Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide

Before visiting the United Kingdom you’ll want to ensure you have a high-speed mobile data plan for your phone. But don’t make the expensive mistake of using your home plan’s data package because you could get hit with a huge bill. Luckily, UK eSIM data plans are very affordable and easy to set up.

In this guide, I’ll cover how to find the best UK eSIM data plan that will give you consistent high-speed mobile data without spending a lot of money.

Why It’s Best To Not Use Your Home Plan’s International Data Plan in The UK

Your current mobile phone provider likely offers an international data plan option but this is typically expensive and the service is often slow, inconsistent, and has limited data allowances.

For example, If you’re American, the AT&T International Day Pass costs $10/day, Verizon TravelPass is also $10/day, and many T-Mobile plans offer free international roaming but you’re only guaranteed 2g data speeds… which will struggle to load Google Maps or even email. Some of these plans offer “unlimited” data but you only get 1-2GB/day of 4G data before you’re throttled down to 3G speeds. Canadian and Australian carriers probably offer similar packages.

These “international data plans” are 5X as expensive as buying a UK eSIM data plan—for example, eSIM data plans from Orange or Holafly will cost you around $2-$3/day.

On a personal note, I use T-Mobile as my domestic carrier and I can attest that I’ve gotten very inconsistent data speeds when using their free international data roaming plan while visiting Europe. For example, I was in Barcelona in March 2024 and about 20% of the time service was slow but somewhat usable but the other 80% of the time I couldn’t even load a simple webpage or use Google Maps. After a few days, I switched to Holafly and had zero problems.

For more in-depth information, check out The Savvy Backpacker’s guide on How To Use Smartphones and Data Plans In Europe and The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To Using eSIM data plans in Europe.

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Comparing The Best eSIM Data Plans for the UK

Brexit and Data Roaming: By EU law, data roaming fees within EU countries have been banned since so, for example, an Italian plan will work seamlessly in France, Germany, Spain, etc.

But the United Kingdom is no longer covered by this rule since they left the EU in 2020.

As of now, many data plans still operate as they did before Brexit but there is a possibility that some UK eSIM data plans might not work in the rest of Europe and vice versa. I’ll try to emphasize this for each plan I recommend below.

There are a handful of different mobile providers that offer eSIM data plans in the UK.

The first (and most complicated) option is to buy an eSIM data plan directly from one of the main UK mobile carriers (Vodafone UK, BT/EE, O2 UK, and Three UK). The problem for visitors is that many of these UK plans are intended for people who live in the United Kingdom so you’re forced to sign up for a long-term contract. This can be a good deal if you’re visiting the UK for multiple months but this isn’t the case for most travelers.

For tourists, the best option is buying a prepaid UK eSim data plan geared toward short-term visitors. These plans are much more “tourist-friendly” so you don’t have to mess with registration, etc.

For this guide, I’ll focus on these “tourist-friendly” eSIM plans.

Each eSIM plan I list in this guide will vary slightly so spend time looking at the specific details of each plan. But here are the main things to consider:

• Data Allowance: Most plans give you a set amount of mobile data (i.e. 5GB, 10GB, 30GB, etc) but others give you unlimited data over a set amount of time (5 days, 15 days, 30 days, etc).
• Plan Length: eSIM data plans can be valid anywhere from about 5 days to 90 days. It depends on your plan so it’s something you’ll want to consider when picking a plan.
• Mobile Hot Spot Tethering: Most eSIM plans don’t allow you to use your phone as a mobile hot spot.
• Voice Calls and SMS Texting: Most eSIM plans are data only—which means the plan doesn’t include voice calls or SMS texting. This isn’t much of an issue since you’ll probably not be calling people anyway.
  • NOTE: You can still use iMessage to “text” between iPhones but you can’t send messages between iPhones and Android phones. Or you can download WhatsApp to send messages over data (which is what most Europeans do).

Geography Refresher: The United Kingdom (UK) is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is not part of the UK.

HOLAFLY UK UNLIMITED DATA ESIM

Holafly is a new data-only eSIM provider that I previously used while visiting Europe and had a great experience using (read my Holafly eSIM Review to get a more in-depth look). Holafly sells both UK-specific plans and Europe-wide data plans. Holafly isn’t an actual mobile carrier but they rent bandwidth from a local UK mobile provider (Vodafone UK) so there’s a possibility you might get less priority on the Vodafone network during peak usage times than actual Vodafone customers.

Unlike other companies, Holafly gives you unlimited data and their plans run from 5 to 90 days. However, Holafly/Vodafone may throttle your data if you use excessive data but it shouldn’t be an issue with most users.

• Prices For Unlimited Data (Check Holafly for details)
  • 10 Days: $34
  • 15 Days: $47
  • 20 Days: $54
  • 30 Days: $64
  • 60 Days: $84
  • 90 Days: $99
• Service Speed: 4G/LTE
• Calls: None
• Texts/SMS: None
• Tethering: No
• Network: Vodafone UK
• Service works everywhere in the EU and UK

Holafly eSIMs are data only so you don’t get any voice calls or texting with these plans. Holafly doesn’t allow data tethering in most cases so you won’t be able to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

But I do like how Holafly offers multiple plan options to fit various trip lengths so you don’t have to over/underbuy for your particular trip.

