United Kingdom: 12 Best eSIMs Compared + Discounts (2023)

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 up to 99 USD from Airalo, Holafly, Nomad & Ubigi 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, Holafly, Nomad & Ubigi. Let's get started.

Original publication: 17th of August 2022. Last updated: 3rd of June 2023.

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Table of Contents

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, Holafly, Nomad, SimOptions & Ubigi 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, Holafly, Nomad, SimOptions & Ubigi 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 (new), 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 (new), costing 36 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

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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Holafly eSIMs for the United Kingdom

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/19 EUR/19 GBP/27 AUD/24 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 27 USD/27 EUR/24 GBP/44 AUD/34 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD/34 EUR/29 GBP/49 AUD/44 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD/47 EUR/44 GBP/67 AUD/55 CAD
5. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/74 CAD
6. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD/69 EUR/59 GBP/99 AUD/89 CAD
7. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 84 USD/87 EUR/77 GBP/127 AUD/114 CAD
8. United Kingdom unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 99 USD/99 EUR/87 GBP/144 AUD/129 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (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 11 options with Nomad:

1. United Kingdom 1 GB eSIM for 30 days (O2 UK / Three UK), costing 9 USD/5 EUR/4.50 GBP/7 CAD
2. United Kingdom 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (O2 UK / Three UK), costing 10 USD/8.50 EUR/7.50 GBP/12.50 CAD
3. United Kingdom 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (EE), costing 30 USD/9.50 EUR/8.50 GBP/14 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. United Kingdom 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (EE), costing 17 USD/16 EUR/14 GBP/23 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. United Kingdom 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (Multiple providers new) – costing 17 USD/16 EUR/14 GBP/23.50 CAD
6. United Kingdom 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (EE), costing 5 USD/28.50 EUR/24.50 GBP/41 CAD
7. United Kingdom Unlimited eSIM for 1 day (O2 UK / Three UK – new), costing 10 USD/7 EUR/6 GBP/10 CAD
8. United Kingdom Unlimited eSIM for 3 days (O2 UK / Three UK – new), costing 20.50 USD/14.50 EUR/12.50 GBP/20.50 CAD
9. United Kingdom Unlimited eSIM for 5 days (O2 UK / Three UK – new), costing 30 USD/21 EUR/18 GBP/30 CAD
10. United Kingdom Unlimited eSIM for 7 days (O2 UK / Three UK – new), costing 41 USD/28.50 EUR/24.50 GBP/41 CAD
11. United Kingdom Unlimited eSIM for 10 days (O2 UK / Three UK – new), costing 56 USD/38.50 EUR/33.50 GBP/56 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7^th of February

And you know that I have a good deal waiting for you: use code ADU123 and get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 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, Nomad, or Ubigi 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 (with 5G NR Access in the 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 the United Kingdom.

And that includes all member states of the European Union.

Below is a complete overview of countries the Airalo Eurolink eSIM works in:

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

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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Holafly Europe eSIM

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.

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

Even then… unlimited data! 🤩

The Holafly Europe eSIM can be used in the following 33 countries:

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 countires 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 Tele2 Sweden – new), costing 7 USD/7 EUR/6 GBP/10 CAD
2. Europe 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 8 USD/7.50 EUR/6.50 GBP/11 CAD
3. Europe 3 GB eSIM for 15 days (30 countries by Tele2 Sweden – new), costing 12 USD/11.50 EUR/10 GBP/16.50 CAD
4. Europe 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 13 USD/12.50 EUR/11 GBP/18 CAD
5. Europe 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Tele2 Sweden – new), costing 14 USD/13.50 EUR/11.50 GBP/19.50 CAD
6. Europe 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 15 USD/14.50 EUR/12.50 GBP/20.50 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. Europe 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Tele2 Sweden), costing 18 USD/17 EUR/15 GBP/24.50 CAD
8. Europe 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 25 USD/23.50 EUR/20.50 GBP/34 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
9. Europe 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Tele2 Sweden – new), costing 29 USD/27.50 EUR/23.50 GBP/39.50 CAD
10. Europe 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Tele2 Sweden – new), costing 35 USD/33 EUR/28.50 GBP/48 CAD
11. Europe 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 45 USD/42.50 EUR/36.50 GBP/61.50 CAD
12. Europe 30 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 70 USD/65.50 EUR/57 GBP/95.50 CAD
13. Europe 40 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 90 USD/84.50 EUR/73 GBP/122.50 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7^th of February.

You can still use code use code ADU123 and for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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

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 (the United Kingdom 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 four options covering the United Kingdom:

• O2 (CZ) Go Card eSIM
• Orange (FR) Holiday Europe eSIM
• Orange (FR) Holiday Zen eSIM
• SimOptions Smart Comfort X 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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Ubigi Europe Plans

Ubigi is a relatively new player for me, but it has been selling eSIM plans for years.

And what I say new player, it means I did not start using its plans since I started Phone Travel Wiz – just later.

Unlike any eSIM provider mentioned in this guide, you only have to download a free Ubigi eSIM profile once, and can add plans to it (on its app – its webshop is coming soon).

Most eSIM providers require you to buy a new eSIM per country or region, which is somewhat unique to Ubigi.

The provider is backed by NTT DoCoMo from Japan, the largest mobile operator in the country.

As a result, Ubigi can leverage NTT DoComo's extensive roaming agreement library without going through a middleman (like most eSIM providers in this guide).

In return, you get free 5G NR access in many European countries.

