What is roaming and how does it work in the UK
Roaming is the service that allows you to continue using your mobile SIM abroad, with your standard mobile operator. Unfortunately, this service often comes with very high costs.
With the UK’s exit from the European Union, the famous Brexit, some things have changed. The European Union had established an agreement known as “Roam like at Home,” which allows European citizens to use their smartphones in other EU countries without additional costs (though with some limitations depending on the operator). This agreement has been extended until 2032, but the UK is no longer part of it!
Since January 1, 2021, immediately after Brexit, many European mobile operators introduced new rules for traffic in the UK. Some decided to fully reintroduce roaming charges in the United Kingdom, while others chose to continue offering free roaming. Unfortunately, starting from March 20, 2025, TIM and Kena have also decided to no longer offer free roaming in the UK.
What does this mean?
That browsing online during your trip to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland could become quite expensive!
So, if you are a tourist or in Great Britain for a short business trip, roaming charges could significantly impact your budget. Let’s explore how to avoid this expense!
How to avoid roaming costs in England
Activate an international data plan with your operator
Many operators offer prepaid options or plans with international data included, even for short periods, so you can avoid roaming charges. You can contact your mobile operator to get their overseas offer. However, these plans can be expensive and may not meet the need for a reliable, high-traffic connection during your trip.
Buy a local SIM in the UK
The “standard” solution is to buy a local SIM card upon arrival in England. You might find dedicated stands directly at the airport or need to visit local mobile phone stores. To compare different plans and find the most economical ones, it might take some time, you may have to visit more than one store, and in the meantime, you could end up browsing at very high costs or without internet access at all!
Choose an eSIM
The most innovative and convenient solution is to purchase an eSIM before your trip.
An eSIM is a digital SIM that doesn’t require replacing your physical SIM card and allows you to choose from a wide variety of plans to find the one that best suits your needs.
Moreover, eSIMs can be easily purchased online before your trip and simply activated once you arrive at your destination.
Benefits of using an eSIM in the UK
- You won’t need to change your physical SIM card or number: you can keep your main SIM and use the eSIM just for data traffic.
- Immediate activation: simply purchase the plan you prefer and install the eSIM using a QR code. You’ll need to activate it once you reach your destination.
- No extra costs: you’ll know exactly how much you will spend.
- Multiple profiles: you can install multiple eSIM data plans on the same smartphone and activate them as needed.
The best eSIMs for the UK
To avoid complications and unexpected roaming charges, the eSIM is the best choice!
eSIM.sm offers a variety of plans for the United Kingdom, such as:
- United Kingdom – Local
With several options ranging from 1GB to 50GB. - United Kingdom – Unlimited data
No data limits, more travel days, more savings! - Europe – Regional
A single plan that covers 31 European countries, including the UK. Ideal if your trip has multiple stops.
Why choose eSIM.sm?
Among the many providers offering virtual SIMs, why should you choose eSIM.sm?
- Wide coverage: Our UK eSIM covers all UK countries, including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
- Flexible plans: Choose from many options, paying only for what you really need!
- Simple activation: Buy, install the eSIM by scanning the QR code, and activate it in a few clicks when you arrive at your destination.
- Wide compatibility: most modern smartphones are compatible with eSIM technology. Check compatibility here before purchasing!
- Recharge anytime: If you run out of data, you can recharge in just one click!
- Dedicated customer support: Available 24/7 and multilingual.
Frequently asked questions about roaming in the UK
Do I have to pay roaming if I use an eSIM?
No! With an eSIM, you avoid traditional roaming costs and only pay for the data plan you purchase.
Can I use my European SIM in the UK without additional costs?
It depends on your operator, but almost all operators now apply extra charges for data use in the UK. Be sure to check with your operator first.
Can I make calls with my eSIM while in the UK?
The eSIMs offered by eSIM.sm are designed exclusively for mobile data usage, but you can still make calls through your favorite apps, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or FaceTime.
Conclusion
Traveling to England no longer means paying expensive roaming charges! Thanks to the use of eSIMs, you can avoid unpleasant surprises on your balance and stay connected anywhere in the world, including the UK!
