Are you planning a trip to the UK and looking for the best tourist eSIM to stay connected? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIMs when traveling to the UK including a comparison of the best UK eSIMs for 2024.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM for the UK on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per September 2024 and all specifications per eSIM.
This guide will show you where and when to order an eSIM for the UK, more info about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, an answer to all FAQ about eSIMs, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards for the UK and of course links to directly order your eSIM 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 eSIMs 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 eSIMs 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 eSIMs and many more.
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 advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money while traveling.
Some links in this article about the best eSIMs 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 recommendation for the UK. Traveltomtom recommends the following two eSIMs for traveling to the UK in 2024.
1. Orange Holiday Europe eSIM for $59 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
- 5G ready
- $0.59 USD per Gigabyte
The best value tourist eSIM 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 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 for traveling to the UK via SimOptions for $59.90 USD and via Sim Local for $59 USD plus 15% extra discount, so only $50.15 USD.
On top of that Sim Local now gives all Traveltomtom readers 15 % discount on all eSIMs when using the coupon code TRAVELTOMTOM at check out!
Because the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM 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 $11 USD
- 10 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid only in the UK
- NO incoming/outgoing calls
- Valid for 30 days
- 5G ready
- $1.1 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 and are only valid in the UK.
Is the UK one of your stops on a trip around the world then you can also look into getting an eSIM for traveling internationally. Just like the Orange Holiday Europe international eSIM there are eSIMs that cover up to 141 countries.
There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an eSIM for the UK or in general before using an eSIM.
Unlocked phones only
Make sure your phone is unlocked. eSIMs 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 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.
eSIM compatible phones only
Second, and equally important: eSIMs only work if your smartphone supports eSIMs, also called eSIM compatible. All newer smartphones support eSIMs. 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 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.
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 eSIMs for the UK
Buying an eSIM on arrival in the UK is still not possible for tourists. As per September 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 eSIMs available for tourists.
But luckily there are multiple eSIM providers on the internet that sell eSIMs 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 for traveling in the UK from one of the well-known eSIM providers like Nomad, Airalo, SimOptions, Jetpac, Sim Local, 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 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, Sim Local and Holafly only sell eSIMs for the UK.
Jetpac
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 = $5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $6 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $11 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.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the coupon code: TOMTOM10 at check out!
The Jetpac UK plan with 30 GB data for just $24 USD makes it one of the best value eSIM 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/5G network of EE, Three and O2.
You can instal your Jetpac eSIM 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 eSIMs is that they provide a free VPN as well as 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 eSIMs offer. For more info check the Jetpac website.
Sim Local
As mentioned already briefly Traveltomtom readers now get 15% discount on ALL Sim Local eSIMs when using the discount code: TRAVELTOMTOM at check out.
Sim Local is a reputed eSIM provider that started off with selling prepaid sim cards for tourists at airports. Especially when landing at any airport in the UK you will find Sim Local sim card shops everywhere and now they also started selling eSIMs via their website.
Traveltomtom wrote a detailed Sim Local review including all pros and cons.
Sim Local sells eSIMs for the UK that no other eSIM provider offers. These eSIMs are from EE, one of the main mobile internet providers in the UK.
EE eSIMs for the UK
The EE UK eSIMs come with voice, text and data and is therefore also rated as one of the best eSIMs for the UK in 2024.
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 30 days = $19 USD
- 100 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 30 days = $25 USD
- 200 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 30 days = $38 USD
- Unlimited data/calls/sms for 30 days = $50.50 USD
These are amazing eSIM deals for the UK, but keep in mind that these eSIMs are only valid in the UK, there is NO free EU data roaming included.
Click here to order an EE UK eSIM via Sim Local.
Sim Local also has more eSIM plans for the UK, but the above EE UK eSIMs are much better value.
The only eSIM from Sim Local you could consider is the by Traveltomtom rated best eSIM for Europe: Orange Holiday World.
- 100 GB data + unlimited calls/sms in Europe + 120 minutes international for 30 days = $59 USD.
Another reminder that Traveltomtom readers now get 15% discount on all eSIMs from Sim Local when using the coupon code: TRAVELTOMTOM on check out.
Airalo
Airalo is a very reputable eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your eSIM 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 deals.
Airalo is normally one of my top recommendations but the Airalo eSIM 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.
Here are the UK eSIM 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 for the UK from Airalo.
The Airalo eSIMs for the UK are from Uki Mobile and operate on the 4G/LTE network of O2 and Three. Unfortunately the Airalo Uki Mobile eSIMs 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 eSIMs are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM 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.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM 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.
Why using SimOptions? When it comes to UK eSIMs SimOptions has better eSIM plans than Airalo and is therefore also recommended as the best eSIMs for tourists traveling to the UK.
SimOptions has a lot of UK eSIMs and most of them are actually international eSIMs that are valid in all of Europe and beyond and on top of that most of these eSIMs come with unlimited calling and texting.
Let me first show you the UK eSIMs from SimOptions, which in fact are not so interesting.
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
The best SimOptions eSIMs for the UK are the international eSIMs that are valid all over Europe.
- 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 eSIMs are valid in up to 39 countries in Europe, including the UK and come with free EU data roaming.
If you need a lot of data then check out the following eSIM 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 for the UK.
The eSIMs 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 eSIMs only offer 4G/LTE max data speed.
