Data only eSIMs
Travel eSIM United Kingdom
Why pay more to stay online? Our United Kingdom eSIM keeps you connected - minus the price gouging.
4.9
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Set up in a few minutes
Unlimited hotspotting
Add more data with top ups
Install before travel
Set up in a few minutes
Unlimited hotspotting
Add more data with top ups
Install before travel
Plans & prices
United Kingdom plans
Skip the roaming fees entirely. Install your eSIM for the UK instantly via QR code or one-tap in our app, connect to 3, EE & O2 (UK) for the strongest signal wherever you land, and hotspot to your laptop or mates with zero limits.
$21 AUD
$30 AUD
$45 AUD
$79 AUD
$99 AUD
$3.30/day
limited to 1 Mbps
Set up in a few minutes
Unlimited hotspotting
Add more data with top ups
Install before travel
Say whaaaaat
All pros, no cons
100% money back guarantee
Plans changed, device incompatible or locked, can't get it working, we've got you covered - see our .
Data-only eSIM - no phone number
Use internet based apps like WhatsApp and Messenger as normal. Note: you can't make traditional calls or SMS (yet).
Reliable 4G/5G connection
Powered by the best networks in United Kingdom including 3, EE & O2 (UK).
Multiple data options
We have plans for 5, 15 or 30 days starting at only 1GB right up to unlimited for most destinations.
Unlimited hotspotting (tethering)
Hotspot to your laptop, tablet, to your friends, to whoever with our limitless hotspotting.
Auto-activates on arrival
Automatically activates when you arrive in United Kingdom. Just update settings (we'll send instructions), and you're connected.
Install up to 90 days before travel
Install your United Kingdom eSIM anytime within 90 days before you travel, the plan won't start until you arrive in United Kingdom.
Keep your current number
You can have multiple eSIMs installed and switch them on and off as you like.
How to use travel esims
How it works
If you haven't used a travel eSIM before, you're in for a treat. It only takes a few minutes to setup and it's a fraction of the cost of roaming! See WTF is eSIM.
1. Quick phone check
Let's make sure your phone's on board. Our eSIM compatibility checker has all of the answers.
2. Choose a plan, enter your details
Choose a plan for your destination, enter your details and your payment information.
4. Auto-activated on arrival
Update settings on arrival (we'll email these to you) and boom, you're connected. Check your usage in the ZenSim app.
The nitty gritty
United Kingdom eSIM FAQs
Yes, our UK travel eSIM includes an unlimited data option for 5, 15 or 30 days. Unlimited plans come with 3GB per day of high-speed data, which covers the vast majority of travellers without any issue. If you do go over that in a single day, your speed drops to 1Mbps rather than cutting out completely, so you're not left offline, just running slower until it resets at midnight. Need more time? You can easily extend or top up your UK eSIM through the ZenSim app.
That depends on your plan size, phone and budget, so rather than guess here, check out our in-depth guide on the best eSIM for the UK, where we break it all down and compare providers properly.
Not automatically. Your UK travel eSIM covers mobile data in the UK only, so it won't connect once you cross into the EU. If your trip includes stops in mainland Europe as well, our Europe eSIM is worth a look instead, since it covers the UK plus 39 other European countries on a single plan, so you're not swapping eSIMs at every border.
No, our United Kingdom eSIMs only deliver mobile data. For voice or SMS, you’ll need to use an app that works over data - WhatsApp, Messenger, or other similar internet calling platforms.
Yes! You may install the United Kingdom eSIM up to 30 days before you travel. It won’t connect or start using data until you arrive.
Early installation ensures you’re ready on arrival, and it won’t drain your plan until you’re in United Kingdom.
If you encounter an activation message on iPhone before landing, it’s usually safe to ignore - see our eSIM Troubleshooting Guide for more info.
No, the United Kingdom eSIM is data-only and excludes voice/SMS numbers. You’ll have to rely on data-based messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Messenger for calling.
Your eSIM will activate automatically once you arrive in United Kingdom. We advise installing your United Kingdom Travel eSIM before you travel (installation is distinct from activation).
To install, just scan the QR code we send or install via the ZenSim app over WiFi. On landing in United Kingdom, the eSIM will switch on by itself.
If you have any problems, check our eSIM Troubleshooting Guide or contact us 😊
Once you arrive in United Kingdom, your eSIM activates automatically if it’s already installed.
If you install it after arriving, the eSIM will activate and begin working immediately.
For any setup or connection problems, refer to our eSIM Troubleshooting Guide or contact our support.
Absolutely - using a travel eSIM beats roaming in United Kingdom for several reasons:
Cost Efficiency: Our United Kingdom local data rates are much cheaper than pay-as-you-go roaming fees.
Instant Activation: No need to wait for a SIM card; your eSIM goes live as soon as you land.
Data Visibility: Monitor exactly how much you’ve consumed, so there are no hidden surprises on your bill.
No - the plan’s data and days only start when you arrive in United Kingdom. Installation beforehand simply sets it up for activation on landing.
