📱 eSIM Travel Hack: Stay Connected Abroad Without the Crazy Roaming Fees
Let’s face it—there’s nothing worse than landing back home after an amazing trip and seeing a monster phone bill thanks to roaming charges. 😬
These days though, there’s a much better option than relying on your mobile provider’s overpriced roaming add-ons. Say hello to the eSIM — a total game-changer for travellers who want to stay connected without burning through their holiday budget.
In this post, we’ll break down what an eSIM actually is, why it’s a great option for travel, how much roaming really costs with UK providers (spoiler: it’s not pretty), and some of the best eSIM apps out there. Plus, we’ll share a bit of personal experience from trips to Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, and Morocco.
🤔 What’s an eSIM, Anyway?
An eSIM (aka “embedded SIM”) is basically a digital SIM card built into your phone. It lets you add a new data plan without needing to mess around with physical SIM cards. No swapping, no tiny tools, no faff.
Most newer phones already support eSIMs, so you can set up a travel data plan with just a few taps – even while waiting at the airport.
✨ Why eSIMs Are a Traveller’s Best Friend
Here’s why we’re totally sold on eSIMs when travelling:
✅ So Much Cheaper Than Roaming
Example: A 10GB travel eSIM for Europe might cost you £16–£24.
Use 10GB on your regular UK roaming plan? That could be £800+ depending on your network. Ouch.
✅ Instant Setup
Buy it online, scan a QR code, and boom – you’re connected. No more hunting for SIM card shops or dealing with language barriers.
✅ Flexibility & Top-Ups
Many eSIM plans let you top up easily if you need more data or want to add local minutes. Super handy for longer trips or changing plans.
✅ Better Local Coverage
eSIMs usually hook you up to a local provider, meaning you often get better speeds and stronger signal than when you’re roaming on a UK partner network.
✅ No Surprise Charges
Because they’re prepaid, you’ll never get hit with unexpected bills when you get home.
✈️ Real Talk: We’ve Tried It, and It’s Brilliant
We’ve personally used eSIMs on recent trips to Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, and Morocco, and honestly? Total game-changer. They were super easy to set up before travelling, and in every country, they worked like a charm. If we ran out of data or needed local calls, it was easy to top up right from the app.
Over those trips alone, we’ve saved hundreds of pounds compared to what our UK network would’ve charged us in roaming fees. And the peace of mind knowing exactly what we were paying? Priceless.
💸 What UK Networks Charge for Roaming
Still not sure? Just look at what roaming can cost if you stick with your UK provider:
EE – £2.29 per day in Europe / £6.85 outside Europe
Vodafone – £2.25–£6.85 per day
O2 – EU roaming included on some plans / £7.50 per day outside of Europe
Three – £2 per day in Europe, £5 outside of Europe
It adds up fast if you’re away for more than a few days—or using Google Maps, Insta, or Netflix on the go.
📱 Is Your Phone eSIM-Ready?
Most newer phones are good to go. Here are a few popular models that support eSIMs:
iPhone XR and up
Google Pixel 3 and up
Samsung Galaxy S20/S21/S22 series
Recent Huawei, Oppo, and Motorola models
(Quick tip: Google your phone model with “eSIM compatible” if you’re not sure.)
🌐 Best eSIM Apps for Travel
Ready to give it a try? These eSIM apps are super easy to use and popular with travellers:
Airalo – Our go-to for global coverage, easy top-ups, and great prices
Holafly – Great if you want unlimited data in certain countries
Nomad – Very user-friendly and often has nice deals
Ubigi – Especially good for Europe and Asia
💡 Pro tip: Download your eSIM before you fly so you’re ready to connect as soon as you land!
🌍 Final Thoughts
If you're planning a trip and want to stay connected without the stress (or the sky-high bills), give eSIMs a go. They're cheap, simple, and make travelling abroad a whole lot easier.
Whether you're hopping across Europe or heading off on a long-haul adventure, eSIMs are definitely one of our top travel hacks. ✌️
