Compare Travel SIMs in United Kingdom

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What are travel SIMs and eSIMs in the UK?

Travel SIMs, increasingly delivered as eSIMs, give UK travellers affordable mobile data abroad without the roaming charges of a home network. An eSIM is a digital SIM you download and activate on a compatible phone before or during your trip, letting you buy a data plan for a specific country or region and connect the moment you land.

They have surged in popularity since post-Brexit roaming fees returned on many UK networks, making a cheap data-only eSIM an easy way to stay connected while travelling.

How the travel eSIM market works

Providers partner with mobile networks worldwide and resell data in flexible bundles, by country, by region or as global plans, priced by data allowance and validity period. Most are data-only, so you use apps like WhatsApp for calls and messaging. You keep your home SIM active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data, a setup known as dual-SIM.

Coverage and speed depend on which local network the provider uses, so checking the supported networks for your destination matters.

Leading travel eSIM providers

Airalo is one of the largest global eSIM marketplaces, with plans for virtually every country. Nomad, RedteaGO, GigSky and FlexiRoam offer competitive regional and global bundles. KnowRoaming, eSIMX and GlobaleSIM round out the market. Coverage, price per gigabyte and plan flexibility vary by provider and destination, so it pays to compare for your specific trip.

How to choose the right plan

Destination coverage — check the provider uses a strong local network where you are going.

Data allowance — estimate your usage; maps, messaging and light browsing need less than streaming.

Validity — match the plan's validity window to your trip length.

Regional plans — a multi-country bundle is cheaper than separate SIMs for a multi-stop trip.

What it costs

Travel eSIM plans are inexpensive, with small country bundles starting from around £1 and larger, longer or global plans reaching £150 or more depending on data and coverage. Compared with typical daily roaming charges from UK networks, a data eSIM usually offers substantial savings on a week or two abroad.

Compatibility and consumer protection

eSIMs require a compatible, unlocked phone, most recent iPhones and flagship Android handsets qualify, so check your device supports eSIM before buying. Because these are digital services bought online, purchases are covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and, if you pay by credit card between £100 and £30,000, Section 75 protection. Ofcom oversees the wider UK telecoms market, though many eSIM sellers are international.

Common questions

Do I keep my UK number? Yes, your home SIM stays active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.

Will my phone work? Only if it is eSIM-compatible and unlocked; check before purchasing.

Can I make calls? Most plans are data-only, so use internet-based apps like WhatsApp for calls.

When should I activate it? You can install an eSIM before you travel and set it to activate on first use or on arrival, so you are connected the moment you land.

Travel eSIMs in United Kingdom — FAQ