Travellers can use eSIMs to bypass roaming data charges and the need for airport Wi-Fi, according to a recent review. These digital SIM cards can offer instant data connectivity upon landing at a destination.
Purchasing a dedicated travel eSIM may be more cost-effective than buying additional data bundles from UK phone networks, particularly for frequent travellers and those venturing beyond Europe. The digital nature of eSIMs also removes the need to wait for a physical card to arrive or the risk of losing a regular SIM card.
Several eSIM services are available, each with different features. Ubigi is highlighted as an overall option, providing data plans for over 200 countries, 5G connectivity where possible, and the ability to top up data without an existing Wi-Fi connection. A 3GB eSIM for Indonesia or the USA with Ubigi costs £6.
Other providers include Saily, which offers regional and global plans, and aloSIM, known for its transparent pricing and flexible data-only top-ups across more than 170 countries. Holafly caters to heavy data users and longer stays, offering unlimited data packages in most destinations, with a 7-day unlimited data plan for Indonesia or the USA priced at approximately £20.40.