Coverage
Choose an eSIM that works in the countries or regions you plan to visit.
Travel Services
Travel eSIMs for stress-free connectivity.
Stay connected abroad with affordable mobile data plans and avoid expensive roaming charges.
Why use a travel eSIM?
A travel eSIM lets you access mobile data abroad without swapping your physical SIM card. They are quick to install, often much cheaper than roaming, and allow you to stay connected for maps, messaging, transport and travel planning wherever you go.
What to look for
A few simple things to consider before choosing an eSIM for your next trip.
Data allowance
Think about how much data you need for maps, social media, streaming and video calls.
Value
Compare prices, validity periods and network quality rather than choosing the cheapest plan.
Choose your eSIM provider
Start with the provider that best matches how much data you need and where you are travelling.
Best overall
Airalo
A popular eSIM provider with affordable local, regional and global data plans.
View provider
Best unlimited data
Holafly
A strong option for travellers who want unlimited data in supported destinations.
View provider
Best value
Saily
A simple, good-value eSIM option for travellers who want easy setup and flexible plans.
View providerWhy choose Airalo?
Airalo is one of the worlds most popular travel eSIM providers, offering affordable local, regional and global data plans in over 200 destinations. It is easy to set up, competitively priced and ideal for most travellers.
Best overall
Local eSIMs
Best for: Travelling to a single country
Why we recommend it
Airalo offers affordable country-specific eSIMs, making them ideal for city breaks and single-destination holidays.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Quick activation
- Large range of destinations
- Easy-to-use app
Cons
- No unlimited data in many destinations
Price guide: £
View Airalo
Best regional plans
Regional eSIMs
Best for: Multi-country trips
Why we recommend it
Regional plans cover multiple countries with one eSIM, making them perfect for European road trips or multi-country holidays.
Pros
- One eSIM for multiple countries
- Simple to manage
- Excellent regional coverage
- Good value
Cons
- More expensive than single-country plans
Price guide: ££
View Airalo
Best global plans
Global eSIMs
Best for: Round-the-world travel
Why we recommend it
Global plans provide data across multiple continents, making them ideal for long trips and frequent international travellers.
Pros
- Worldwide coverage
- One eSIM for multiple regions
- Easy activation
- Ideal for long-term travel
Cons
- Higher cost than regional plans
Price guide: £££
View AiraloWhy choose Holafly?
Holafly specialises in unlimited data eSIMs, making it an excellent choice for travellers who rely heavily on maps, social media, video calls or streaming while abroad.
Best unlimited data
Unlimited Europe
Best for: European holidays
Why we recommend it
Unlimited data across many European destinations means you never have to worry about running out of data during your trip.
Pros
- Unlimited data
- Ideal for heavy data users
- Quick activation
- Excellent European coverage
Cons
- More expensive than limited data plans
Price guide: ££
View Holafly
Best for long trips
Unlimited USA
Best for: Extended holidays
Why we recommend it
Perfect if you are spending several weeks in the United States and do not want to monitor your data usage.
Pros
- Unlimited data
- Reliable coverage
- Simple installation
- Great for remote working
Cons
- No hotspot on some plans
Price guide: ££
View Holafly
Best worldwide
Global Unlimited Plans
Best for: Multi-country travel
Why we recommend it
Unlimited global plans make Holafly a strong option for travellers visiting several destinations on one trip.
Pros
- Unlimited data
- Worldwide coverage
- Easy activation
- Excellent for long journeys
Cons
- Higher cost than regional plans
Price guide: £££
View HolaflyWhy choose Saily?
Saily is a simple, affordable travel eSIM provider backed by the team behind NordVPN. It offers straightforward data plans, an easy-to-use app and excellent value for travellers who want to stay connected without paying high roaming charges.
Best value
Country eSIMs
Best for: Single-country trips
Why we recommend it
Affordable country-specific plans make Saily an excellent choice for city breaks and holidays where you only need data in one destination.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Simple setup
- Reliable coverage
- Easy-to-use app
Cons
- No unlimited plans
Price guide: £
View Saily
Best regional plans
Regional eSIMs
Best for: Multi-country holidays
Why we recommend it
Regional plans let you travel across multiple countries using one eSIM, avoiding the need to buy separate plans.
Pros
- One eSIM for multiple countries
- Competitive pricing
- Easy management
- Good regional coverage
Cons
- Fewer regions than some competitors
Price guide: ££
View Saily
Best for simplicity
Travel Data Plans
Best for: First-time eSIM users
Why we recommend it
Saily focuses on making travel connectivity as simple as possible, with an intuitive app and straightforward data plans that are easy to buy and activate.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Quick activation
- Clean mobile app
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Smaller range of plans than Airalo
Price guide: ££
View SailyTravel eSim FAQs
Common questions about using eSims.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM, you simply download a mobile data plan before or during your trip.
Can I keep my UK phone number?
Yes. Most travel eSIMs provide data only, allowing you to continue using your existing UK number for calls and texts while using the eSIM for mobile data.
Do all phones support eSIMs?
No. Most newer iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices and Google Pixel phones support eSIMs, but it is worth checking your device before purchasing a plan.
Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming?
In many cases, yes. Travel eSIMs often offer significantly better value than international roaming charges from UK mobile networks, especially for data usage.
When should I install my travel eSIM?
Most providers recommend installing your eSIM before you travel and activating it once you arrive at your destination.
Which travel eSIM provider is best?
Airalo is a great all-round choice for most travellers, Holafly is ideal if you want unlimited data, while Saily offers excellent value and an easy-to-use service.
Related travel services
Other services that can help you stay connected, protected and prepared while travelling.
VPN services
Stay secure when using public Wi-Fi abroad.
View guideTravel insurance
Protect yourself against unexpected travel problems.
View guideTravel money & cards
Spend abroad with lower fees and better exchange rates.
View guideReady to stay connected?
Choose the right travel eSIM before you leave home and enjoy affordable mobile data wherever your journey takes you.
Some links on TravelTools may be affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, MapMagnet may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.