We recommend installing before departure since you will need WiFi to complete the installation process and this way you will be connected as soon as you land.
If you need help connecting, check our eSIM Troubleshooting Guide or reach out to us.
Yes - ZenSim’s eSIMs work in 200+ destinations, and United Kingdom is included. For travellers needing multiple-country access, we offer regional eSIMs. You can find those on our Travel eSIMs page.
Signal & Connectivity: If you’re stuck without data, follow our detailed troubleshooting guide. If issues persist, contact support and we’ll fix it promptly.
Install Assistance: For help installing, consult our installation walkthrough. Still need help? Reach out and we’ll guide you step by step.
Other Support Requests: For anything else, head to our contact page.
Yes it can. Nearly all ZenSim eSIMs support top ups inside the app. You can boost your data, add extra days, or attach a new country to the same eSIM from the Zen Garden in only a few steps.
Just log into the app, open the Zen Garden, and you’ll find the top up control ready to use.
Top up choices: The United Kingdom top ups match the plans on our website, just with an extra 10% off.
If you're travelling longer than 30 days: You can purchase multiple top ups in advance. They only activate once the current plan finishes, so nothing overwrites your existing eSIM.
If your trip includes several destinations: Many of our eSIMs support multi country top ups. For example, you can add Dubai to a Europe eSIM and it will activate the moment you arrive without reinstalling anything.
Single-country eSIMs like the United Kingdom one are only valid within that country once activated.
For travel across borders, a regional plan might suit you better - our regional Travel eSIMs cover multiple countries in one.
You bet there is! Once you purchase an United Kingdom eSIM you will be able to access your unique referral URL which you can share with your travel buds.
If they click the URL and purchase a plan they will save A$5 on their order and you will receive a A$5 voucher on your account which will be automatically applied on your next purchase (provided they are a new customer of course).
You can track your referrals and access your referral URL in the ZenSim app. Check out our terms for more info.
Only if you're on one of our unlimited plans - these come with a 3GB daily allowance, which covers the vast majority of travellers comfortably, since most people only use under 1GB a day.
Go over 3GB in a day and your speed will drop to 1Mbps for the rest of that day, resetting back to full speed at midnight.
If you've gone with a fixed-data plan (like 10GB or 20GB) instead of unlimited, there's no daily cap to worry about - you can use your data however you like until it's gone. We'll notify you before you run out, and you can top up instantly through the ZenSim app.
Your plan won't start using data or counting down days until you actually arrive in United Kingdom - so there's zero risk in installing it early.
As long as you've already installed your eSIM, it'll automatically activate the moment you land, and that's when your days and data officially kick off.
From there, your eSIM expires when either your data or your days run out, whichever comes first (unless you're on an unlimited plan, in which case it's purely down to the days). So if you grab a 30-day plan, it'll run out 30 days after you arrive in United Kingdom, not 30 days from when you bought it.
Quickest way to check is through our eSIM compatibility checker - it'll let you know in seconds if your phone plays nicely with our United Kingdom eSIM and the networks it runs on.
If anything's unclear or you'd rather double check with a human, reach out to us anytime. And if your phone ends up not being compatible, you're covered by our refund policy - full refund, no hassle - so it's worth just giving it a go.
We sure do - it's covered under our 100% money back guarantee.
Cancelled trip, incompatible phone, or your travel plans just changing - all of these situations qualify.
Check out our refund policy for the full details, but the bottom line is: if you can't install or use the eSIM, you'll get every cent back.
eSIM options for other destinations
eSIM UK: Connected From Heathrow Onwards
A UK travel eSIM with affordable prepaid data
ZenSim provides UK travel eSIM plans with affordable prepaid mobile data, built for travellers rather than adapted from a local contract plan. Plans range from 1GB right up to unlimited, across 5, 15 or 30 day options, so whether you're in London for a long weekend or touring the country for a month, there's a plan sized to match your trip.
Instant QR code or one-tap install, set up in a few minutes
Your eSIM UK plan installs digitally in a couple of minutes, either by scanning the QR code we email you or skipping the second device entirely with a one-tap install through the ZenSim app. No physical SIM card required at any point. Install it any time up to 90 days before you fly, and your plan simply won't start until you land, so there's no downside to sorting it out early. Once you arrive, it auto-activates automatically, connecting you to mobile data in the UK without hunting down a local SIM counter.
Powered by the UK's most established networks
Your ZenSim eSIM connects to 3, EE & O2 (UK), giving you a reliable 4G and 5G signal in the places travellers actually go, from the Tube in London to the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Network reliability matters just as much as price when you're picking an eSIM UK plan, and running on established local networks rather than a single reseller agreement means fewer dead zones when you need Google Maps most.
Unlimited hotspotting, share your data with your whole group
Every ZenSim UK eSIM plan includes unlimited hotspotting, so you can tether your laptop, tablet or a friend's phone without extra fees or chewing through your own allowance. It makes a real difference when you're trying to book a last-minute train ticket on your laptop or share directions with the rest of your group, and it's included as standard rather than sold as an add-on.
