM in the place you're visiting. eSIM providers often offer amazing coverage in particular countries but mediocre performance in others. This is because eSIMs collaborate or partner with local service providers in different countries to enhance network coverage. So make sure that you check the service of the local provider that's accessible to you and select the eSIM provider that has coverage to the place you're traveling to. 

Depending on the number of places you are going to visit, you can select local, regional, and global eSIMs. Here's how they differ:

  • Local eSIM — you should go for this eSIM if you're traveling to just one country. For example, if you're traveling to Paris, you can get a local France eSIM.
  • Regional eSIM — This is a perfect option if you're going to travel to a couple of countries within the same region. Let’s say you're planning a Europe trip; in that case, instead of buying a local SIM for each country, it’s a lot more convenient to get a regional eSIM that will work on all the countries in Europe you're visiting.
  • Global eSIM — global eSIM allows you to connect several countries all over the world, which is perfect if you're going to travel worldwide or counties that are in different regions.

How much data will you need?

If your data requirements are ambitious, you should preferably look for a cheap eSIM or one that provides unlimited data. On the other hand, if your data needs aren't too demanding, but you need internet in remote places, you might have to shell out a bit more for quality internet. To get an idea of how much data different apps use up, have a look at this: 

  • Google Maps: 5MB per hour
  • Social Media: 50MB per hour
  • Internet Browsing: 50MB per hour
  • Online Gaming: 70+MB per hour
  • Streaming Music: 100MB per hour
  • SD Video: 1GB per hour
  • HD Video: 4GB per hour
  • 4K Video: 7GB per hour

3. How long will you be abroad?

All eSIM providers have different validity options — you can choose between 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90-day plans, and so on. Find a plan with a validity period that outlines how long you're going to be using the eSIM. 

Some eSIM providers provide plans shorter than 7 days; look out for them if you're going to be away for the weekend. On the other hand, if your data usage is moderate, but you are traveling for longer periods, an unlimited plan might be the best for you. 

How does an eSIM work?

An eSIM card or embedded SIM card is a chip in your phone that lets you connect to a network by simply downloading an eSIM profile and activating it without having to swap the SIM card physically. 

eSIMs function similarly to physical cards — the only difference is that the card, instead of being inserted into the devices, can now be downloaded through an Android or iOS app and activated by scanning a QR code. 

It is very easy to install an eSIM into the devices that are compatible with it. You can use multiple operators simultaneously and add several data plans according to your needs, as there's no physical space required to limit the number. 

You just have to change the profile to switch between one eSIM to another. This way, you can find the network in another eSIM if one SIM doesn't have a network. You can even have one SIM each for business and personal purposes.  

Since eSIMs can be updated electronically, providers in the US and UK are using eSIMs for the Internet of Things, adding a mobile network to almost anything that could use one, like cars and traffic lights.

While all the latest Apple devices are eSIM-compatible, most Android devices are also catching up. For example, the new Motorola Razr doesn't have a physical SIM card slot and only supports eSIM. Google Pixel phones and other Android devices, including laptops and tablets, have started providing eSIMs too. 

If you have already set up eSIM Carrier Activation, follow these steps to activate your SIM:

  • On turning on your phone, you will find a notification appearing that says "Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed", tap on it.
  • If it doesn't pop up right away, In the Settings app, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed.
  • You will find a "Continue" at the bottom of the screen. After that, the plan must have been activated.
  • Make a call on your iPhone to check its cellular connectivity.
  • If you're unable to make the call, contact your carrier. If the plan you activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM, your eSIM has been activated. Now remove your physical SIM. Then restart your iPhone.
  • After this, your eSIM will actively run on your phone, and you can use it along with your physical SIM cards too. This will especially be appreciated by those who don't like to give away their phone numbers when traveling abroad.

Can I use more than one eSIM provider when traveling abroad? 

Yes, you can use more than one eSIM, depending on whether you use Android or iOS. When traveling, you’d want to use at least two SIMs simultaneously so that you don't lose touch with the older SIM contact when using the new local SIM. 

iPhones can store up to 5-10 eSIMs on the device, depending on the exact model. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 Mini allow you to use two eSIMs simultaneously. On the flip side, you can use only one eSIM with iPhone 12 models, iPhone 11 models, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

Similarly, Androids can also store 5-7 eSIMs on the device. However, you can only activate and use one eSIM at a time. 

This makes your work a lot easier. Suppose you’re traveling to Asia and Europe within a short span of time; you can purchase two eSIMs on your device. Simply activate the eSIM once you transition from one destination to another. This is more convenient compared to traditional SIMs, where you would have had to physically purchase a SIM at every destination you visit.

Traditional phones generally feature a maximum of 2 SIM cards in devices with dual SIM slots. In devices like iPhones that usually don't have a dual SIM feature, you will have to get a student device if you wish to use more than one SIM at once. 

