United Kingdom: Best Tourist eSIMs Reviewed (2024)

The United Kingdom (UK) – consisting of England, Northern Ireland (not the Republic of Ireland), Scotland & Wales, is known for historical reasons – the British Empire.

Nowadays, it is famous for the Queen and various pop stars like the Beatles, Phil Collins & the Rolling Stones.

While the country is infamous for its depressing weather, it is still a popular travel destination.

From the Tube (London Underground) to castles. From Museums to the Red Phone Boxes, there is plenty to see and do in the United Kingdom.

While the country may not be the best place for a 2-week tanning summer holiday, there is no reason to be bored in the United Kingdom.

But, the country is not known for being cheap.

Sure, there are more expensive travel destinations in Europe, but the United Kingdom is not on the cheap side at all.

And it would be a shame if your travel budget would be wasted on expensive international roaming bills – roaming can be costly.

Luckily, there is a cheat code to avoid these rates – using a travel eSIMs, which are almost always cheaper than international roaming.

So, how much do British (travel) eSIMs cost?

You can get an eSIM for the United Kingdom for as low as 5 USD and up to 99 USD from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad offering between 500 MB and unlimited data to be used locally, in Europe, or globally.

There are some mobile operators who will charge you 100 USD for only 100 MB of roaming data, so these travel eSIM offers are much better than most international roaming deals.

In this guide, I will go over the eSIM options offered by the British mobile operators (if available), Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad . Let's get started.

Original publication: 17^th of August 2022. Last updated: 8^th of March 2024.

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Table of Contents

In a Hurry? A Quick Introduction

I will write about 13 eSIM options in the United Kingdom (and explain why they are included).

But if you want to quickly check out what the best eSIMs are for the United Kingdom without my analysis and explanations, here is an overview of the eSIMs covered in this guide:

• British mobile operators (read more in my United Kingdom SIM card buying guide)
• Airalo Uki Mobile eSIM with four choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (best value for money)
• Alosim United Kingdom eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (priced roughly the same as Airalo with a bit more options – use code PTW for 5% off)
• Holafly United Kingdom eSIM with 5G NR access with unlimited data for 5 to 90 days (unlimited data eSIMs) + ability to make and receive calls (new) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
• Nomad United Kingdom eSIM with 11 choices between 1 GB and unlimited data(best value for money… too – use code ADU123 for 3 USD off)
• Airalo Eurolink eSIM (best value for money for 39 European countries)
• Alosim Europe eSIM with five choices between 1 GB and 10 GB (priced roughly the same as Airalo with worse coverage)
• Holafly Europe eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs for 33 European countries) + ability to make and receive calls (new)
• Nomad Europe eSIM with 11 choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance for 35 European countries)
• SimOptions Europe eSIMs (choice from multiple mobile operators + calling & texting options (the only one in this list))
• Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (formerly Discover Global) with 12 choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (extensive global coverage (125+ countries) at attractive prices) + ability to make and receive calls & send and receive SMS (new) – read my ongoing Airalo Discover(+) (Global) eSIM review too!
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with 5G NR access in the United Kingdom (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Nomad Global eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (extensive global coverage (109 or 139 countries) at high(er) prices – use code ADU123 for 3 USD off)

Note: the promo codes mentioned above can also be used for regional and global eSIMs (they are not restricted to country-specific eSIMs only). In other news, the eSIM providers are in alphabetical order per grouping (the United Kingdom-only, regional & global) – not in order of preference (you would have to read the complete guide to find out which eSIMs I love the most for the United Kingdom 😜).

Let's truly get started, shall we?

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eSIMs offered by the British Mobile Operators

In order to get the best performance out there, it is often recommended to go directly with the local mobile operators because you will get a higher priority on the network compared to roaming.

Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers in the United Kingdom (yet).

Note that the British mobile operators require your identification (ID for EU/EEA travelers and passport for anyone else) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards as part of the United Kingdom's SIM card registration requirements.

And some travelers do not want to deal with any of that for privacy reasons.

Luckily, there is a way to avoid this registration scheme: by roaming (super expensive) or using a travel eSIM (affordable AND can be cheaper than local SIM cards in many countries).

Travel eSIM providers Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions offer attractive eSIMs for Spain, allowing them to be set up before arriving in Spain and activating them as soon as you land.

