Best eSIM for UK Travel in 2025 - Compare Top UK Travel eSIMs

Planning a trip to the UK? I still remember landing in Heathrow for the first time, bleary-eyed after 23 hours in the air, and realising I had no clue how to get from the airport to my Airbnb. No SIM card, no idea. These days, I always travel with an eSIM set up before I fly – and it’s a game changer.

If you’re wondering which is the best eSIM for UK travel, how to set one up, or whether it’ll work across Europe too – this guide has you covered. I’ll walk you through the top providers (including ZenSim, where I work), compare prices and features, and share a few tips I’ve picked up from travelling and chatting with customers.

So before you pack your bags, take a few minutes to get your eSIM sorted – future you will thank you.

Why Use a Travel eSIM for UK Trips?

If you're heading to the UK and wondering whether a travel eSIM is the right move - the short answer is yes, and the long answer is also yes but with a lot more benefits. A travel eSIM for the UK gives you an easy, affordable way to stay connected without the hassle of physical SIM swaps or shock roaming bills.

Our UK Travel eSIMs are prepaid, so you know exactly what you're spending, and setup only takes a minute. At ZenSim, we see more and more travellers ditching old-school roaming for good reason - travel eSIMs are just better. Let’s break down why.

Benefits of UK Travel eSIMs Over Roaming

Roaming fees are the travel villain nobody talks about until it’s too late. Take Telstra’s international roaming, for example: they charge $10 per day to roam in the UK. On a 30-day trip, that adds up to A$300 - and that’s just for staying connected.

Now, compare that with our UK eSIM. For A$39 (about $24 USD), you’ll get 20GB of data valid for 30 days. Or if you’re a heavy streamer, our Unlimited plan is just A$68 (around $41 USD) - which works out to roughly A$2.27 per day (or $1.37 USD). No nasty surprises, and no wasting time looking for a SIM card shop at Heathrow.

Plus, no more fiddling with tiny SIM trays or carrying around a paperclip in your wallet “just in case.”

Who Should Use a UK Travel eSIM?

UK travel eSIMs are perfect for just about anyone heading over - whether you're on holiday, working remotely, or squeezing in a few pub stops between meetings. I’ve seen everyone from students on exchange to digital nomads and business travellers benefit from the simplicity of eSIMs. You don’t need to queue up at a SIM shop or worry about swapping cards - just activate before you fly and you're sorted.

If the UK is just one part of your itinerary, we’ve also got a Europe Travel eSIM that covers 36 countries. It’s ideal if you're bouncing around the continent and don’t want to switch plans every few days. So if your trip involves more than one passport stamp, it’s definitely worth a look.

Best eSIMs for UK Travel in 2025

If you’re comparing the best eSIM for UK travel, you’ve got options. Some are better priced, some come with extras like built-in VPNs or call features, and some are... well, just more expensive. I’ve tested a few myself and spoken to plenty of customers, so here’s a straight-up look at how some of the top UK travel eSIM providers stack up.

Top eSIM Providers for UK Travel Compared

ZenSim

We’ll start with ourselves. At ZenSim, we focus on keeping things simple and affordable. We offer UK travel eSIMs with plans from 5GB all the way to Unlimited. Our plans are available in 10 or 30 day options, but you can always top up if you're staying longer. You’ll get friendly, fast support via WhatsApp or Messenger if you need help.

• 20GB for 30 days: A$39 ($24 USD)
• Unlimited for 30 days: A$68 ($41 USD)

Airalo

Airalo is one of the most recognised eSIM providers globally. Their plans are decent, though often a bit more expensive. They do have shorter 7 day options which are good for short trips, but no unlimited data plans available.

• 20GB for 30 days: A$57 ($36 USD)

Holafly

Known for offering unlimited data on every plan, Holafly is the go-to for people who don’t want to think about usage. The trade-off is price. Holafly is easily the most expensive option on this list, but they do allow you to choose any number of days for your plan.

• Unlimited for 30 days: A$117 ($74.90 USD)

Saily

Saily is a nice middle-ground option. They’re generally cheaper than Holafly and offer both fixed data and unlimited plans. One cool feature is their built-in VPN, which could be a bonus if you’re privacy-conscious. Their pricing is only listed in USD.

• 20GB for 30 days: A$53 ($31.99 USD)
• Unlimited for 30 days: A$118 ($71.99 USD)

Best Value eSIM for UK

If you’re looking for the best value eSIM UK travel option, the ZenSim 20GB or Unlimited plan is hard to beat. At only A$39 ($24 USD) for 20GB over 30 days, it works out to A$1.30 per day. Or go Unlimited for just A$68 ($41 USD), which still averages only A$2.27 per day ($1.37 USD).

For most travellers, 20GB is plenty. That covers maps, socials, bookings, and even a bit of streaming. And if you happen to run out, you can easily top up mid-trip via the ZenSim app without having to change plans or reinstall anything.

Best Unlimited Data UK eSIM

If you know you’ll be on your phone constantly or working remotely, Unlimited data is the way to go. ZenSim’s 30 day Unlimited UK plan is by far the best value at A$68 ($41 USD), or just A$2.27 per day.

The next cheapest Unlimited option would be Saily at A$118, which works out to A$3.93 per day. That’s nearly $50 more expensive for the same usage. Holafly also offers unlimited plans but sits at the higher end of the scale with a 30 day plan at A$117 ($74.90 USD).

Best UK eSIM with International Calls

Need to make calls or send SMS from the UK while travelling? Most eSIMs focus on data only, but Airalo does offer options that include voice and SMS, which could be handy if you need a UK number or need to stay reachable beyond WhatsApp or iMessage.