How to set up and activate an eSIM on iOS

Devices like the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later support eSIM. And recently, it completely ditched the physical SIM card slot in all the US models of iPhone 14. While other countries still have the SIM card slot, Apple has made it clear that it will soon completely get rid of the physical SIM card.  

Note that Apple’s eSIM feature is not yet available in mainland China and a few parts of Hong Kong and Macao. But if you have an Android device, eSIMs are still an option on your visit to China.

Setting up and activating an eSIM is super easy if you follow the instructions below:

  • On your iOS device, follow Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If this doesn't work, try Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
  • Click on the “Transfer from Nearby iPhone” option. At this point, remember that both iPhones have to be on iOS 16 for this to work.
  • You will find instructions on the old model to help you through the process. Either tap the transfer button or enter the verification code on the older phone, which will be sent to the new iPhone.
  • Once you transfer the eSIM to the newer iPhone, it is deactivated from your old device, and your carrier will send you a notification to complete the setup on your new iPhone.

QR code support:

  • If your carrier has issued you a QR code, you can simply select “Use QR Code” while setting up the new iPhone.
  • You can find the “Use QR Code” option under Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM. 

How to set up and activate an eSIM on Android?

Most new smartphone models like the Samsung Galaxy series and Google Pixel have eSIM capabilities. 

Once you’ve confirmed that your specific Android device supports eSIMs, you can obtain the activation kit from your provider and install it by following the steps below:

  • Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager on your Android phone. Tap “Add Mobile Plan”.
  • If you have a QR code, select “Scan Operator QR code” and scan the code with your phone's camera. If entering manually, select “Enter Activation Code” and carefully type in the code from your carrier.
  • Your phone will take a minute or two to download the eSIM profile and register it on the network. Once complete, tap “OK”.
  • To manage your eSIM, go back to SIM Card Manager in your Android device’s settings. From there you can view your eSIM info, select your active SIM, and continue adding additional eSIMs.

Many of the eSIM providers on this list also provide device-specific guides to help you get started quickly. If you feel lost, just check their knowledge bases for more details!

Are eSIM better than physical SIM cards?  

eSIMs offer several advantages over traditional SIM cards. They provide greater flexibility, convenience, and security for users — all while saving device space and reducing battery consumption.

While the technology is still relatively new and not universally supported yet, eSIMs will likely become the standard in the coming years as more devices and carriers adopt it. 

Here’s an overview of some key advantages of using an eSIM:

Seamless Activation

One of the biggest advantages of eSIMs is the ease of activation and switching between carriers. With an eSIM, you can activate service or change providers with just a few taps on your device, without having to go to a store to get a physical SIM. 

This makes it much more convenient, especially when traveling internationally.

Increased Security

eSIMs offer enhanced security compared to physical SIMs. They cannot be physically removed or stolen from a device, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or SIM cloning. Some eSIMs even have self-destructing features that erase data after failed authentication attempts

Designs Options

Since eSIMs are embedded directly into devices and don't require a separate slot, they free up valuable space inside smartphones. This allows manufacturers to make devices slimmer, include larger batteries, or add other features. The lack of a removable SIM tray also improves water and dust resistance.

Multiple Profiles

A single eSIM can store multiple carrier profiles, allowing you to switch between them as needed. This is especially useful if you want to use separate lines for work and personal use on a single phone, or if you frequently travel and need to use local service in different countries. 

With an eSIM, you can do this without juggling multiple physical SIM cards.

Reliable Connectivity

eSIMs can provide more reliable connectivity than physical SIM cards. SIM cards can come loose, get damaged, or degrade over time, potentially leading to signal issues. The embedded nature of eSIMs makes them less prone to these physical connectivity problems.

Environmental Sustainability

Switching to eSIMs offers significant environmental benefits compared to using physical SIM cards. eSIMs eliminate the need for plastic SIM card production, packaging, and transportation, reducing the telecom industry's carbon footprint.

By enabling remote provisioning and digital distribution of SIM profiles, eSIMs also cut down on the need for users to travel to stores for activation or changes, further decreasing emissions.

Are there any risks to using eSIMs? 

eSIMs are no more dangerous than physical SIM cards. They both employ the same encryption methods and security protocols to protect user data. The only possible security disadvantage of eSIMs is that they are a relatively new technology and some users may find the setup process more complex.

But, in many cases, eSIMs may actually be safer. Unlike physical SIMs, eSIMs cannot be physically removed or tampered with, reducing the risk of SIM cloning or unauthorized SIM swapping. Because they are a more recent technology, eSIMs also have additional security features like remote provisioning and encrypted communications, which make them safer to use.

All that said, eSIMs are not infallible. Just like physical SIM cards, they can be hacked into by an attacker with enough skills and determination. As an eSIM user, you can protect yourself by using strong unique passwords, keeping your eSIM software updated, and only downloading profiles from trusted sources.

