Avoid roaming charges on your next trip. Compare data plans, country coverage and prices from trusted UK and global eSIM providers.
Two ways to stay connected abroad — compare and pick what suits your trip.
UK-based provider with 18+ years' experience. Keep a UK number active abroad with free incoming calls in 100+ countries.
Instant eSIM activation in 200+ destinations. Pay only for the country and days you need, from as little as 78p.
Powered by BambooSIM — per-country eSIM pricing
Stay connected in 195+ countries. Includes a UK (+44) and USA (+1) number. No roaming charges.
Data only eSIM for travellers who just need internet access abroad. Fast 5G data in 100+ countries.
Physical SIM with a UK number that works internationally. Perfect if you want a UK number abroad.
The original WorldSIM international SIM card. Trusted by over 5 million travellers since 2007.
A travel SIM is a SIM card or eSIM designed for use abroad. Instead of paying your UK network's roaming rates — which can reach £5-10 per day in some countries — a travel SIM gives you a local or international data plan at a fraction of the cost.
Your UK number stays active on your regular SIM (incoming calls and texts still arrive). The travel SIM handles your data, so you can use maps, messaging apps and the internet without paying roaming charges.
An eSIM is a digital SIM you download directly to your phone before you travel. There is no physical card to swap — you scan a QR code and you're connected. BambooSIM is an eSIM-first provider. You can activate it in minutes and be ready before you board.
A physical SIM is a traditional SIM card that you swap into your phone on arrival. WorldSIM offers both physical SIMs and eSIMs. Physical SIMs are useful if your phone does not support eSIM, or if you prefer to have a card in hand.
Is your phone eSIM compatible?
Most phones released after 2018 support eSIM. This includes iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S21 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later. Your phone must also be unlocked — if you bought it on a contract it may be network-locked. Contact your UK network to unlock it before travelling.
Choose WorldSIM if: you want to keep a UK number active abroad, you travel to multiple countries on one trip, or you want a physical SIM option. WorldSIM is one of the most established travel SIM providers for UK travellers, with 18+ years in the market and coverage in 200+ countries.
Choose BambooSIM if: you want the simplest possible setup, you only need data (not calls), or you need a last-minute plan before a trip. BambooSIM's eSIM activates via QR code in minutes and covers 200+ destinations from as little as 78p per day.
As a guide: 1GB covers about a day of maps, messaging and light social media. 5GB covers a week of typical use. If you plan to stream video or video call regularly, allow 2-3GB per day. Always download offline maps before you travel — it saves data and works underground.
Will my UK number still work abroad with a travel SIM?
Yes. Your UK SIM stays in your phone alongside the travel eSIM (or in the second SIM slot if you use a physical travel SIM). Calls and texts to your UK number still arrive. The travel SIM handles your data.
Can I use a travel SIM in multiple countries?
Yes. Both WorldSIM and BambooSIM offer multi-country plans. WorldSIM is particularly strong for multi-destination trips — one SIM works across 200+ countries. BambooSIM lets you buy per-country plans and stack them for multi-destination travel.
Do I need to turn off roaming on my UK SIM?
Yes — this is important. Even when using a travel SIM for data, your UK SIM will try to connect to local networks and could run up roaming charges if data roaming is left on. Go to your phone's settings and turn off data roaming on your UK SIM before you travel.
Is a travel SIM cheaper than roaming with my UK network?
Almost always, yes. Most UK networks charge £2-10 per day for international roaming. A BambooSIM plan for a popular destination like Europe or Thailand can cost as little as 78p per day. For a two-week trip that's a saving of £30-130 on data alone.