What is a travel eSIM?
A travel eSIM is a digital SIM you download before your trip. It gives you mobile data abroad without swapping your physical SIM, so you can keep your UK number on for texts. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, and your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked.
Travel eSIM prices compared
These are example plans, not a ranking. Allowances and durations differ, so a cheaper price may buy less data or fewer days. Prices are in the currency each provider showed us; your price may differ by currency, offers and checkout. Check the price yourself on the provider's site before buying.
Europe
USA
Worldwide / multi-country
| Provider | Plan | Data | Days | Price | Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Discover+ (includes 10 minutes and 10 texts) | 1GB | 7 | US$9.00 | View deal |
| Holafly | Global eSIM | Unlimited | 1 | €8.90 | View deal |
| Saily | Global | 1GB | 7 | US$8.99 | View deal |
| Ubigi | World | 1GB | 30 | US$14 | View deal |
| aloSIM | Global | 1GB | 7 | US$10.00 | View deal |
| Maya Mobile | Global Unlimited (auto-renews while Travel Mode is on) | Unlimited | 7 | US$19.99 | View deal |
Popular holiday spots
Prices checked 3 November 2026 on each provider's own website. No purchase was made. “Unlimited” is the provider's description; fair-use and speed limits may apply.
Provider features at a glance
- Airalo: lots of country and regional plans; hotspot supported. Local plans are data-only.
- Holafly: unlimited daily plans; hotspot sharing limited to 1GB a day on the USA, Turkey and Global plans; no phone number.
- Saily: fixed-data plans, top-ups and automatic top-ups; a US number costs extra.
- Ubigi: data-only, data sharing allowed, instant top-ups in the app.
- aloSIM: top-ups while travelling; a number is available through the separate Hushed app.
- Maya Mobile: one worldwide unlimited plan with hotspot; it auto-renews while Travel Mode is on, so turn this off when you get home.
How to choose a travel eSIM
- Check your UK plan first: many UK SIM deals include European roaming, which may be cheaper than an eSIM.
- Work out your data: maps and messaging use little data; video calls and streaming use a lot.
- Match the days to your trip: daily unlimited plans add up on long holidays.
- Check every country: regional plans may not cover every stopover or non-EU country.
- Read hotspot and fair-use rules if you want to share data with a laptop or family.
- Install before you leave, while on Wi-Fi, and check when the plan's days start.
Frequently asked questions
Will my phone work with a travel eSIM?
Only if it supports eSIM and is unlocked. Check your phone's settings or ask your network before buying.
Can I keep my UK number?
Yes. Keep your UK SIM switched on for calls and texts, and turn off its data roaming so the eSIM handles data. Your network may still charge for calls received abroad.
Is a travel eSIM cheaper than roaming?
It depends on your UK plan and destination. Compare your network's roaming charges with the eSIM price for the same days and data.
Sources and further reading
- Provider pages linked in the tables above, checked 3 November 2026
- Ofcom advice on using your mobile abroad
Before you buy
Our listings are dated snapshots of providers' own pages, not live prices. Always check the price, contract length and terms on the provider's website. Nothing here is financial or insurance advice.
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