Final verdict 

eSIMs have, undoubtedly, made traveling much easier. With affordable plans, excellent connections, and various validity options to choose from, eSIMs are the future of telecommunication. 

The only question is — which eSIM should you purchase? If you do not require voice call minutes (which I believe most wouldn’t), Airalo is your best bet. It has a lot of plan options to choose from, with validities as long as 180 days. It offers affordable local plans in as many as 200 countries, besides 7 regional plans and a value-for-money global plan. And since it partners with local network providers, you can rest assured of seamless connectivity as well. 

If you do want to make voice calls and send text messages, Airhub should be your go-to option. It offers plans in more than 190 countries, with more than 15 plans to select from in most countries. Like Airalo, it is also a value-for-money proposition and wouldn’t cost you a fortune.

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Krishi covers buying guides and how-to's related to software, online tools, and tech products here at TechRadar. Over at Tom's Guide, he writes exclusively on VPN services. You can also find his work on Techopedia and The Tech Report. As a tech fanatic, Krishi also loves writing about the latest happenings in the world of cybersecurity, AI, and software.

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uk tourist esim

ESIMUK.NET – Official Site | UK’s #1 travel eSIM store

No.1 UK eSIM Store

Get most reliable way to stay connected in united kingdom.

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Best eSIM UK Plans

Select your perfect data plans to enjoy 4g lte.

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Start your journey with confidence. Our dedicated customer support team is here to assist you, no matter where you are in the world. Simply contact us via email.

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ESIMUK.NET is No.1 eSIM service for tourists to the UK. Enjoy the 5G network at the best price. Buy and use eSIM UK Instantly. 250K+ Happy Customers. 24/7 Support. Tested by telecom experts. Full Refund Guaranteed. We help you to select the eSIM UK data plan & offers you a QR code instantly via email. Get a connection from the fastest local network, EE and Three.

Be prepared for your memorable time in the United Kingdom with ESIMUK.NET. We assure you of a smooth connection, whether you’re strolling around Buckingham Palace, standing atop Edinburgh Castle, or admiring the view from the London Eye. Capture and share these moments on your favorite social media platforms to make your journey even more memorable.

Have nothing but peace in your mind with our round-the-clock customer support, ready to assist you throughout your entire journey. We guarantee your trip will be exceptional with our reliable and fast eSIM. Order the best UK eSIM plans & Enjoy the easiest roaming data with eSIM cards at a reasonable price!

Is this your first experience with eSIM?

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Count on us for your stress-free eSIM experience.

What is esim, esim, an abbreviation for embedded sim, offers a convenient solution for travelers in search of mobile data access abroad, all without the need to change their physical sim cards. our user-friendly esim data plans are delivered promptly to your email within 5 to 15 minutes of payment. say farewell to the inconvenience of lining up for a physical sim card while traveling. with esim, you can retain your original physical sim for receiving sms and calls from your home country. unlock the benefits of esim with a quick qr code scan and commence your extraordinary journey with our exceptional esim data plans., is my device compatible, please verify the compatibility of your device with our advanced esim technology to ensure a seamless connectivity solution. while most gsm-compatible devices can work with our esim, compatibility may vary depending on your location and carrier. in the case of ios devices, models released after the iphone xr generally support our esim. however, devices manufactured in hong kong or china may not offer esim functionality. on the android side, the latest samsung galaxy and google pixel phone models typically offer compatibility with our esim, though it may depend on the specific model, manufacturing location, and carrier. to ensure compatibility, please consult our comprehensive list of supported devices..

Compatible Device

iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, iPhone SE3 (2022), iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini, iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE2 (2020), iPhone XR, iPhone XS, XS Max (Recommended iOS version: iOS 13.3 or later)

Incompatible Device

iPhone purchased from mainland China iPhone purchased from Hong Kong and Macao (except for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS)

Galaxy S24 5G, S24 Ultra 5G, S24+ 5G, Galaxy S23 5G, S23 Ultra 5G, S23+ 5G, Galaxy S22 5G, S22 Ultra 5G, S22+ 5G, Galaxy S21 5G, S21 Ultra 5G, S21+ 5G, Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Note 20+, Note 20 FE, Note 20 FE 5G, Galaxy Fold, Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 5 Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip 3 5G, Z Flip 4,  Z Flip 5

All Samsung S20 FE/S21 FE models S20/S21 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G from the USA Note 20 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 2 from the USA and Hong Kong

Pixel 8, 8Pro, Pixel 7, 7Pro, Pixel 6, 6a, 6Pro, Pixel 5, 5a, Pixel 4, 4a, 4XL, Pixel 3, 3XL, Pixel 3a, 3aXL

Pixel 3 models manufactured in Australia, Taiwan, and Japan Pixel 3 models bought from US or Canadian carriers other than Sprint and Google Fi Pixel 3a models bought in Southeast Asia and with Verizon service

Why choose eSIM over other options?