However, one of the reasons Traveltomtom rated the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM as the best eSIM for traveling to the United Kingdom is that this eSIM is also 5G ready.
All the international eSIMs that you order via SimOptions come with a phone number and they allow incoming and outgoing calls and sms. Most of these eSIMs even have unlimited calling and texting in all of Europe.
The validity of these eSIMs is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the eSIM, even if you are not in the UK. For more info check the SimOptions website.
Nomad
Nomad is another reliable eSIM provider and they often have amazing eSIM deals for tourists, but for UK eSIMs they don't offer anything special compared to Airalo, SimOptions, Sim Local or Jetpac.
Traveltomtom has used Nomad in more than 10 different countries and had some mixed experiences, but overall it was good.
Here are the regular Nomad eSIM plans for the UK in 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
- 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 for the UK from Nomad.
The Nomad eSIMs for the UK are from 1GLOBAL and they use the 4G/LTE mobile data network of EE in the UK. The Nomad eSIMs for the UK are NOT 5G ready. All Nomad eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported
Below you can find the Nomad eSIM specifications for the standard eSIM plans.
The Nomad the UK eSIMs 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
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, Sim Local, Airalo and SimOptions. The Holafly eSIMs 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 eSIMs, 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 eSIMs 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 for pretty much every country in the world. Order directly from one of the above eSIM providers and instantly receive your eSIM in your email.
Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of eSIMs? 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 for the UK?
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 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 for traveling in the UK
eSIMs 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 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 is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM 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.
eSIMs 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 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 for the UK?
Online
You can only buy an eSIM for the UK on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are uncountable eSIM providers nowadays, but the Traveltomtom Team picked out the best ones and compared these eSIM providers to find the best UK eSIM for tourists.
When buying an eSIM for the UK through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. Some eSIM providers require you to create a profile and download their app.
On arrival in the UK
There are 4 main mobile internet provider in the UK: Vodafone, EE, Three and O2. As per September 2024 none of these operators offer eSIMs 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 eSIMs for tourists available.
When to order/activate an eSIM for the UK?
You can order an eSIM for the UK pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs 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. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to the UK or before. When in the UK you will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM. Pretty much every international airport in the UK has free WiFi so you could use that to install your eSIM. Just make sure it is a stable internet connection and therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.
So my personal advice is to instal your eSIM 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
Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM 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 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 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.
But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR code contains all the information about your the UK eSIM.
Once you scan the QR code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM 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 for the UK
Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for the UK eSIMs, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM in general.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM 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 eSIMs?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.
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 providers?
All the eSIM providers for the UK recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM 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 used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards now for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our article: Honest Review of SimOptions including pro and cons.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom only received positive feedback and excellent reviews about the eSIMs and services of Jetpac.
Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.
On top of that there is now also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. Truly a game changer!
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data including an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.
Traveltomtom does NOT sell UK eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to the UK.
All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with a UK eSIM?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to the UK. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.
So you can have multiple eSIMs 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 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 eSIMs 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?
Yes, you can but it depends which eSIM you order. All the Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac and Holafly eSIMs for the UK are data-only. Data-only means that incoming and outgoing calls are NOT supported and the eSIM 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 from SimOptions or Sim Local.
Sim Local has EE UK eSIMs that include calling and texting in the UK. SimOptions has international eSIMs that support incoming and outgoing calls and sms as well. Most of these international eSIMs from SimOption for Europe come with unlimited calling and texting in and to every country in Europe.
These EE UK and the SimOptions international eSIMs also come with a local phone number from either the UK (EE) or France (SimOptions) depending on the eSIM.
So if you like the option of receiving and making phone calls then definitely order your eSIM for the United Kingdom through SimOptions or Sim Local.
Can I use 5G on a UK eSIM?
Yes, some of the UK eSIMs that you can buy on the internet are 5G ready, but not all of them. Unfortunately the Nomad, Holafly and Airalo eSIMs are not 5G ready. Remarkable because the 5G network in the UK is pretty advanced. Jetpac eSIMs and the EE UK eSIMs from Sim Local are 5G ready.
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 is 5G ready and you can expect faster data speed from this eSIM compared to all others that only support 4G/LTE.
You can order this Orange Holiday Europe eSIM via SimOptions for $59.90 USD and via Sim Local for $59 USD.
In the above the UK eSIM comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM.
Are there eSIMs for the UK with unlimited data?
Yes, the Holafly eSIMs 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 provider that sells eSIMs 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 eSIMs 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 eSIMs 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. 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 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. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to the UK in 2024 before choosing your favorite.
Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to the UK?
eSIMs 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
- eSIMs
Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
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 eSIMs 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
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.
eSIMs
As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs:
- eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIMs that you buy in the UK in a mobile internet provider store
However, as of September 2024 eSIMs are still not available for prepaid tourist sim cards in the UK.
Traveltomtom personally shopped around in the UK to find out if eSIMs 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 eSIMs 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.
eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM 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 or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?
When we compare the best the UK eSIM 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 eSIMs.
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 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 eSIMs for the United Kingdom in the comparison above.
Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for the UK. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need. Because there is also an eSIM for the UK for just $5 USD.
Data speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM that have to be mentioned is the data speed.
The eSIMs 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 eSIMs 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 eSIMs 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 eSIMs can be less compared to a local UK prepaid sim card.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM 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 for the UK right away.
If you still have any questions about eSIMs 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 1.4 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 September 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to the UK!