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Bouygues My European eSIM [Best Full-Featured UK eSIM]

Bouygues is another major French telecommunications company and they’ve recently released their own prepaid eSIM data plan to compete with the popular Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan. I used a prepaid Bouygues SIM card on a previous trip to Europe so I’m glad they’re finally offering an eSIM.

There’s a lot to like about the Bouygues My European eSIM plan—especially since it comes standard with 30GB of data and unlimited calls/texts within Europe. I also like how this Bouygues eSIM plan is valid for 30 days so it’s a great option for longer trips.

Additionally, the Bouygues My European eSIM plan comes with a local European phone number that can call any other European phone number for free.

• Price: $44.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
• Data: 30GB
• Data Tethering: Allowed
• Service Speed: 4G/LTE
• Calls: Unlimited within Europe
• Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe
• Credit validity: 30 day
• Phone Number: This eSIM card comes with a French phone number
• Coverage: Anywhere within the European Union (except Switzerland)

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Orange Holiday Europe 50GB eSIM [Upgraded, Full-Featured UK eSIM]

If you need a ton of mobile data, consider the newly released Orange Holiday Europe 50GB eSIM data plan which is a beefed-up version of the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM. It has 50GB of data and it’s valid for 28 days (compared to 14 days with the Orange Holiday Europe plan). This eSIM also comes with many features you don’t find with other plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that works anywhere in Europe).

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot so you can put that extra data allowance to good use.

Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

• Price: $59.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
• Data: 50GB
• Service Speed: 4G/LTE
• Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
• Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
• Credit validity: 28 day
• Data Tethering: Allowed
• Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
• This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can still be used anywhere in Europe
• Service works everywhere in the EU

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ORANGE HOLIDAY EUROPE ESIM [Full-Featured UK eSIM]

• Price: $49.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
• Data: 20GB (they sometimes give you 30GB of data)
• Service Speed: 4G/LTE
• Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
• Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
• Credit validity: 14 day
• Data Tethering: Allowed
• Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
• This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can still be used in the UK
• Service works everywhere in the EU and UK

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM data plan is the most robust eSIM plan on this list because it comes with many features you don’t find with other mobile plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that will work anywhere in Europe). The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

You’ll get 20GB of data with this plan but Orange sometimes runs a special where they give you an extra 10GB. But even 20GB should be plenty of data for most users. Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

The potential downside to the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan is that it’s only valid for 14 days once activated so it’s not great for longer visits (but you can always buy a second plan).

I’ve personally used the Orange Holiday Europe plan while traveling through Europe and it worked flawlessly. Read my Orange Holiday Europe review to hear more.

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ORANGE HOLIDAY ZEN ESIM [Best Budget-Friendly UK eSIM]

• Price: $29.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
• Data: 8GB (they sometimes give you 15GB of data)
• Service Speed: 4G/LTE
• Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 30 min outside of Europe.
• Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 200 outside of Europe.
• Credit validity: 14 day
• Data Tethering: Allowed
• Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
• This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can still be used in the UK
• Service works everywhere in the EU and UK

The Orange Holiday Zen eSIM is the budget version of the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan. It comes with 8GB of data and has fewer voice minutes and texts, otherwise, it’s the same as the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan.

Most users will use more than 8GB of data while traveling for a week or two but light data users could easily use less than 8GB of data during a typical 10-14 day trip.

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MORE TIPS ON USING YOUR MOBILE PHONE IN THE UK

I’ve written extensively about using smartphones and data plans in Europe and tips for buying SIM Cards For Visiting Europe. Below are some more helpful tips about using your phone in the UK and throughout Europe.

BRING A PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGER

Traveling with your phone will quickly drain your batteries so I highly recommend a portable battery. I use Anker PowerCore 10000 because it’s tiny and affordable but there are multiple options.

Be Aware of Theft While Using Your Phone

Pickpockets love stealing smartphones so pay attention while you’re using your phone, stash it away safely while on public transportation/crowds, and don’t set it down while you’re in public. Read my guide to Pickpockets in Europe for more anti-theft advice.

TAKE STEPS TO LOWER YOUR MOBILE DATA USAGE

It’s extremely easy to unknowingly burn through a lot of data because many apps use data in the background. Facebook, email, Instagram, Snapchat… those all constantly use data throughout the day without you knowing it. That’s why it’s important to know how to limit your data usage.

USE AIRPLANE MODE AND BLOCK DATA TO SPECIFIC APPS

I’ll put my phone in Airplane Mode because that disables all data (but GPS still works in Airplane Mode). You can also go into the settings and disable data access to each individual app. I’ll go in and turn every off except for things like Google Maps or others that I’ll use more frequently — this way when I turn off Airplane Mode only those apps that will use data. Then I’ll turn Airplane Mode back on when I’m done.

DOWNLOAD OFFLINE MAPS

Google Maps lets you download entire city maps so they can be used offline. As an added bonus, GPS doesn’t use data so offline Google Maps works fairly well (but not all functionality works). Here is a good YouTube video that explains everything.

Save Heavy Phone Usage For WiFi

Wait until you’re somewhere with a WiFi connection before you do any heavy streaming or download files.

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More UK Travel Tips From The Savvy Backpacker

Check out more of my favorite articles to help you plan your trip to the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe:

• Backpacking Europe Packing List
• Europe Packing List for Women
• The Best Travel Shoes
• The Best Travel Backpacks and The Best Travel Backpacks for Women
• London Travel Guide
• London on a Budget