How it works.

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Get eSIM at your fingertips, Get ready for your trip!

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Pick a plan

Choose the plan that suits your travel needs and place an order.

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Scan the QR code

Receive the QR code via email and instantly scan it to activate.

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Ready to go!

If you still wonder.

Yes, eSIM is available as long as you have a compatible and unlocked device. To confirm the list of supported device models, please visit our website, accessible here . To check if your device is locked or unlocked, please follow the brand-specific instructions for your phone:

For Apple Devices

01. Go to [Settings] – [General] – [About] and scroll down. 02. If you see “Network Provider Lock – No SIM restrictions” and “Digital SIM – IMEI (number will appear),” your phone is compatible with eSIM. 03. If “SIM restrictions” are displayed, your phone does not support eSIM.

For Samsung & Google Devices

01. Go to [Settings] – [Connections] – [Mobile networks]. 02. Select [Networks operators] 03. If you see multiple available networks, your phone is likely unlocked and eSIM-compatible. 04. If only one result is displayed, or the option to search for networks is unavailable, your phone might be carrier-locked. In this case, you’ll need to contact your domestic carrier to unlock your phone before using an eSIM.

eSIM UK provides cost-effective, high-speed eSIM data plans covering various regions in Britain. Our plans encompass global coverage as well as city-specific options, with varying durations of validity.

Purchasing the perfect eSIM is a breeze with just three simple steps:

First, choose the data plan that suits your travel needs. Second, complete a secure payment using the trusted PayPal gateway. Finally, receive your QR code via email within just 15 minutes.

Although you can purchase and activate your eSIM at any time, we highly recommend doing so before your trip for the following reasons:

| Stable Wi-Fi Connection: Successful eSIM activation relies on a stable internet connection. Activating it in advance spares you the hassle of hunting for Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless experience.

| Validity Period: eSIM plans begin their duration when the eSIM connects to the local network. You can scan the QR code and install the eSIM ahead of time. Please note that 24 hours constitute one day, and the counting begins continuously from the moment of service activation.

When it comes to selecting the ideal eSIM package for your journey in the United Kingdom, it’s essential to consider factors like data needs, coverage, and the duration of your stay. Here are several options to consider:

| eSIM UK Unlimited Plans: These plans offer unlimited data, with reduced speeds (384 kbps) after you’ve used up your high-speed 4G LTE data. Validities range from 5 to 30 days.

| eSIM UK Fixed Plans: These plans ensure consistent 4G LTE connectivity with data allowances ranging from 3GB to 30GB. You can choose validities of 10, 15, or 30 days.

| eSIM Europe Unlimited: Ideal for travelers exploring beyond England, providing coverage in 42 European countries.

Prior to making your selection, we strongly recommend thoroughly reviewing the details and terms of each eSIM plan. If you require personalized assistance in choosing the perfect plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to the eSIM World team at [email protected]

After making your payment, our eSIM QR code is automatically sent to the provided email address within 15 minutes. If you haven’t received it within this timeframe, please follow these steps:

1. Check Spam or Promotion Folder check your spam or promotion folder, as your email might have been filtered there.

2. Contact Us for Assistance If there’s a typo in your email address, kindly reach out to us at [email protected] for a prompt resend.

3. Payment Processing Delay If you used iDEAL or another non-PayPal payment method, there may be delays during the transfer to PayPal. In such cases, please contact the respective payment gateway for assistance.

4. PayPal Security Measures Periodically, PayPal may subject your payment to security checks, which could take up to 72 hours. This is part of PayPal’s security protocol. For guidance, please contact PayPal’s customer service.

Please bear in mind that even for credit or debit card payments, processing is routed through PayPal, potentially undergoing PayPal’s security checks and pending status. For further assistance, we recommend reaching out to PayPal’s customer service.

Certainly, you can maintain your WhatsApp number, along with all your chats and contacts, when using an eSIM.

You can easily estimate your data usage by accessing your device’s Settings. For precise data consumption details, please contact us at [email protected] .

The procedure differs based on your device’s manufacturer:

Apple Devices

01. Open [Settings]02. Go to [Cellular/Mobile Data]03. Find your data usage under “Current Period Roaming.” 04. Alternatively, you can find more detailed instructions on the Apple website here . You can also dial 1019# to check your data usage via a call.

Samsung Devices

01. Go to [Settings] – [Connections]02. Choose [Data usage]03. Your mobile data consumption will be displayed. 04. You can also dial 1019# and make a call to check your data usage.

Google Devices

01. Open[Settings] – [Network & Internet] – [Internet]02. Tap [Settings] next to your operator 03. At the top, you’ll see the total data you have used.