Very convenient, right? And I have used eSIMs from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions before, and I can assure you they work well!

So let's check out all the options, shall we?

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Airalo eSIMs for the United Kingdom (Uki Mobile)

Airalo eSIMs are my favorite travel eSIMs out there because they are always good value for money compared to other travel eSIM providers (especially travel eSIMs not mentioned in this guide).

And the same can be said for the Uki Mobile eSIM – 10 GB of data is available for only 22.50 USD.

Wait… you have no idea who or what Airalo is? I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on four years of using Airalo eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Airalo anyway in this guide).

Anyway, the Uki Mobile eSIM uses the O2 UK and Three UK networks.

So even if you go to some remote British town, you will still have reception with the Uki Mobile eSIM.

You have six British Uki Mobile eSIM options:

1. United Kingdom/Uki Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. United Kingdom/Uki Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 7.50 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. United Kingdom/Uki Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 10 USD
4. United Kingdom/Uki Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD
5. United Kingdom/Uki Mobile 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 22.50 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. United Kingdom/Uki Mobile 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 36 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 31st of January.

Honestly, the Airalo Uki Mobile eSIM is not bad at all, especially considering its options and prices.

Let me review some of its pros and cons before you get a Uki Mobile eSIM (or continue exploring your other options mentioned in this guide).

Airalo Uki Mobile eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Airalo's Uki Mobile eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can purchase and set up your Uki Mobile eSIM before arriving in the United Kingdom (and activate it upon landing)
  • The eSIM will start once you have it enabled and are in the United Kingdom – not earlier (so you can pre-purchase your eSIM months in advance in peace – I do this often)
• You can skip the United Kingdom's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to the O2 United Kingdom and Three United Kingdom networks
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can manage your eSIM easily on the Airalo website or its apps (Android and iOS)
  • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)

Airalo Uki Mobile eSIM Cons

So, why should you not get the Uki Mobile eSIM?

• You cannot call or text with the Uki Mobile eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (British) phone number either)
• While you get access to O2 United Kingdom and Three United Kingdom's networks, your speeds will not be as fast as going with O2 United Kingdom and Three United Kingdom themselves because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• The British mobile operators have much more generous data allowances (while Uki Mobile's is capped at 20 GB, but top-ups are available)
• There are no unlimited data plans (unlike some other options mentioned in this guide)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Uki Mobile eSIM (but you will have 5G NR access with the Airalo Eurolink eSIM instead – more about it later)

Airalo Uki Mobile eSIM Overall Thoughts

I am a big fan of Airalo and its eSIMs in general, as mentioned in my Airalo review, including the Uki Mobile eSIM.

I am a big fan of Airalo and its eSIMs in general, as mentioned in my Airalo review, including the Maltafone eSIM.
It offers reasonable data plans for low prices – even for British standards.

You get fast (up to 4G/LTE) speeds and access in the United Kingdom without standing in queues or dealing with SIM card registration bureaucracy.

But if making actual phone calls and sending real text messages are important to you (so not through an app like WhatsApp), you may want to buy a British SIM card instead (an in-depth guide).

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Alosim eSIMs for the United Kingdom

Alosim is an eSIM provider covering 150+ countries

Up from 130+ countries when I started working with Alosim (in 2023).

One thing that drew me to Alosim is that its eSIMs have 5G NR access in popular travel destinations worldwide where other players do not yet.

In Europe, where I expected the trend to follow because many eSIM providers do so, Alosim lags behind 🤔.

Kind of interesting – but I have been told Alosim is working on expanding its 5G NR reach throughout Europe.

So we have to stay tuned for now!

In the United Kingdom, Alosim uses the Three UK, O2 UK and EE networks.

Like Airalo, Alosim often partners with the best local network(s) in a country for our benefit.

Which is something I love, of course – let alone the low prices for its eSIMs!

You have the following six Alosim United Kingdom eSIM options:

1. United Kingdom 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD
2. United Kingdom 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 7.50 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. United Kingdom 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 10 USD
4. United Kingdom 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. United Kingdom 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 22.50 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. United Kingdom 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 36 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

And as I am always looking out for you, use code PTW for 5% off your Alosim eSIM purchase!

Just note that when you have installed your Alosim eSIM, you always have to manually change the Access Point Name (APN) to alosim instead of the default one, as in the screenshot below.