No roaming fees, keep your home number active
International roaming charges have a habit of turning a great trip into an expensive one fast. A UK travel eSIM means no roaming fees at all, with an affordable prepaid plan sorted before you even board. Your eSIM for the UK runs as a separate data-only line alongside your existing SIM, thanks to dual SIM support built into most recent iPhone and Android devices, so you keep your home number active for calls and texts exactly as normal while your new eSIM quietly handles the data.
Reliable coverage across London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bath
Your ZenSim eSIM covers mobile data in the UK across major destinations like London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bath, so you're connected whether you're navigating the Tube, exploring the Royal Mile, or wandering the Roman Baths. Coverage naturally varies a little in more remote corners of the countryside, as it does with any provider, but the places most travellers actually spend their time are well covered.
Unlimited data plans available for the UK, from 1GB to unlimited
Not every trip to the UK needs the same amount of data, so ZenSim's plans range from 1GB right up to unlimited, across 5, 15 or 30 day options. Pick something sized for a quick city break or a longer trip touring the country, and if you end up needing more, topping up is just a couple of taps away in the ZenSim app. Comparing your options first? Our best eSIM for UK guide breaks down what to look for before you buy.
Backed by a money-back guarantee on your UK eSIM
If your UK eSIM doesn't work out for any reason, whether your device turns out to be incompatible or locked, our money-back guarantee has you covered, so there's no risk in giving it a go. Continuing on beyond the UK? Check out our Europe eSIM options, which covers the UK plus 39 other countries on a single plan.
Top 3 Things to Do in the UK
1. Explore the Tower of London and the Thames
The Tower of London has stood on the north bank of the Thames for nearly a thousand years, and few places in the country pack in as much history within a single set of walls. Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it's since served as a royal palace, a prison, an armoury and, most famously, the home of the Crown Jewels, which still glitter behind reinforced glass in the Jewel House today. Guided tours run by the Yeoman Warders, better known as Beefeaters, are worth timing your visit around, since they mix genuine history with some suitably grim stories about the tower's past as a place of execution and imprisonment.
Just outside the walls, Tower Bridge is impossible to miss, its twin Victorian towers and blue suspension cables forming one of London's most recognisable silhouettes. The glass-floored walkway between the towers offers a genuinely vertigo-inducing view straight down onto the road and river below, and the Engine Rooms exhibit gives a good look at the original Victorian machinery that used to raise the bascules for passing ships.
From there, a walk along the Thames Path in either direction opens up more of the city, past Borough Market's food stalls to the south, or towards the Shard and the financial district to the west. A river cruise is also worth considering if you'd rather take it all in from the water, gliding past St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament without having to navigate the crowds on foot.
2. Wander Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
Edinburgh Castle sits high on an extinct volcanic rock overlooking the city, and it's hard to find a more dramatic setting for a castle anywhere in Britain. The site has been fortified for over a thousand years, and today's complex includes the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny used in the coronation of Scottish and British monarchs, and St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in the city. Time your visit for one o'clock if you can, when the One O'Clock Gun still fires daily, a tradition that started in 1861 to help ships in the harbour set their clocks.
From the castle gates, the Royal Mile runs downhill through Edinburgh's Old Town toward the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, wynds and centuries-old tenement buildings that give the street its distinctive medieval character. St Giles' Cathedral, with its striking crown-shaped spire, sits roughly halfway along, and the narrow closes branching off the main street are worth ducking into, since many hide small museums, hidden courtyards and some of the city's oldest pubs.
Edinburgh rewards looking up as well as around, with the New Town's elegant Georgian architecture forming a striking contrast to the Old Town just across the valley. Climbing Arthur's Seat, the extinct volcano rising behind Holyrood Park, is one of the best ways to see how the whole city fits together, especially at sunset when the castle and skyline are lit up gold against the Firth of Forth.
3. Discover the Roman Baths in Bath
Bath takes its name from the naturally heated mineral springs the Romans built their bathing complex around nearly 2,000 years ago, and the Roman Baths remain remarkably well preserved considering their age. The Great Bath, still filled with steaming, mineral-rich water, sits at the heart of the site, surrounded by the original Roman paving and columns, with an excellent museum built around the ruins explaining how the site functioned as both a spa and a temple to the goddess Sulis Minerva.
Above ground, Bath's Georgian architecture is just as much of a drawcard as its Roman history. The Royal Crescent, a sweeping row of thirty terraced houses built in the 1770s, is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture anywhere in the country, and the nearby Circus, a circular street of similarly grand townhouses, was designed to complement it. Bath Abbey, with its striking fan-vaulted ceiling, towers over the city centre and is worth a look inside as well as out.
The wider city is easy to explore on foot, with Pulteney Bridge, one of only a handful of bridges in the world lined with shops on both sides, making for a scenic stop over the River Avon. For a modern take on Bath's bathing history, the Thermae Bath Spa lets you soak in naturally heated water on a rooftop pool with views back over the city's skyline, a fitting way to end a day spent among all that history.