To verify the activation of your eSIM, check for the following two indications:

| eSIM Profiles Access your device’s eSIM settings, and you’ll find a list of available profiles or plans. When your eSIM is successfully activated, you’ll see an active profile without a phone number listed among the options.

| Signal and Connectivity Once your eSIM is activated and connected to a cellular network, you should notice signal bars or connectivity indicators in your device’s status bar. Additionally, you might see the carrier name associated with the eSIM, confirming both its activation and network connection.

It’s crucial to enable data roaming for the secondary line, which is the eSIM plan you’ve added. To activate data roaming, follow these steps:

01. Go to [Settings] – [Cellular] 02. Select the [Secondary]  (the eSIM plan you’ve added) 03. Make sure to toggle [Data Roaming] to the ON position.

uk tourist esim

Additionally, to avoid incurring extra charges, it’s vital to  disable the automatic switching of lines. Here’s how you can complete this on Apple Devices:

01. Go to [Settings] – [Cellular] 02. Tap [Cellular Data] 03. Confirm that [Allow Cellular Data Switching] is turned OFF

uk tourist esim

We also advise reaching out to your domestic carrier to inquire about “Blocked charged international roaming” services. This ensures you have the most appropriate data options when using the eSIM plan.

To remove your eSIM from the phone, please follow the below.

01. Go to [Settings] – [Cellular/Mobile Data] – tap on the eSIM plan you would like to remove from the list 02. Tap [Remove Cellular Plan] (The name of the button can be something similar depending on the device)

For Samsung

01. Go to [Settings] – [Connections] – [SIM card manager] 02. Select a plan on eSIM that you want to remove 03. Toggle the switch to disable the eSIM 04. Tap Remove

01. Go to [Settings] 02. Tap [Network & internet] – [Mobile network] 03. Select the eSIM you want to delete 04. Tap Delete SIM

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Discover eSIM deals

What's an esim.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that's already installed in a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It's quick to set up, easy to use, and entirely digital so it's great for the planet.

Vodafone Pay monthly and Pay as you go Plus customers can get an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card with compatible devices . The flexibility of an eSIM means you can:

Switch providers easily

Change providers without needing to order a new SIM card.

Use dual SIM phones

Use two numbers with both a SIM card and an eSIM.

Get your eSIM now

You can get an eSIM with a SIM only plan or with our range of eSIM-compatible phones and iPads.

  • iPhone 15 Pro Max
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iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 13 Pro Max (dual eSIM)

iPhone 13 Pro (dual eSIM)

iPhone 13 (dual eSIM)

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iPhone 12 Pro

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iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (5th generation)

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Fairphone 4

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Find X3 Pro

Find X5 Pro

Find N2 Flip 5G

Xperia 10 IV

How does an eSIM work in a phone?

An eSIM is a specialised microchip that's built into the phone. This chip allows you to create several eSIM profiles, which act like physical SIM cards.

Each profile has its own phone number and data plan.

Set up your eSIM

After registering for your eSIM you will receive a QR code, scan that to start setting up.

Step 1 - Scan QR code

Scan the QR code you've just received from another device. To scan open the camera on your phone, point it at the QR code photo and tap on the prompt that pops up. Then follow the steps on the screen.

Step 2 - Select eSIM

If you have a SIM already installed in your phone, you might be asked to select which SIM to use for your data and default number. Select the Vodafone eSIM for both - you can change this anytime.

Congratulations - Your eSIM is now set up!

You can now enjoy our reliable, award-winning network.

Great reasons to choose eSIM

Set up your esim online - only with us.

We're the only network where you can switch to an eSIM entirely online. Set up, swap SIMs, and switch providers online in minutes.

Planet friendly

The digital nature of eSIMs make them a fantastic plastic-free and postage-free option. Choose an eSIM and help us to reduce emissions.

Easy extra line

An eSIM leaves space in your phone for a physical SIM card*, so you can use two numbers from the same phone - perfect for business or roaming. We'll give you a discount on your second line, but make sure your phone is dual-SIM capable first.

Existing customer?

Switch your SIM card to eSIM. It's quick to switch and easy to set up.

How to install an eSIM

Our handy guide demonstrates how to set up an eSIM on an iPhone, OPPO phone, and other Android devices.

Need more help?

For more information on how to switch to eSIM, share your plan with a new device, or switch from eSIM to eSIM, head to our support page.

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Registered in England and Wales. Company No 01471587. Registered Office: Vodafone House, The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2FN.

*Annual Price Increase: During your minimum period, the monthly cost will increase each year on 1 April by £1.80 for Pay monthly plans with Airtime/Data, and £3 for Home Broadband plans. This doesn't affect Device Plans. More information: vodafone.co.uk/pricechanges

© 2024 Vodafone Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for consumer credit lending and insurance distribution activity (Financial Services Register No. 712210)

How To Get a UK eSIM for Travellers

Are you planning a trip to the United Kingdom? If you are, congrats!