For Europe, Ubigi has three plans:

• EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries – cheapest)
• Europe Extended (52 countries – most expensive)

All plans listed above can be used in the United Kingdom.

And all use the same roaming partner (EE UK) and up to 5G NR access.

So it really depends on your travel plans to determine which Ubigi Europe eSIM will be useful for you.

The Ubigi Europe plans can be used in the following 29, 32, or 52 countries:

¹ for USA + Europe plans
² for EU27 + UK + Swiss plans
³ for Europe Extended plans – note: residents from Germany cannot use these plans in Germany (but can use them in other destinations without restrictions)
⁴ with 5G NR access
⁵ with 3G access only

Below is an overview of how much each Ubigi Europe plan costs:

1. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 500 MB plan for 1 day, costing 2 USD/2 EUR/2 GBP
2. Europe Extended (59 countries) 1 GB plan for 30 days, costing 8 USD/8 EUR/7 GBP
3. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 3 GB plan for 30 days, costing 12 USD/12 EUR/10 GBP
4. USA + Europe (29 countries) 5 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 12 USD/12 EUR/10 GBP/month
5. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 5 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 15 USD/15 EUR/12 GBP/month
6. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 10 GB plan for 30 days, costing 24 USD/24 EUR/20 GBP
7. USA + Europe (29 countries) 10 GB plan for 30 days, costing 25 USD/25 EUR/22 GBP
8. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 20 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 29 USD/29 EUR/25 GBP/month
9. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 2 GB/month (24 GB) plan for 12 months, costing 58 USD/58 EUR/51 GBP
10. Europe Extended (59 countries) 10 GB plan for 30 days, costing 59 USD/59 EUR52 GBP
11. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 50 GB plan for 30 days, costing 88 USD/88 EUR/78 GBP

¹ these plans require a commitment of at least three months. After the first three months, the plan can be stopped at any time

Because Ubigi plans cannot be purchase on its website (yet) and only on its apps (Android and iOS), download your Ubigi profile here, create an account (preferably on mobile from the start) & use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 10% off.

You are welcome 😜.

• Check out my Ubigi eSIM reviews

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Airalo Discover Global eSIM

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

This eSIM can be used in 85+ countries, including the United Kingdom, often offering up to 4G/LTE reception and speeds (also in the United Kingdom).

The Airalo Discover Global eSIM can be used in the following 85+ countries:

You have these five Airalo Discover Global eSIMs:

1. Discover Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
2. Discover Global 3 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 24 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Discover Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 35 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Discover Global 10 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 59 USD
5. Discover Global 20 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 89 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz reader

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

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

SimOptions also sells a global eSIM: AIS eSIM2FLY Global.

And it can be used in a total of 123 countries for 15 days – 50 of them with 5G NR access, including the United Kingdom.

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 for it.

The main issue I have with the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM is that it has a short validity.

Making it hard to call it an actual global eSIM… unless you can somehow visit 123 countries within 15 days 🧐.

Still, it is a relatively affordable global eSIM covering 120+ countries… with 5G NR access!

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Nomad Global eSIM

Besides Nomad's eSIM for the United Kingdom, it also has a global eSIM that can be used in the United Kingdom and a total of 110 countries (including most European ones).

Nomad's Global eSIM covers more countries than Airalo's Discover Global eSIM (110 vs. 85).

But it is also 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.

Anyway, you have these three Nomad Global eSIMs:

1. Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 25 USD/23.50 EUR/20.50 GBP/34 CAD
2. Global 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD/37.5 EUR/32.50 GBP/54.50 CAD
3. Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 45 USD/42.50 EUR/36.50 GBP/61.50 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in April based on data up to the 20^th of April .

The Nomad Global eSIM can be used in the following 110 countries:

Remember to use code ADU123 and for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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

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Ubigi World Plan

Just as Ubigi has its Europe plans, it has a plan for the world too, covering 175+ countries – including the United Kingdom.

Yes, Ubigi has the most extensive global plan out there.

However, it also has the most expensive global plans 🗿.

You have these three Ubigi World plans:

• World 500 MB plan for 1 days, costing 12 USD/12 EUR/10 GBP
• World 500 MB plan for 30 days, costing 29 USD/29 EUR/25 GBP
• World 5 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 68 USD/68 EUR/59 GBP/month

¹ this plan requires a commitment of at least three months. After the first three months, the plan can be stopped at any time

The Airalo Discover Global eSIM can be used in the following 175+ countries:

Remember, because Ubigi plans cannot be purchase on its website (yet) and only on its apps (Android and iOS), download your Ubigi profile here, create an account (preferably on mobile from the start) & use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 10% off.

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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)
• Holafly United Kingdom eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs)
• Nomad United Kingdom eSIM (best value for money… too)
• Airalo Eurolink eSIM (best value for money for 39 European countries)
• Holafly Europe eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs for 33 European countries)
• Nomad Europe eSIM (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance for 35 European countries)
• SimOptions Europe eSIMs (choice from multiple providers + calling & texting options (the only one in this list))
• Ubigi Europe Plans (most extensive Europe coverage (52 countries), with a liberal definition of Europe in your favor)
• Airalo Discover Global eSIM (reasonable global coverage (85+ countries) at attractive prices)
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with 5G NR access in the United Kingdom (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (50/123) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Nomad Global eSIM (extensive global coverage (110 countries) at high(er) prices)
• Ubigi World Plan (most extensive global coverage (175+ countries) at the highest prices)

Remember to use code the relevant discount codes for (ADU123 (Nomad) 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.