Best 6 eSIM Cards for UK Travel & Work [2024]

Planning a trip to the UK? Whether you're visiting popular landmarks like King's Cross Station, exploring bustling London city, or enjoying the serene countryside in Scotland, staying connected is essential. Therefore, an eSIM card will be an indispensable tool for your trip to the UK. Unlike traditional SIM cards, you don't need to swap cards but simply purchase a plan and activate it upon arrival, making it incredibly convenient.

Now, the UK is well-covered by eSIM technology, so you can use it without worrying about signals. In this article, we will recommend the top 6 best eSIM cards for the UK and compare their pros and cons based on coverage, price, data package size, and duration. Keep reading, choose the one that suits you best, and start your journey to the UK!

Before Start: How to Choose eSIM for UK?

Before you travel to the UK and decide to use an eSIM, you need to first understand what an eSIM is, how it works to help you, and whether your phone runs eSIM or not. Then, there are a few important points to consider when choosing your suitable eSIM for UK travel.

• Carrier Support: Major UK carriers like EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three support eSIM. Ensure the carrier you choose offers eSIM services and understand how to activate and use it.

• Plan Selection: Choose a data and call plan that suits your needs. For short-term travel, opt for a short-term data plan. For long-term stays, consider a monthly plan. Post-Brexit, communication plans in many EU countries have changed, so European users should be aware of the latest information.

• Network Coverage: The UK generally has good network coverage, but some remote or rural areas might have weak signals. Check the network coverage of the areas you plan to visit to ensure you won't face connectivity issues.

• Costs and Billing: Understand the costs and billing methods of eSIM plans. Pay special attention to international roaming fees if you plan to travel to other countries from the UK, and make sure your eSIM plan covers these regions.

#1. MicroEsim

MicroEsim for the UK offers extensive coverage across the United Kingdom by partnering with reliable local carriers, ensuring strong signals and fast internet speeds. It provides flexible plans from 1 to 60 days, including daily, total, and unlimited data options. If you exceed your data limit, your speed is reduced instead of being cut off. It is very easy to use, requiring no identity verification from purchase to activation, and allows you to set up a hotspot to share your internet, saving on roaming fees.

Even better, not just in the UK, MicroEsim collaborates with operators in many countries and regions across Europe to provide a stable network. So if you're planning trips to other countries besides the UK, it can also be your best eSIM for European travel.

Buy United Kingdom eSIM 5G

#2. Holafly

Holafly offers eSIM coverage for most parts of the world, including the UK, with plans starting at $6.00. It provides unlimited data, allowing users to stay connected without worrying about huge roaming charges. The installation process is simple, and you don't need to remove your physical SIM card.

However, Holafly has some drawbacks. While it supports 5G, some areas with limited coverage may experience lower-speed connections. Additionally, unlimited data is throttled after about 4.5 GB of usage, which can slow down your connection. Despite these issues, Holafly remains a popular choice for travelers looking for a convenient and affordable eSIM.

#3. Orange Holiday Europe eSIM

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM is a prepaid data plan designed for tourists visiting Europe, with prices ranging from $4.50 to $60. It offers up to 100 GB of high-speed data across every European country. As the 11th largest mobile operator globally and the 4th largest in Europe, Orange boasts a robust network and extensive coverage.

However, some users have reported issues with the Orange eSIM stopping working after 30 minutes to an hour. Additionally, there can be long delays in reaching customer support, and sometimes there is no customer service available at all.

#4. ESIMUK.NET

ESIMUK.NET is one of the more established eSIM providers in the UK, and many users choose it for its high coverage, allowing them to access wireless networks almost anywhere. Activating ESIMUK.NET is very convenient and takes just 15 minutes. Its wireless data allows you to set up a hotspot to share your connection with friends and family, and you can keep your previous phone number.

Unfortunately, ESIMUK.NET offers 4G networks instead of 5G, and its plans can be a bit pricey, with most starting at $6.

#5. Jetpac

Jetpac is designed with travelers in mind, offering a range of eSIM services including global data plans, regional data plans, and single-country data plans. In addition to these essential services, Jetpac provides complimentary access to airport lounges, allowing users to relax and use the facilities while waiting for their flights. Their customer service is known for being responsive and helpful whenever users need assistance.

However, Jetpac does have its drawbacks. It operates on a 4G network, which may not offer the fastest speeds available. Once connected abroad, data packages expire after just 4 days. Additionally, their data packages are not unlimited and can be somewhat pricey, ranging from $1 to $50.

#6. Airalo

Airalo eSIM boasts over 10 million users worldwide, covering more than 200 countries and regions. Their plans range from 1GB for $5 to 20GB for $36, offering local, regional, and global options to cater to different user needs. With fast internet speeds, Airalo allows you to share your hotspot with friends, and they also offer unlimited data plans.

However, Airalo's 5G networks are only available in supported countries and regions, and sometimes the setup process may not be seamless.

Final Verdict

For UK travel, all the listed eSIM brands can be a good choice. Among them, MicroEsim takes the first place. It offers extensive coverage, reliable data networks with fast speeds, and strong signals. MicroEsim provides flexible plans, including daily, total, and unlimited data options. Even if you exceed your data limit, your connection remains active at reduced speeds.

MicroEsim is simple to purchase, activate, and use, with no eKYC required. It also allows internet sharing via hotspot, saving on roaming fees (a feature not all eSIM providers offer). For a hassle-free eSIM experience with robust coverage and flexibility, MicroEsim is the best option for UK travel.

Go to MicroEsim Store