Of course, Alosim mentions this on the installation page, but it is not something you have to do with man eSIM providers.

So I thought I would mention it here as a heads-up 😜.

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Holafly eSIMs for the United Kingdom (with 5G NR access)

The second eSIM provider I recommend is Holafly.

It started something revolutionary in June 2022.

Holafly offers unlimited data plans for the United Kingdom, many other European Union member states & a few other countries.

No idea who or what Holafly is? I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on two years of using Holafly eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Holafly anyway in this guide).

From what I know, Holafly is the first to offer unlimited data plans for so many countries WITHOUT a Fair-Use Policy.

That was what I was told initially.

A few weeks later, though, this paragraph was added to its “Can my connection speed be reduced?” FAQ:

[…] if the mobile operator estimates the usage of more than 90 GB of data in a month, it may temporarily reduce the speed to 256 Kbps – 1 Mbps to avoid affecting other users. This limitation is intended to prevent network saturation and will be removed within 24 hours.

One of Holafly's competitors (an eSIM reseller – not me, lol) tried to hit a daily fair-use limit, realizing that speeds get throttled after using more than 2.5 GB to 3 GB daily.

Do with this information as you wish 😏.

Now, I have to say that Holafly's United Kingdom unlimited data plans are more expensive than any eSIM mentioned in this guide.

But if you do not want to worry about data allowances, Holafly is the one to go for.

The Holafly eSIMs use the Vodafone UK network.

You have the following eight options with Holafly:

1. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 19 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 27 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD
5. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD
6. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD
7. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 84 USD
8. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 99 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only).

The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!

Once again, let's see some pros and cons of the Holafly United Kingdom eSIMs.

Holafly United Kingdom eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Holafly's United Kingdom eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip United Kingdom's SIM card registration requirements
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access while you get access to Vodafone UK's network your speeds will not be as fast as going with Vodafone UK itself because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• You do not have to deal with hard data caps because you get unlimited data (99 GB – here I come!)
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Holafly's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

Holafly United Kingdom eSIM eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Holafly's United Kingdom eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Holafly United Kingdom eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (British) phone number either)
• While you get access to Vodafone UK's network, your speeds will not be as fast as going with Vodafone UK itself because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity, supposedly, starts as soon as you scan the QR code, not upon using it in the United Kingdom
  • I say supposedly because I have installed eSIMs literally months in advance and had no issues using them later, but I do not want you to experience this issue with your hard-earned money
• While you get “unlimited” data, the soft cap seems to be 2.5-3 GB/day and 90 GB per month (if you get the 30-, 60-, or 90-day eSIM)
  • I have not experienced this soft cap myself
• You cannot use your phone as a hotspot (tether) with any Holafly unlimited data eSIM
• There is no 5G NR access with the Holafly United Kingdom eSIM
• You cannot top-up your eSIM – you have to buy a new one (in case you stay in the United Kingdom for a bit longer than initially planned)
• Holafly is the most expensive eSIM provider in this guide

Holafly United Kingdom eSIM Overall Thoughts

that Holafly decided to innovate and offer unlimited data plans (although unlimited should be written as “unlimited” instead).

I was not a fan of Holafly when it had travel SIM cards (discontinued) because they were crazy expensive (I am talking about 20 USD for 1 GB of data in some Caribbean nation expensive).

Luckily that is not the case with its eSIMs, so I have used Holafly eSIMs in many countries and counting.

Be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase (yes, you can use it multiple times)!

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Nomad eSIMs for United Kingdom

Another eSIM provider I recommend is Nomad.

And no, I am not talking about the (digital) Nomad lifestyle, but Nomad eSIMs! (Check out my Nomad review to learn more about all its options).

Previously, I implied that Nomad eSIMs, including the United Kingdom ones, were mediocre.

And they used to be.

But since then, Nomad dropped its prices, switched to a better roaming partner & improved its overall service.

It may have been because I complained… but still 🤫.

The Nomad United Kingdom eSIM uses the O2 UK network.

Anyway, I also wrote that Nomad used to be more expensive than Airalo.

It still is… slightly, but it has dropped its prices since, making it more competitive (compared to many of its competitors, not just Airalo or others mentioned in this guide).

So I am happy to not call Nomad mediocre anymore 🤣.

