Internet in the UK for visitors: which eSIM to choose
If your mobile plan is from an EU country, bear in mind that the UK left the European Union, so your phone may not behave as it does on a trip around the rest of Europe. These are the two ways to take data with you: by the gigabyte, or unlimited with 3 GB a day.
Which plan suits you, by trip length
| Trip | By the GB | Unlimited GB |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 1 GB · €3.95 | €8.95 |
| 7 days | 10 GB · €10.95 | €17.95 |
| 15 days | 20 GB · €17.95 | €32.95 |
| 30 days | 50 GB · €34.95 | €54.95 |
Prices include VAT and match the United Kingdom plan page. Validity: the 1 GB plan, 7 days; 3 to 50 GB, 30 days.
For a weekend in London, 1 GB is usually enough if you rely on the hotel Wi-Fi. If you're not sure, work it out.
When unlimited is worth it, and when it isn't
A week of unlimited data costs €17.95. For the same money, a plan by the gigabyte gets you 20 GB, which is almost 3 GB a day.
- City breaks and ordinary sightseeing: a plan by the gigabyte. Between your accommodation's Wi-Fi and using maps and messaging, 10 GB goes a long way.
- Video, streaming music all day or sharing your data: unlimited. Every day you get the full 3 GB at top speed again.
- Long stays: 50 GB for €34.95 against €54.95 for a month of unlimited.
What exactly the unlimited plan includes
3 GB a day at full speed and, once that's used up, 1 Mbps until the next day.
We never call it just "unlimited" anywhere: the allowance and the speed afterwards are on the plan card, next to the price. The reason why is in the truth about "unlimited" data.
Where your traffic exits
In the UK, your traffic may exit via France, the Netherlands or the UK, depending on the connection.
In other words, sometimes websites will see you where you are and sometimes in another European country. For maps, messaging, social media and video it makes no difference; what may change is the language a website greets you in, a search engine's local results or a security alert from your bank. We also publish this on the plan page, before you buy.
The network is 4G/5G, depending on the area and your phone.
How to activate it
- Install it at home, on Wi-Fi. Installing uses no data and doesn't start the clock.
- When you arrive, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line.
- The days start counting from your first connection to a UK network.
Steps for each phone model are in the installation guide, and compatibility questions are answered by the compatibility checker.
Frequently asked questions about internet in the UK
Do I keep my number and WhatsApp?
Yes. The eSIM only provides data; your usual SIM stays in the phone with your number, and WhatsApp works as normal.
I'm spending three days in London. Is 1 GB enough?
If you use maps, messaging and a bit of social media, and you have Wi-Fi where you're staying, it's usually enough. If you'll be watching video or sharing your data, 3 or 5 GB is a better bet.
Does the Europe eSIM cover the UK?
It depends on the pack: each one lists its countries on its plan page. Check the list on the Europe eSIM before you buy.
What happens when I go over the 3 GB a day on unlimited?
Your speed drops to 1 Mbps until the next day. The service isn't cut off.
Can I top up if I run short?
Not at the moment: you'd need to buy another plan. That's why it's worth using the calculator to choose before you set off.
How does it compare with Holafly?
It's on its own page, with prices and the date we checked them: Glowi vs Holafly in the UK.
Our recommendation for a week in the UK
The 10 GB plan for €10.95, valid for 30 days. For video or shared data, the 7-day unlimited plan for €17.95.