The best eSIM for travel is Airalo. It sells local, regional and global data packages in 200+ locations, so one app covers almost any trip. If you want flexible pay-as-you-go data, pick Yesim. If you want to try before you pay, the Nomad eSIM gives new users a free 1GB trial.
Our picks link to the brands through their affiliate programmes. Buy through them and we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Our picks are our own: no brand pays to be listed. How this works
quick data-only setupData up and running in about 60 seconds
Data up and running in about 60 seconds
This guide is for UK travellers who want mobile data the moment they land, without roaming charges. An eSIM is a digital SIM you download to your phone, so there's no tiny card to swap. When you choose one, check three things: does it cover where you're going, is it data only or does it include calls, and does your phone support eSIM?
Pick 1 · AiraloAiralo eSIM
Airalo eSIM
Best for widest choice of countries
Airalo is a travel eSIM app with local, regional and global data packages. You land, switch on and you're online.
Who it's for: Frequent flyers and anyone planning trips to lots of different places.
The facts that matter
Airalo sells local, regional and global mobile data packages in 200+ locations.
The homepage lists eSIMs for popular trips including the UK, Turkey, the US, Spain, Japan, the UAE, Italy and Thailand.
Airalo has a loyalty scheme with up to 10% cashback, plus an Airmoney reward when a friend you refer makes a purchase.
Why it made the list: Airalo covers 200+ locations, including popular trips like Spain, Turkey, the US, Japan, the UAE, Italy and Thailand. Its loyalty scheme pays cashback, and you earn an Airmoney reward when a friend you refer buys a plan. Our link opens the partner offer shown below.
Worth knowing: Airalo caps the discount on its ongoing codes at $3, so savings are small on bigger plans.
The deal: Airalo eSIMs from £3.50, with Airalo's new-customer code applied for you through our link.As shown on the brand's site on 17 October 2026. Offers change: check the final price before you pay.
The Yesim app gives you mobile data in 170+ countries, so you skip roaming charges and SIM swaps.
Who it's for: Travellers who hate guessing how much data they'll need before they go.
The facts that matter
The Yesim app gives you mobile data in 170+ countries, so you skip roaming charges and SIM swaps.
Plans range from one-trip country plans to a pay-as-you-go balance, with a Global Plus Package covering 146 countries.
You can get a refund within 30 days of purchase if the eSIM has not been activated, used or expired.
Why it made the list: You choose how to pay. Go for a one-trip country plan, top up a pay-as-you-go balance, or take the Global Plus Package covering 146 countries. Your money is protected too: you can get a refund within 30 days of purchase if the eSIM hasn't been activated, used or expired.
Worth knowing: Your phone must be eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked.
The deal: 15% off your first Yesim eSIM purchase with code HONESTCODES, valid to 5 October 2027.As shown on the brand's site on 17 October 2026. Offers change: check the final price before you pay.
Saily is a travel eSIM app from Nord Security, with prepaid data plans for 200+ destinations.
Who it's for: Planners who like their trip sorted weeks before they pack.
The facts that matter
Saily is a travel eSIM app from Nord Security, with prepaid data plans for 200+ destinations.
All plans have a 180-day activation period, so you can buy ahead of your trip.
You can add a US phone number to your plan, with identity verification in the app after purchase.
Why it made the list: Every plan has a 180-day activation period, so you can buy well ahead and forget about it until you land. Heading to the States? You can add a US phone number to your plan, with identity verification in the app after you buy.
Worth knowing: Plans are data only, with no UK number for calls or texts, and your phone must support eSIM.
The deal: Saily travel eSIM data plans in 200+ destinations from £2.99, no roaming fees.As shown on the brand's site on 17 October 2026. Offers change: check the final price before you pay.
Sim Local sells travel eSIM data plans for 150-200+ destinations, running on local networks.
Who it's for: Travellers who still want to make calls and send texts while they're away.