The Land of the Rose Isle has so much to offer its visitors. But before you start packing your bags, there's one important thing to take care of: getting a UK eSIM for your smartphone. 

Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds. In this article, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a travel-friendly eSIM in UK.

By the end of this article, you'll be ready to hit the ground running (or should we say driving?) in the UK!

So let's get started...

uk tourist esim

How eSIM Works in UK for Travellers

If you’re a tourist visiting the UK, using devices that support an eSIM make it easier to get connected quickly. Manufacturers like Apple and Samsung have released smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches with an integrated eSIM chip, meaning tourists heading to the UK don’t need to source separate old-school plastic SIM cards to access the Internet. 

With a smartphone or computer, travellers can sign up for a data plan from their home country, or switch to a new provider once they arrive at their destination. This makes travelling with your phone much, much simpler, saving time and hassle while still giving you all the benefits you'd expect from a reliable cellular data plan.

uk tourist esim

Related article: Check out my recommendations if you’re visiting London for the first time .

Benefits of Using a UK eSIM for Travel

Since the first eSIM-compatible smartphone rolled out in 2017, more and more devices are getting on board with this new technology. In fact, the latest iPhone model only supports eSIM (handsets sold in the US). There are many good reasons to ditch the old physical SIM for the fully digital replacement - eSIM (or “Embedded SIM”).

Instant delivery - say goodbye to waiting for days (or even weeks!) and paying extra shipping fees. With instant delivery, you can get connected quickly, and easily, with zero extra cost.

Lightning-fast data speeds – forget about being a second-class citizen with eSIM. You can still use the same premium 4G and 5G networks when you take trips to the UK. Of course, your data connection speed may be subject to network availability - but that's true for any destination. The UK offers very thorough reception all over the country.

Only pay for what you need - don't get stuck with a plan for a whole month when you're only staying in the UK for a few days — there are UK eSIM providers that understand your needs and offer flexible options, with daily or weekly passes. Now that's the Internet with no strings attached. 

Peace of mind - vacationing is a time to relax and enjoy, so don't let the stress of finding an unreliable SIM card seller ruin your day. Prepare before you fly by getting your hands on a convenient travel-ready international eSIM plan. 

Keep your original physical SIM card - make life easy on yourself; no more needing to reach for that bent-out-of-shape paperclip when travelling; and just switch back to your usual plan when you return.

uk tourist esim

Related article: If you’re planning a trip around Europe , check out my first-timer’s guide.

Who Offers eSIM in UK?

There are 4 major mobile networks in the UK that support eSIM: EE , O2 , Three , and Vodafone . In addition, there are several smaller resellers that utilise these networks, such as: Virgin Mobile (O2), Lebara (Vodafone), and Lycamobile (O2). 

Some of these networks require users to buy a physical SIM card before “upgrading” or “swapping” to an eSIM. What a waste of time and plastic!

On top of that, all these networks have plans aimed at local residents with long-term commitments. That doesn't suit most travellers who might only be in the UK for a few weeks, or a month or two.

Don’t worry.

Holafly is an international eSIM provider that covers dozens of countries, including the UK, USA , and Europe . Holafly creates affordable travel-friendly prepaid eSIM plans starting from just US$19, with periods as little as 5 days. It doesn’t own a mobile network, but utilises the Vodafone network, which covers 99% of the UK population. And best of all, Holafly now includes unlimited data !

Get started today: Buy an eSIM for the UK from Holafly and save 5% with our exclusive code " TRAVELWITHBENDER ".

https://www.gsma.com/coverage/#563

How to Activate a UK eSIM

Once you've confirmed your device is compatible and unlocked, the purchase process from eSIM providers is usually a breeze. All it takes are a few quick steps - simply provide contact and payment information via their website or app. Then, watch as an email with a unique QR code lands in your inbox within minutes. Scan away on your phone, and voila – you’re ready to go!

Tip:  To avoid wastage, only complete the QR scan when you’re ready to start using your plan – not before you leave home.

Here are detailed step-by-step activation instructions for the most popular handsets:  iPhone ,  Samsung Galaxy ,  Google Pixel ,  Huawei ,  Motorola Razr .

uk tourist esim

Important Tips for Using Your eSIM in UK

There are a few important things you should know about eSIMs in the UK to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.

- Don't delete that eSIM! Leave it on your phone for later use, as data plans come and go but the eSIM never expires. Keep in mind though - if you end your plan early without using up all allocated data, any remaining allowance won't be available afterwards.

- When buying an eSIM, you may need to provide extra paperwork. Certain countries have KYC regulations for telecom services, so make sure your passport is ready.

- Don't wait until the last minute to set yourself up for success - planning ahead and getting fully prepared will give you peace of mind. Start researching all your eSIM options now, so that when it comes time to travel, you can relax knowing everything is squared away.

uk tourist esim

- Need to check how much data you've been using? Most phones make it easy - simply look in the settings section of your device. Depending on who provides your service, there may be a few extra steps involved, but they won't take long. 