You have the following 10 options with Nomad:

1. United Kingdom 1 GB eSIM for 30 days (Nomad), costing 5 USD
2. United Kingdom 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (eSIM Go), costing 7 USD
3. United Kingdom 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 8 USD (on sale) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. United Kingdom 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (Nomad), costing 9 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. United Kingdom 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), costing 10 USD
6. United Kingdom 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 11 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. United Kingdom 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 15 USD (on sale) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
8. United Kingdom 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), – costing 14 USD
9. United Kingdom 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), costing 21 USD
10. United Kingdom Unlimited eSIM for 1 day (Nomad), costing 7 USD
11. United Kingdom Unlimited eSIM for 3 days (Nomad), costing 15 USD
12. United Kingdom Unlimited eSIM for 5 days (Nomad), costing 22 USD
13. United Kingdom Unlimited eSIM for 7 days (Nomad), costing 30 USD
14. United Kingdom Unlimited eSIM for 10 days (Nomad), costing 41 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only).

And you know that I have a good deal waiting for you: use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

Note: you cannot use any promo code on any unlimited data plans for the time being.

Nomad United Kingdom eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Nomad's United Kingdom eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip United Kingdom's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to (an) undisclosed British network(s)
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can manage your eSIM easily on the Airalo website or its apps (Android and iOS)
  • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Nomad's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

But it is not all good news with Nomad though – there are some disadvantages.

Nomad United Kingdom eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Nomad's United Kingdom eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Nomad United Kingdom eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (British) phone number either)
• While you get access to (an) undisclosed British network(s), your speeds will not be as fast as going with the mobile operator(s) it-/themselves because you will be roaming on its/their network(s) (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity starts after 30 days of purchase, not upon using it in the United Kingdom
  • During select promotions, this gets extended (up to six months I have seen), but do not buy your eSIM too early, else it will self-activate after 30 days and simply expire
• The British mobile operators have much more generous data allowances (while Nomad's is capped at 10 GB, but top-ups are available)
• There are no unlimited data plans (although this may or may be coming soon… I know of nothing 🤫)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Nomad United Kingdom eSIM

Nomad United Kingdom eSIM Overall Thoughts

Generally, I am happy to have seen Nomad grow and become much better over the years.

This resulted in me using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries so far (and I share my experience in my Nomad review).

From becoming a mediocre option to one of the leading eSIM providers (especially for European eSIMs) within a year is quite an achievement.

Currently, Nomad has way more data options in Asia, Oceania, the United Kingdom & the United States.

I hope they can be added for the United Kingdom too because there is demand for it.

But besides that, the Nomad United Kingdom eSIM is fine.

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Best eSIMs for Europe & the World (including the United Kingdom)

So what if you plan to visit a neighboring European country?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Airalo, Holafly or Nomad eSIMs in any country other than the United Kingdom.

Luckily, some of the eSIM providers mentioned so far do have eSIMs that can be used throughout most or all of Europe (+extras).

And there are also some global eSIMs with attractive prices that can be useful if you visit Europe and another continent or region.

I highly recommend these Europe or global eSIMs if you plan to visit multiple European countries to save money!

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Airalo Eurolink eSIM (5G NR Access in United Kingdom)

You have not undoubtedly read of Airalo's Eurolink eSIM, as it is the most popular Europe travel eSIM out there (yes, even its competitors cannot match… yet – and Phone Travel Wiz readers love this eSIM too).

Not only because Airalo may have been the first with such a regional European eSIM but also because of how easy it is to travel across Europe and how convenient it is.

And since it had this eSIM, Airalo keeps improving on it.

For example, more countries are covered today, with Andorra and Switzerland being the newest additions (for now).

And you get FREE 5G NR access in more than half of the supported countries.

So, in how many countries can this Airalo Eurolink eSIM be used? 39 European countries, including United Kingdom.

And that includes all member states of the European Union.

The Airalo Eurolink eSIM can be used in the following 39 countries:

¹ on 3G only
² (limited) 5G NR availability at no additional cost!

I aim to use and try the Airalo Eurolink eSIM in all supported countries.

So far, I have used the eSIM in 12 countries, so I still have a long way to go!

• Check out my Airalo Eurolink eSIM review

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Alosim Europe eSIM

Alosim has had several Europe-related eSIMs for a while.

These are the Eastern Europe eSIM (11 countries), Mediterranean eSIM (six countries), Scandinavia (four countries), United Kingdom and Ireland & Western Europe (four countries).

