How UK tourists can save 80% on roaming charges in 2025: The eSIM travel guide
Brits love to travel abroad—in 2023 alone, around 86.2 million Brits made outbound international trips to the EU and beyond. However, post-Brexit roaming policy changes have also forced British tourists to consider better global connectivity alternatives over traditional networks to avoid roaming charges abroad. Today, hundreds of thousands of British citizens are suffering a ‘bill shock,’ owing to hefty roaming charges.
How Brexit and corporate policies transformed UK roaming
Before Brexit, UK citizens did not need to incur additional roaming charges while travelling in other European countries. However, Brexit and other corporate policies made the ‘Roam Like Home’ regulation no longer applicable after January 1, 2021.
Post-Brexit mobile solutions aren’t very roaming-friendly. UK mobile operators have their own distinct roaming policy for the EU and non-EU countries–daily fees, monthly plans, fair use limits and limited data allowances are all part of the game.
From April, mobile and broadband bills fall heavier on citizens’ pockets as the 2025 price increases take effect.
As per the new terms, some companies will increase prices by £21.99 annually for inflation-linked contracts or £42 for newer plans.
With the price surges, roaming bills will become even more inflated. You might never know when your Google Map itinerary or WhatsApp call will become costlier than a night's stay at a hotel.
Moral of the story: Traditional mobile solutions can hardly be considered among global connectivity alternatives.
Hidden roaming fees that could cost you a hotel night — here's what UK tourists need to know
International mobile data for UK tourists can be priced differently based on the destination and provider. For instance, Three has different per-day roaming plans: £2 for Europe, £5 for world travel and £7 per day for extra global connectivity.
That means a one-month multi-country trip outside the EU could invoke a roaming bill of £210!
Mobile operators have arbitrary fair use practices. UK tourist mobile solutions mostly have a daily fee model, disregarding actual usage needs. Data requirements differ from user to user. For instance, maps, translation tools and photo sharing on social media require heavy data usage.
A workation calls for a stable internet connection, and a multi-country trip needs budget travel connectivity worldwide. Also, you might require more data on particular days and calling on other days.
Let’s assume a scenario:
You went on a workation trip for 5 days. Your total data usage would typically be around 5 to 6 GB, and the gross breakdown of data consumption would look something like this:
Social Media (Facebook, X, Instagram): 2-3 GB
Google: 300 MB to 600 MB
Messaging apps and emails: 400 MB - 700 MB
Maps: 200 MB - 300 MB
Zoom/Google Meet: 1-1.2 GB
No wonder UK tourists are fixated on how to avoid daily roaming charges on EU travel. Your per-day roaming cost on Vodafone could go as high as £ 7.05. That’s £ 35.25 for a mere 7 GB of data! And portable WiFi devices are not an option unless you sit before a laptop screen rather than roam the spots.
Among the most hassle-free, accessible and affordable alternatives is eSIM for UK travellers. A solution such as Yesim covers 33 countries for a 5 GB/30-day prepaid plan for a mere £8.10 at the time of writing and a 10GB/30-day plan for as low as £14.40.
How digital solutions like eSims are resolving the connectivity crisis
UK travellers are actively seeking such alternatives. 46% of UK citizens are considering using eSIMs to avoid roaming charges, and 10% already do so.
eSIMs or embedded SIMs are digital SIMs that provide connectivity without needing a physical SIM card. Most modern smartphones are already equipped with this tech to enable you to enjoy seamless browsing, chatting and uploading while making your travel planning easier.
eSIMs like Yesim today are the best connectivity options for UK tourists abroad, given their instant activation, convenience and reliable coverage. And since you don’t need to remove your primary SIMs, you have access to multiple networks simultaneously at all times.
Yesim’s eSIM mobile data plans are the perfect alternative to traditional roaming charges and your ticket to freedom from spotty hotel wifi and roaming bill shocks. It allows 1-click installation, free VPN, a refund guarantee and a switchless network, making you at home with your network while you travel.
Yesim offers unlimited data plans and a Pay As You Go option at a price per GB at local rates across over 200 destinations with just one eSIM. The best part–you don’t need to buy a new SIM every time you plan to travel, just deactivate and activate at your own convenience. Using an eSIM, like the ones by Yesim, can help you save monthly roaming costs by over 80%.
How to switch to eSim and never pay £5 a day again: a step-by-step guide for UK tourists
For UK travellers making the shift to eSIMs, a few things need to be considered. First thing, check whether your phone is compatible with eSIMs. Most mobile phones are. If you already own an eSIM, remember to activate it before you begin your journey. Most eSIMs support dual SIM functionality. Make sure yours does. Also, check whether the eSIM supports connectivity in the country you are travelling to. Ensure you have access to your UK number when using data abroad.
In case you get stuck, having access to 24/7 customer support can be a lifesaver. Choose a good eSIM app like Yesim, as, beyond cost, network coverage and security of your personal data are paramount. eSIMs have different plans and discounts for various tourist destinations and countries.