- Decide which SIM is your primary . Find out if your home SIM offers cheap or free roaming phone calls and expensive data. In that case, a data-only international eSIM will do the job.

- Avoid costly bill shock by double-checking that you're not using your home's SIM while overseas. To make sure, switch off roaming before leaving the country to avoid unexpected costs.

- Monitor your data usage daily, otherwise you may have to pause your plan or top up if it starts running low. Be sure to stay in control.

- Keep your data usage low and manage app updates with one simple tip... disable automatic updates on both phones and laptops. Even if you've enabled wifi-only updates, remember that a tethered connection will still use up your data.

The Bottom Line

It’s time to start getting excited about your upcoming trip to the United Kingdom. Now that you’ve sorted out your mobile Internet connection, you can start focusing on planning attractions, tours, and food – the real reason why you’re travelling. 

Find your UK inspiration here .

Discount:  Save 5% on Holafly's eSIMs with our exclusive code " TRAVELWITHBENDER ".

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...

  • First Time Visiting London: 28 Best Things To See + Food, Tours & Neighbourhoods
  • The Ultimate Scotland Road Trip Itinerary: 9 Days in Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, Loch Ness & More.
  • 6 Best Walking Tours in London
  • 17 Tips To Plan The Ultimate UK Road Trip

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  1. Best eSIM United Kingdom: compare, buy online, and travel

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  2. United Kingdom (UK): Tourist eSIM Data Plan in London

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  3. Best eSIM for Traveling to the UK in 2024

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  4. Tourist Data eSIM for United Kingdom

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  5. eSIM United Kingdom

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  6. 4 Best Budget-Friendly UK eSIM Cards for Tourist (2024)

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COMMENTS

  1. Best Prepaid UK eSIM

    Holafly is a new data-only eSIM provider that I previously used while visiting Europe and had a great experience using (read my Holafly eSIM Review to get a more in-depth look). Holafly sells both UK-specific plans and Europe-wide data plans. Holafly isn't an actual mobile carrier but they rent bandwidth from a local UK mobile provider (Vodafone UK) so there's a possibility you might get ...

  2. Best eSIM for Traveling to the UK in 2024

    The best value tourist eSIM card for the United Kingdom is the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM that you can order via SimOptions. It gives you 100 GB data and is 5G ready. The best thing about this Orange eSIM card for the UK is that it is valid in 39 countries (free EU data roaming) and comes with unlimited calling and texting in Europe at a rate ...

  3. Best eSIM for the UK in 2024

    To recap, here are what each can offer you: Holafly: Best eSIM for unlimited data, Airalo: Best eSIM in the UK for low-cost, low-data plans, GigSky: Best free eSIM to test, Yesim: Good alternative to Airalo, Rebtel: Best calling service for international calls. Try out Airalo for yourself.

  4. 10 Best UK eSIM for Tourists

    2. 4G/5G UK eSIM by BNESIM. Another recommended UK eSIM by travelers is from BNESIM, which has been recognized 4 times as the world's leading travel communications provider at the World Travel Awards! With a BNESIM eSIM, you can connect online in London and other UK cities instantly with one-click eSIM installation.

  5. UK Prepaid eSIM: The best Providers and Plans in 2024

    The best travel eSIM providers for UK in 2024. Here are the best prepaid eSIM providers for the UK. The best eSIM provider : Nomad. Nomad's "Local United Kingdom - 30 Days - 20 GB LOCAL" eSIM plan offers a generous 20 GB of data for 30 days, priced competitively at €0.77/GB.

  6. eSIM UK from $6

    Shop at Holafly for the best prepaid eSIM card for travel to the United Kingdom. Unlimited data is included, so you can use your cellphone worry-free. WhatsApp 24/7: +1 (661) 384-8482

  7. Travel like a Local

    Travel eSIMs with data plans at local rates in over 170 countries · Download the Nomad app to buy, manage, and top up your eSIMs - anytime, anywhere. ... United Kingdom. 10 GB. $12 19 USD. United Kingdom. 20 GB. $18 33 USD. APAC. 20 GB. $29 38 USD. ... $9 19 USD. France. 20 GB. $12 33 USD. Singapore. 10 GB. $10 19 USD. Singapore. 20 GB. $16 34 ...

  8. Best eSim for UK & London for 2023 (Affordable)

    Truphone provides eSim plans in over 190 countries and they are very good at it. Their customer service is great, it is all done through the app, and their connections are both reliable and fast. The UK plans they offer range from 1GB/1-day for $4.22 up to 20GB/30-days for $31.66, the latter being very affordable.

  9. United Kingdom: Best Tourist eSIMs Reviewed (2024)

    United Kingdom 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 15 USD ( on sale) - most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers. United Kingdom 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), - costing 14 USD. United Kingdom 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), costing 21 USD. United Kingdom Unlimited eSIM for 1 day (Nomad), costing 7 USD.