No other eSIM provider in this guide has split European eSIMs like this… and I actually do not recommend them.

Nomad has its Nordic eSIM… and I can tell you it is the least popular regional eSIM Nomad has (and I am surprised it has not pulled it yet).

So after pushing Alosim for literal months, it finally introduced the Europe eSIM in July 2023, covering 32 countries.

This includes most countries in the European Union/European Economic Area (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland & Sweden are not covered), Jersey, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey & the United Kingdom.

Unlike some European eSIMs mentioned in this guide, 5G NR access is not widely available with this eSIM yet (only in Croatia (Telemach), the Czech Republic (O2), Greece (Nova) & Portugal (NOS)).

But Alosim has promised me they are working on it (and so far, it has delivered on many promises made to me, which is why I love working so closely with Alosim, to be honest!).

The Alosim Europe eSIM can be used in the following 32 countries:

¹ 5G NR access

Below is an overview of how much each Alosim Europe eSIM costs:

1. Europe 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Europe 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 8 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Europe 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 13 USD
4. Europe 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 20 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Europe 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 37 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

Just like country-specific Alosim eSIMs, you can still use code PTW for 5% off!

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Holafly Europe eSIM (with Calling Options)

Holafly also has an eSIM for Europe.

And this eSIM is probably Holafly's best regional eSIM because it allows for unlimited data in 32 European countries (yes, the Holafly site says 30 countries, but it is 32).

Although Holafly's definition of Europe is basically the European Economic Area + Switzerland, Ukraine & the United Kingdom.

Even then… unlimited data! 🤩

What makes things better is that as of July 2023, you also get an Austrian phone number (+43), allowing you to make calls for up to 60 minutes AND receive calls for up to 60 minutes ¹ (but no texting).

¹ only within and to countries where the eSIM can be used, except for Iceland, Norway, Ukraine & the United Kingdom. You can receive calls from any country, even ones not covered by the Holafly Europe eSIM. But that can be expensive for the person calling you.

Better yet, the prices did not increase when this calling feature was added 🤩.

Although you get these 60 minutes, whether you get the 5-day eSIM (shortest) or the 90-day eSIM (longest), it seems.

You would think you would get more minutes if you get the 90-day variant… but we are wrong 🥲.

The Holafly Europe eSIM can be used in the following 32 countries:

¹ 5G NR access

Below is an overview of how much each Holafly Europe eSIM costs:

1. Europe unlimited data (with 60 incoming minutes and 60 outgoing minutes) eSIM for 5 days, costing 19 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Europe unlimited data (with 60 incoming minutes and 60 outgoing minutes) eSIM for 7 days, costing 27 USD
3. Europe unlimited data (with 60 incoming minutes and 60 outgoing minutes) eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Europe unlimited data (with 60 incoming minutes and 60 outgoing minutes) eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD
5. Europe unlimited data (with 60 incoming minutes and 60 outgoing minutes) eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD
6. Europe unlimited data (with 60 incoming minutes and 60 outgoing minutes) eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. Europe unlimited data (with 60 incoming minutes and 60 outgoing minutes) eSIM for 60 days, costing 87 USD
8. Europe unlimited data (with 60 incoming minutes and 60 outgoing minutes) eSIM for 90 days, costing 99 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only).

And yes, you can still use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off!

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Nomad Europe eSIM

Another affordable eSIM for Europe is Nomad's Europe eSIM.

It can be used in 30 or 35 countries, depending on the plan you choose.

In Q3 or Q4 of 2022, Nomad added several new countries to its Europe eSIM, making it more useful than before.

As expected, the eSIM covering 30 countries, which includes all of the European Union (EU – except for Sweden).

As to be expected, it is (significantly) cheaper than the 35 countries eSIM (from 10 GB onwards), which covers all of the EU + others like Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The 30 countries eSIM is powered by Tele2 Sweden, while the 35 countries eSIM is powered by Truphone.

