Why eSIMs Are the Smart Choice for International Travel
With many UK networks scrapping free EU roaming and charging hefty fees for worldwide data, using your regular SIM abroad can lead to shockingly expensive bills. An eSIM (digital SIM) offers a smarter, cheaper alternative—here’s how they work and how much you could save.
Key Benefits of Using an eSIM Abroad
✅ Avoid expensive roaming charges
✅ Connect to local networks for cheaper data
✅ No need to swap physical SIM cards
✅ Pre-purchase before travel & activate instantly
✅ Use multiple eSIMs for multi-country trips
eSIM vs Physical SIM: Which Is Better for Travel?
Feature eSIM Physical Travel SIM
Setup Digital (no SIM tray needed) Requires physical swap
Convenience Buy & install before travel Must find & buy abroad
Flexibility Multiple eSIMs stored One SIM at a time
Risk No lost/damaged SIM Risk of losing original SIM
Phone Compatibility Most newer smartphones Works on all unlocked phones
Downside? eSIMs can’t be transferred between devices if your phone dies.
Where to Buy eSIMs & How Much They Cost
Popular eSIM providers include:
Maya (Budget-friendly, data-only)
Holafly (Unlimited data, pricier)
eTravelSIM (Includes phone number)
Cost Comparison: eSIM vs UK Network Roaming (Europe)
Provider Cost for 1 Week in EU Data Allowance
O2 £0 (25GB fair usage) 25GB
EE £15/week UK allowance
Vodafone £15/8 days 25GB
Three £14/week 12GB
eSIM (3GB) £6/week 3GB
💡 Most people use ~8GB/month (Ofcom), so 3GB is plenty for a short trip.
Best for:
Light users → eSIM saves £9+ vs EE/Vodafone
Heavy users → O2’s free roaming may still win
How to Set Up an eSIM in 5 Minutes
iPhone Setup
Buy an eSIM online
Go to Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM
Scan the QR code from your provider
Follow on-screen instructions
Android Setup
Purchase an eSIM
Open Settings → SIMs → “+” → Set up eSIM
Scan the QR code
Activate when abroad