The facts that matter
Sim Local sells travel eSIM data plans for 150-200+ destinations on local networks.
Its pay-as-you-go eSIM costs about 10% of roaming costs.
Some plans include calls and SMS, and the app offers a free 1-day trial when you sign up.
Why it made the list: Some plans include calls and SMS, which is a rare plus in a world of data-only eSIMs. The app also offers a free 1-day trial when you sign up, so you can see how it works first. Our link opens the partner offer shown below.
Worth knowing: Prices showed in US dollars on the homepage, so check the total at checkout.
The deal: 10% off Sim Local eSIMs with our code HONESTCODES, applied automatically through our link.As shown on the brand's site on 17 October 2026. Offers change: check the final price before you pay.
Nomad sells prepaid travel eSIM data plans for 200+ destinations, and you install them by QR code or with one tap in the app.
Who it's for: Interrailers, city-breakers and anyone hopping across Europe in one trip.
The facts that matter
Nomad sells prepaid travel eSIM data plans for 200+ destinations.
You install the eSIM by QR code or with one tap in the Nomad app.
Europe eSIM plans cover multi-country trips, and the eSIM activates within 60 days of purchase.
Why it made the list: Nomad's Europe eSIM plans cover multi-country trips, so you don't need a new eSIM at every border. The eSIM activates within 60 days of purchase. New users can start with a free 1GB trial eSIM.
Worth knowing: The free 1GB trial is for new users only; after that you buy a paid data plan.
The deal: Free 1GB trial eSIM for new users, to redeem for your next trip.As shown on the brand's site on 17 October 2026. Offers change: check the final price before you pay.
Breeze sells prepaid travel data eSIMs for 190+ countries, with no contract.
Who it's for: Busy travellers who want data sorted fast, with no faff.
The facts that matter
Breeze sells prepaid travel data eSIMs for 190+ countries, with no contract.
Activation takes about 60 seconds.
Buy 2 or more eSIMs and save 10%, and an email sign-up gives 20% off your next order.
Why it made the list: Breeze says activation takes about 60 seconds, so you can set it up at the gate. Buying for the whole family? Breeze rewards you for buying two or more eSIMs, and an email sign-up earns a discount on your next order.
Worth knowing: The eSIM is data only, with no regular calls or SMS, and your phone must be eSIM-compatible and network unlocked.
The deal: Travel eSIM plans from £4.00; buy 2 or more eSIMs and save 10%.As shown on the brand's site on 17 October 2026. Offers change: check the final price before you pay.
We shortlisted the travel eSIM services UK readers search for most. Then we picked on each brand's own published features, plans and terms, read on 16 and 17 October 2026. We didn't test them. We've given every pick one honest catch, so you know the trade-off before you buy.
Before you buy, check:
Your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked from your network.
The plan covers every country on your trip, not just the first one.
Whether it's data only, or includes calls and texts.
How long you have to activate it after you buy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best eSIM for travel?
Airalo is our top pick. It sells local, regional and global data packages in 200+ locations, so it fits almost any trip.
Does my phone need to be unlocked to use a travel eSIM?
Yes. Yesim and Breeze both say your phone must be eSIM-compatible and unlocked from your network. Check your phone settings before you buy.
Can I make calls with a travel eSIM?
Most travel eSIMs are data only, including Saily and Breeze. If you want calls, Sim Local has some plans that include calls and SMS. Saily also lets you add a US phone number.
How early can I buy an eSIM before my trip?
Saily plans have a 180-day activation period, so you can buy months ahead. Nomad eSIMs activate within 60 days of purchase.
Can I try a travel eSIM for free?
Yes. Nomad gives new users a free 1GB trial eSIM, and the Sim Local app offers a free 1-day trial when you sign up.
What's the best eSIM for travel around Europe?
The Nomad eSIM is our pick for Europe. Its Europe plans cover multi-country trips, so one eSIM works all the way.