The Nomad Europe eSIM can be used in the following 30 or 35 countries:

¹ for the 35 countries variant only

Below is an overview of how much each Nomad Europe eSIM costs:

1. Europe 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (30 countries by Nomad Black), costing 5 USD
2. Europe 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (35 countries by eSIM Go), costing 5 USD
3. Europe 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Nomad Black), costing 12 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Europe 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by eSIM Go), costing 13 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Europe 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Nomad Black), costing 14 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Europe 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by eSIM Go), costing 9 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. Europe 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Nomad Black), costing 22 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
8. Europe 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by eSIM Go), costing 22 18 USD (on sale) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
9. Europe 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Nomad Black), costing 29 USD
10. Europe 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by eSIM Go), costing 29 USD
11. Europe 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Nomad Black), costing 35 USD
12. Europe 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by eSIM Go), costing 45 26 USD (on sale)
13. Europe 30 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 70 USD
14. Europe 40 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 90 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only).

You can still use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

But during certain promotions where you are required to enter a code for a discount (let's say Tuesdays (web sales only) or public holidays), the discount you get for these special promotions will be more than the 3 USD off with codes ADU123. I suggest using those codes instead for extra savings – I will not blame you for it 😏.

I aim to use and try the Nomad Europe eSIM in all supported countries.

So far, I have used the eSIM in eight countries, so I still have a long way to go!

• Check out my Nomad Euro eSIM review

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SimOptions Europe eSIMs (O2 Go Card, Orange Holiday Europe/Zen & Smart Comfort X)

SimOptions is probably the first travel SIM card company I started working with in 2019.

Mostly because it resold, and still resells, popular travel SIM cards that can be used worldwide at attractive prices.

The main issue I used to have with SimOptions SIM cards was the relatively high shipping costs.

The average delivery fee is more than 20 USD – that could be the cost of a second SIM card (or eSIM nowadays)!

But fear not – with the introduction of eSIMs, shipping costs are no more, while SimOptions can still sell its eSIMs at fair prices.

You need to know that SimOptions does not sell eSIMs for particular countries (Iceland in this case).

Instead, it sells eSIMs for a particular region, like Europe, or for global use.

In this section, I will talk about SimOptions Europe offering because you have three eSIM providers with three options covering Iceland:

• O2 (CZ) Go Card eSIM
• Orange (FR) Holiday Europe eSIM
• Orange (FR) Holiday Zen eSIM

Unlike any other eSIM provider mentioned in this guide (so far and upcoming ones), SimOptions sells eSIMs with call and texting capabilities (the O2 and Orange eSIMs) 🥳.

The O2 Go Card eSIM, from the Czech Republic, comes with a Czech phone number (+420), while the Orange eSIMs come with a French phone number (+33).

Anyway, SimOptions' eSIMs can be used in 27- (Smart Comfort), 41- (O2 Card), or 43 countries (Orange Holiday):

¹ for SimOptions Smart Comfort
² for O2 Go Card
³ for Orange Holiday Europe & Zen

You have these four SimOptions Europe eSIMs:

1. SimOptions Smart Comfort X (27 countries) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 17.90 USD
2. O2 (CZ) Go Card (41 countries) 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (with Europe-wide calling and texting), costing 24.90 USD
3. Orange (FR) Holiday Zen (43 countries) 8 GB eSIM for 30 days (with worldwide calling and texting), costing 29.90 USD
4. Orange (FR) Holiday Europe Zen (43 countries) 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (with worldwide calling and texting), costing 49.90 USD

• Check out my SimOptions eSIM reviews

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Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (formerly Discover Global)

Airalo was probably the first eSIM provider to introduce a global eSIM – it was called Discover Global.

I have had decent to good experiences with that eSIM, but I felt it could improve.

Such as extending the validity of most plans (maximum used to be 180 days) and having 5G NR access in popular destinations (like many regional Airalo eSIMs do nowadays, even country-specific ones).

In August 2023, Airalo made a radical change to its global eSIM.

Until then, the eSIM could be used in about 85 countries – always up to 4G/LTE (with some networks on 3G only).

This eSIM was powered by FL1 Telecom Liechtenstein (network name can be Mobilkom (Liechtenstein) at times).

This mobile operator worked well in Europe and some Asian countries, but it was often one of the slowest performing (Airalo eSIMs).

Now, Airalo's global eSIM is called Discover(+).

It is powered by eSIM Go (which is basically Drei Austria).

The difference between the Airalo Discover and Airalo Discover+ eSIMs is that the latter has calling and texting functionalities (with an Austrian +43 phone number).

Because of this, Discover+ eSIMs can be up to 20 USD more expensive than regular Discover eSIMs.

