Why an eSIM is Recommended for the United Kingdom
Brexit Changed Everything: No More Free EU Roaming!
IMPORTANT: Since Brexit (January 1, 2021), free EU roaming no longer applies to the United Kingdom! Each European carrier has defined its own UK policy:
- Orange: sometimes includes the UK in its Europe Zone 1 roaming, but with limited quotas depending on the plan
- SFR: may charge additional fees ($3-10/day) on entry-level plans
- Bouygues Telecom: policy varies depending on your plan subscription date
- Free: generally includes the UK only on the 19.99€ plan (not on the 2€ plan)
Roaming charges can be expensive depending on your plan. To avoid unpleasant surprises, an eSIM starting at $1.60 represents the safest and most economical solution.
Network Coverage in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has excellent 4G/5G coverage (99%) thanks to four major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| EE |
99% |
Yes |
GoMoWorld, Airalo |
| Three UK |
98% |
Yes |
LinkeSIM, Saily |
| Vodafone UK |
97% |
Yes |
Holafly |
| O2 |
96% |
Yes |
Various providers |
Coverage by destination
- London: perfect 4G/5G throughout the capital. The London Underground (Tube) is progressively being equipped with 4G on some lines (Central, Jubilee, Northern, Victoria partially)
- Edinburgh: excellent coverage in the city and surroundings
- Manchester, Liverpool: perfect 4G/5G coverage
- Cornwall: good coverage in tourist areas, slightly variable in isolated villages
- Scottish Highlands: excellent in tourist areas, variable in the most remote areas (Loch Ness, Skye islands, Hebrides)
How to Install Your United Kingdom eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48 hours before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in the United Kingdom (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best United Kingdom eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 United Kingdom eSIM 2026"
countryCode="GB"
countrySlug="united-kingdom"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$10.70",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$5.50",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + 5G",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$19",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$7.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- GoMoWorld: EE network (leader 99%), code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for budget travelers
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), EE network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for families and heavy users
- Saily: built-in NordVPN for public WiFi
Conclusion
For all travelers to the United Kingdom, an eSIM is highly recommended as roaming charges can be expensive since Brexit (up to $5/day depending on your plan).
If you choose an eSIM: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $10.70 with code ESIMP offers the best value.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
United Kingdom eSIM FAQ