Their plans with calls are a bit pricier than their data-only ones, but if you need calling capability, it’s one of the better choices out there. ZenSim doesn’t currently offer call-included plans, so if that’s a priority for you, Airalo’s your best bet.

Do UK eSIMs Work in Europe Too?

If you're planning a trip to the UK and wondering whether a UK eSIM will work across Europe too, you're not alone. It’s a common question, and the short answer is: sometimes. Not all UK travel eSIMs automatically include European countries, so it's important to check before you buy.

That’s where regional travel eSIMs for the UK and Europe come in. These are designed for travellers who want to stay connected while hopping between countries without having to juggle multiple plans or reinstall eSIMs mid-trip. Whether you're starting in London and ending up in Lisbon or doing a few weekend trips while based in the UK, a Europe-wide eSIM makes it all seamless.

UK + Europe Regional eSIMs

Some providers, like us at ZenSim, offer Europe Travel eSIMs that cover the UK and 35 other countries. That means you’ll stay connected across 36 countries in total without lifting a finger. It’s perfect for travellers planning to squeeze in a few extra destinations beyond the UK.

The best part? Our Europe eSIM is pretty much the same price as our UK-only eSIM, so it’s great value if you're heading across borders. Other providers like Holafly and Airalo offer Europe eSIMs too, but from what we’ve seen, ZenSim is still one of the most affordable options out there – and we don’t cut corners on quality or speed.

If you’re even remotely tempted to explore more of Europe while you’re over there, grabbing a regional eSIM from the start can be a smart move.

How to Set Up Your eSIM for UK Travel

Setting up your UK travel eSIM is a lot easier than most people think. There’s no fiddling with SIM trays, no queueing at airport kiosks, and no paperwork. Just a quick install and you’re ready to go. Whether you're using an iPhone, Samsung, or Pixel, the process is fairly straightforward, and most people have it up and running in under a few minutes.

Let’s walk through what you need to know.

Which Phones Support eSIMs in the UK?

Most newer smartphones now support eSIMs, and they work just fine in the UK. If you’re using an iPhone XS or newer, or a Samsung Galaxy S20 or later, you’re most likely good to go. Google Pixels from the Pixel 3 and onwards also support eSIM.

To be safe, it's worth running your phone through our eSIM compatibility checker. It only takes a few seconds and will confirm whether your phone model is supported.

Step-by-Step: Installing Your UK Travel eSIM

Once you’ve chosen and purchased your plan, you’ll typically receive a QR code via email. Here’s how to get it set up:

• Open your camera app and scan the QR code from another device
• Follow the prompts on screen to add the eSIM
• Name it something useful like “UK Travel” or “ZenSim”

If you're using an iPhone, you can also install the eSIM directly through the ZenSim app with one tap - no QR code needed. Android users can use manual input too by copy-pasting the activation code into settings. Full instructions are provided in the app if you're unsure, but most people just scan the code and go.

Using Dual SIM While in the UK

If your phone supports dual SIM functionality, you can keep your physical SIM active while using your eSIM for data in the UK. This is handy if you still want to receive SMS from your bank or services tied to your usual number.

Just make sure global roaming is disabled on your physical SIM to avoid unexpected charges. Your eSIM will handle all data usage, and you’ll still be able to use apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, or your regular messaging apps with no interruption.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your UK eSIM

Once your UK eSIM is set up and running, there are a few simple things you can do to make the most of it while you travel. Below are some easy ways to maximise your data and avoid any common mishaps along the way.

Managing Data Usage While Travelling

If you're on a fixed data plan, it's a good idea to keep an eye on how much you're using. The ZenSim app makes this super simple - you can track your data in real time and see exactly what’s left.

Need more? You can top up right in the app. And here's a tip: if you know you’re getting close to the end of your plan, you can top up in advance. The new plan will kick in automatically once your current one runs out, so you’ll stay connected without skipping a beat.

Also, if you plan to use your phone as a hotspot, make sure your eSIM provider allows it - we do at ZenSim, of course. It’s great for sharing a connection with your laptop or travel buddy on the go.

Avoiding Common eSIM Pitfalls

Even though eSIMs are easy to use, there are a couple of common mistakes that can trip people up. The most frequent one we see is forgetting to enable data roaming. Without it, your eSIM won’t connect - especially on iPhones, where it’s switched off by default.

Another big one is not checking whether your phone supports eSIM, or whether your destination is covered. Before you purchase, it's always worth checking your phone model using our eSIM compatibility checker and confirming the countries included in your plan.

At ZenSim, we try to make this easy by clearly listing all supported countries and compatible phones, but if you’re ever unsure - just contact us and we’ll help you sort it out quickly.

Final Thoughts: The Best eSIM for Your UK Adventure

Getting the right travel eSIM for the UK isn’t just about price (although our prices stack up pretty damn well) – it’s about ease, flexibility, and peace of mind while you’re exploring somewhere new..

We’ve looked at some of the top providers, compared pricing, and shared a few tips to help you avoid common mistakes. From cost-effective plans to full Unlimited options, there’s something to suit every type of traveller.

Still Not Sure Which UK eSIM to Choose?

If you’re still weighing up your options, take a look at our UK travel eSIM plans or explore our Europe eSIMs if you're planning to see a bit more of the continent.

Need a hand? We’re always happy to help. Just get in touch and we’ll guide you through choosing the right plan for your trip. Safe travels and happy scrolling!