For the previous Airalo Discover Global eSIMs, you paid the same prices as the Discover+ eSIMs for worse availability (85+ countries instead of 125+) and no calling or texting at all.

So… it is an upgrade 😎.

Not only that, but you (finally) get 5G NR access in quite some countries (55+)¹ as well.

¹ click here, press select the variant you want & click on network to see which network(s) allow for 5G NR access. You often have access to multiple local networks, but not all have 5G NR access (and some do not even give you 4G/LTE access)

Moreover, the most expensive option is now valid for a whole year (365 days) instead of 180 days.

The Airalo Discover(+) eSIM can be used in the following 125+ countries:

• Åland Islands ³
• Albania
• Argentina
• Armenia (new)
• Australia ⁵
• Austria ³
• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain (new) ³
• Bangladesh (new)
• Belarus ¹
• Belgium ³
• Bolivia (new)
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Botswana (new) ²
• Brazil ⁵
• Brunei (new) ¹
• Bulgaria ⁵
• Cambodia
• Canada ⁵
• Central African Republic (new) ¹
• Chad (new)
• Chile
• China ³
• Colombia
• Congo, Democratic Republic of (new)
• Congo, Republic of (new)
• Costa Rica (new)
• Croatia ³
• Cyprus ⁵
• Czech Republic ³
• Denmark ⁵
• Dominican Republic ¹
• Ecuador
• Egypt (new)
• El Salvador (new) ¹
• Estonia ⁵
• Eswatini (new) ¹
• Finland ⁵
• France ³
• French West Indies (new) ³
• Gabon (new)
• Georgia
• Germany ³
• Ghana (new)
• Gibraltar ¹
• Greece ³
• Greenland (new) ¹
• Guatemala (new) ¹
• Guernsey (new)
• Guinea-Bissau (new) ¹
• Honduras (new) ¹
• Hong Kong ³
• Hungary ⁵
• Iceland ³
• India
• Indonesia ³
• Ireland ³
• Isle of Man (new)
• Iraq ¹
• Israel ⁵
• Italy ⁵
• Ivory Coast
• Japan ³
• Jersey
• Jordan (new)
• Kazakhstan (new)
• Kenya (new)
• Kosovo

• Kuwait ³
• Kyrgyzstan (new)
• Latvia ³
• Liberia ¹
• Liechtenstein ⁴
• Lithuania ⁵
• Luxembourg ³
• Macau
• Madagascar (new)
• Malawi (new)
• Malaysia
• Mali
• Malta ³
• Mexico ⁵
• Moldova
• Monaco (new)
• Montenegro ⁵
• Morocco (new)
• Netherlands ⁵
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua (new)
• Niger (new) ¹
• Nigeria (new) ²
• North Macedonia
• Norway ⁵
• Oman (new)
• Pakistan (new)
• Panama
• Paraguay ¹
• Peru
• Philippines ³
• Poland ³
• Portugal ³
• Puerto Rico
• Qatar ⁵
• Réunion (new)
• Romania ⁵
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia ⁵
• Senegal (new) ¹
• Serbia
• Seychelles (new)
• Singapore
• Slovakia ³
• Slovenia ⁵
• South Africa
• South Korea ³
• Spain ⁵
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan
• Sweden ⁵
• Switzerland ³
• Taiwan ³
• Tanzania (new)
• Tajikistan ¹
• Thailand ⁵
• Tunisia (new)
• Turkey ³
• Uganda (new)
• Ukraine (new)
• United Arab Emirates (new) ³
• United Kingdom ⁵
• United States ⁵
• Uruguay (new)
• Uzbekistan (new)
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Vietnam
• Yemen (new) ¹
• Zambia (new) ¹

* “(new)” is compared to the previous Discover Global eSIM (discontinued) or recently added countries
¹ on 3G only
² check the networks section on the Airalo website or app because at least one of the available networks is on 3G only (while the others are up to 4G/LTE)
³ 5G NR access for all available networks
⁴ even if your phone does not support 5G NR, select FL1 Telecom/Telecom Liechtenstein for 4G/LTE access because Salt Liechtenstein is restricted to 3G only
⁵ check the networks section on the Airalo website or app because at least one of the available networks is up to 4G/LTE (while the others are up to 5G NR)

You have these 12 Airalo Discover Global eSIMs:

