Mobile data abroad, without roaming fees
A travel eSIM gives you local data the moment you land. Pick your destination, compare providers, and install it before you fly.
Popular destinations
eSIM providers
Airalo
The largest eSIM marketplace, with local, regional and global data packs for 200+ destinations.
Best for: Widest choice of destinationsHolafly
Mostly unlimited-data plans sold by the day, aimed at travellers who do not want to count gigabytes.
Best for: Unlimited data on longer tripsSaily
eSIM app from the team behind NordVPN, with built-in security features.
Best for: Privacy-minded travellersNomad
Regional and country data plans with top-ups in the app.
Best for: Multi-country regional tripsUbigi
eSIM from Transatel, an NTT company, with country and global plans; also built into some laptops and cars.
Best for: Laptops and tablets as well as phonesHow to set up a travel eSIM
- Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked (iPhone XS and later, Pixel 3 and later, most recent Samsung Galaxy S and Z models).
- Buy a plan for your destination before you travel.
- Install it at home over Wi-Fi by scanning the QR code or tapping install in the provider's app.
- When you land, switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn data roaming on for that line only. Keep your UK SIM active for calls and texts if you want, with its data turned off.
Questions
What is a travel eSIM? A digital SIM you download to your phone. It gives you local mobile data abroad without swapping a physical SIM or paying your UK network's roaming fees.
Will I keep my UK number? Yes. The eSIM is added alongside your normal SIM. Keep your UK line on for calls and texts and use the eSIM for data.
Do travel eSIMs include calls? Most are data-only. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or similar for calls.