  10. Best eSIM for Traveling to the UK in 2024

    Best overall travel eSIM. Airalo, a household name in the world of SIM cards for travelers, offers affordable and user-friendly plans on major UK networks. Its straightforward plans and reasonable data prices make Airalo a solid all-around choice as the best eSIM for UK travel. Airalo regional plans for Europe include the UK, so you're all set.

  11. Best eSIMs for the United Kingdom in 2024

    Visit Airalo Airalo has eSIM plans for every traveler, whether you're visiting the UK for a few days or you're on a month-long trip across Europe. Airalo offers reliable network coverage in the UK, and its prices are competitive. Accessibility: Airalo partners with O2 and Three UK in the UK, ensuring reliable coverage with LTE connectivity.. Activating an Airalo eSIM is hassle-free; you ...

  12. Complete Guide: Best eSIM UK Providers

    Overall, Onesim, Ubigi, and BNESIM offer the most affordable options. However, if you need more data, or if you travel to multiple countries, other eSIM providers may be better. Cheapest unlimited plans in the UK: Holafly is the best option. Plans without expiration: BNESIM is the only eSIM provider offering plans without expiration.

  13. Best eSIM to Travel to the UK in 2022

    eSIM to travel to the UK vs. Prepaid SIM card for the UK. There are many differences between an eSIM and a SIM card. An eSIM is a purely digital chip that can be used to supply cellular internet connection in any destination, while a SIM card is a physical card that stores subscriber information and that you need to connect to a cellular ...

  14. Best eSIM for international travel of 2024

    With Nomad, you can purchase one GB of data for as low as $1.30 (in Asia and the Americas). It has an incredible value proposition in North America, Asia, and Europe. However, when it comes to ...

  15. ESIMUK.NET

    Buy and use eSIM UK Instantly. 250K+ Happy Customers. 24/7 Support. Tested by telecom experts. Full Refund Guaranteed. No.1 eSIM service for tourists to the UK. Enjoy the 5G network at the best price. ... You'll enjoy 4G LTE speed data almost everywhere you travel in the UK. Why ESIMUK.NET. High-speed 4G LTE data:

  16. The 6 best eSIMs for international travel in 2024

    Truphone is another one of the more well-known eSIM marketplaces. It has plans starting at $4 for 1GB of data in many countries and also offers regional and global plans for travelers with more ...

  17. eSIM

    An eSIM is a digital SIM that's already installed in a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It's quick to set up, easy to use, and entirely digital so it's great for the planet. Vodafone Pay monthly and Pay as you go Plus customers can get an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card with compatible devices.

  18. 12 Best UK Pocket WiFi & SIM Cards for Tourists

    4G UK eSIM by Saily. Meet Saily, a global eSIM service from the makers of the popular security tool NordVPN! Saily's eSIM has been making a mark as the most preferred eSIM in the UK, thanks to its easy eSIM installation, cheap 7 or 30-day data plans, 24/7 customer support, and reliable internet connection with nationwide coverage.

  19. Top 7 Best eSIM for UK in 2024

    The plans all offer limited data, but with options going up to 100 GB, that shouldn't be too much of an issue for most users. Here's a rundown of all Truphone eSIM plans for the UK: 100 MB for 1 day for free; 1 GB for 1 day for $4; 3 GB for 30 days for $8; 7 GB for 30 days for $12; 12 GB for 30 days for $17;

  20. How To Get a UK eSIM for Travellers

    Holafly is an international eSIM provider that covers dozens of countries, including the UK, USA, and Europe. Holafly creates affordable travel-friendly prepaid eSIM plans starting from just US$19, with periods as little as 5 days. It doesn't own a mobile network, but utilises the Vodafone network, which covers 99% of the UK population.

  21. Stay connected while traveling: what eSIM to get for UK and Ireland

    Although there is no eSIM support for the pay-as-you-go plan, Vodafone offers a Travel Europe eSIM which includes coverage in both Ireland and the UK. You can simply purchase the travel Europe eSIM online via their web store, and the QR code will be emailed to you. Prices range from 5GB for 12 EUR, valid for 10 days, to 20GB for 35 EUR, valid ...

  22. Holafly

    Buy an eSIM card for travel and don't pay for roaming abroad. Holafly is the highest rated eSIM store by travelers. WhatsApp 24/7: +1 (661) 384-8482. Destinations. About us; FAQs; Reviews; Partnerships New. Holafly for Business. Contact us; ... eSIM United Kingdom.

  23. Buy the best eSIM for UK travel from $0.7 per GB

    365 days. 35 GB. $39.99. 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 🇻🇮 & 40 other countries. View offer >. Buy the best eSIM for UK travel from $0.7 per GB | MobiMatter.