1. Discover 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
2. Discover+ 1 GB (with 10 minutes and 10 SMS) eSIM for 7 days, costing 15 USD
3. Discover 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 17 USD
4. Discover+ 2 GB (with 20 minutes and 20 SMS) eSIM for 15 days, costing 27 USD
5. Discover 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD
6. Discover+ 3 GB (with 30 minutes and 30 SMS) eSIM for 30 days, costing 36 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. Discover 5 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 35 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
8. Discover+ 5 GB (with 50 minutes and 50 SMS) eSIM for 60 days, costing 50 USD
9. Discover 10 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 59 USD
10. Discover+ 10 GB (with 100 minutes and 100 SMS) eSIM for 180 days, costing 79 USD
11. Discover 20 GB eSIM for 365 days, costing 69 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
12. Discover+ 20 GB (with 200 minutes and 200 SMS) eSIM for 365 days, costing 89 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 31st of January.

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AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM (5G NR access in United Kingdom)

SimOptions also sells a global eSIM: AIS eSIM2FLY Global.

And it can be used in 140+ countries for 15 days – 53 of them with 5G NR access.

The AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM can be used in the following countries:

¹ with 5G NR access

If you get this eSIM from SimOptions, which I recommend, you will pay 39.90 USD.

The main issue I have with the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM is its short validity.

Making it hard to call it an actual global eSIM… unless you can somehow visit 140+ countries within 15 days – something not even I can do🧐.

Still, it is a relatively affordable global eSIM covering 140+ countries… with 5G NR access!

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Nomad Global eSIM (5G NR Access in United Kingdom)

Besides Nomad's eSIM for United Kingdom, it also has a global eSIM that can be used in United Kingdom and a total of 109/139 countries (including most European ones).

While Nomad's Global eSIM covers a few more countries than Airalo's Discover(+) eSIMs (109/139 vs. 130 (previously 85+)), it is significantly more expensive than Airalo (but not the most costly global eSIM in this guide).

Even so, Phone Travel Wiz readers have shown interest in this eSIM and have had positive experiences with it, especially after Nomad improved it (with its 139 Country Plan powered by eSIM Go (has 5G NR access in 50+ countries) instead of the 109 Country Plan by Truphone (4G/LTE only).

Anyway, you have these six Nomad Global eSIMs:

1. Global (109 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 25 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Global (139 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 19 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Global (109 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Global (139 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Global (109 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 45 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Global (139 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 57 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only).

The Nomad Global eSIM can be used in the following 109 (Truphone)/139 (eSIM Go) countries:

¹ 109 Countries Plan (Truphone) only
² 139 Countries Plan (eSIM Go) only
³ 5G NR access (if you have the 139 Countries Plan (eSIM GO) – does not apply to the 109 Countries Plan (Truphone)

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for the United Kingdom

So, we reviewed some eSIMs that can be used in the United Kingdom.

I will give you a quick recap of each and link to their product pages in case you need more info or want to purchase an eSIM already (just remember the activation policies of Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions – do not buy their eSIMs too early):

• Airalo Uki Mobile eSIM (best value for money)
• Alosim United Kingdom eSIM (priced roughly the same as Airalo with a bit more options)
• Holafly United Kingdom eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs + calling feature (new))
• Nomad United Kingdom eSIM (best value for money… too)
• Airalo Eurolink eSIM (best value for money for 39 European countries)
• Alosim Europe eSIM (priced roughly the same as Airalo with fewer options and worse coverage (32 countries))
• Holafly Europe eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs for 33 European countries + calling feature (new))
• Nomad Europe eSIM (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance for 35 European countries)
• SimOptions Europe eSIMs (choice from multiple mobile operators + calling & texting options (the only one in this list))
• Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (reasonable extensive global coverage (84+ 125+ countries) at attractive prices + calling and texting options (new))
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with 5G NR access in the United Kingdom (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Nomad Global eSIM (extensive global coverage (109/139 countries) at high(er) prices)

Remember to use code the relevant discount codes for (ADU123 (Nomad), PTW (Alosim), or PHONETRAVELWIZ (others)).

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Buying a SIM Card in the United Kingdom

Want to just use a SIM card but not your current one because roaming will be criminally expensive?

Consider getting a British SIM card instead – local SIM cards are the cheapest way to stay connected abroad.