Using an eSIM in the UK
The UK is a frequent stop for digital nomads and remote professionals, with strong infrastructure, international events, and a growing coworking scene. Whether you’re coworking in London, exploring Brighton, or travelling through Edinburgh, most eSIMs provide full coverage across the UK.
I didn’t start using eSIMs until I was already a few months into full-time travel. Once I did, I never went back to queuing at SIM card stands or trying to figure out the best phone plans in shops.
In this guide, you’ll find our top 2 eSIM recommendations for the UK, plus a directory to explore even more providers. These are all tested, easy to set up, and work reliably across the country.
Best value eSIM plans for UK digital nomads
For digital nomads and remote workers, staying connected in the UK needs to balance cost, reliability, and flexibility. Both Ubigi and Saily offer data plans that work whether you're settling in for a month-long coworking stint or making a short stopover between destinations.
Flexible data options: Plans range from 1GB (ideal for quick transit stops or as backup connectivity) up to unlimited data for remote workers who need consistent tethering and video calls. Plans accommodate everything from light mobile use (3-5GB) to heavy data consumption with daily video calls and tethering (20GB+).
Pay-as-you-go with no commitments: Unlike UK contract SIMs that require proof of address and bank accounts, eSIM plans are prepaid and instant. You buy the data you need, top up through the app when required, and avoid the admin burden of setting up local accounts for short-term stays.
Our experience: As a UK resident who regularly tests eSIMs across different countries, we've found Ubigi works exactly as smoothly in the UK as it does internationally. The app makes it simple to select your destination country, compare plan options with transparent pricing, and activate within minutes. For digital nomads, this consistency across countries eliminates the need to research local SIM options in every new destination.
What is an eSIM, and why use one in the UK?
An eSIM ("embedded SIM") is a digital SIM card you install on your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you download a profile via the provider’s app or QR code, and activate it online.
Why use an eSIM in the UK:
✅ Set it up before your flight
✅ No queues, paperwork or ID checks
✅ Better than roaming with your home contract
✅ Strong connections in cities and smaller towns
✅ Easy to monitor usage and manage top-ups
For digital nomads and short-term visitors, prepaid eSIM plans offer better value than international roaming and more flexibility than UK contract SIMs that require local bank accounts.
Best eSIM providers for the UK
Ubigi: Best for fast setup and high-speed coverage
Ubigi offers fast, flexible eSIM plans and works well across the UK. For digital nomads coworking in London's Shoreditch, exploring Edinburgh's startup scene, or working remotely from Brighton's beachfront cafes, Ubigi’s service is fast, smooth, and very easy to manage.
Why we recommend Ubigi:
- App-based setup or QR code installation in under 5 minutes
- Smart activation: your plan starts when you land
- Tested speeds up to 200 Mbps in suburban areas
- Real-time data tracking in the app
- Works for tethering your laptop or tablet
- Data plans from 500MB to unlimited
- Discount for Nomadwise users available
Ideal for: Digital nomads on extended UK stays (1–3 months), remote workers needing reliable tethering for video calls, and anyone who wants hassle-free connectivity without dealing with UK banking requirements.
Pricing: 10GB/30 days from $10, 25GB/30 days from $22, and an unlimited option for heavy users at $44. These UK eSIM plans deliver excellent value for nomads working full-time from British coworking spaces or Airbnbs.
Saily: Best for security and flexible data plans
Saily, developed by the NordVPN team, focuses on privacy, reliability, and simple app-based setup. It’s ideal for travellers who want steady connectivity and responsive support while earning credits toward future top-ups.
Why choose Saily for the UK:
✅ Plans from 1 GB to unlimited
✅ Reliable 4G and 5G coverage across the country
✅ 24/7 live chat support and automatic activation
✅ Credits back on every purchase
✅ Built-in privacy and ad-blocking features
Ideal for: Digital nomads making short UK stops between destinations, remote workers who want privacy-focused connectivity, or as reliable backup data alongside a primary SIM.
Pricing: 3GB/30 days from $8.99, 10GB/30 days from $19.99, 20GB/30 days from $31.99. Saily's flexible plans work well for nomads on shorter UK visits or those testing the country before committing to longer stays.
Both Ubigi and Saily make it easy to stay connected across the UK. Ubigi is ideal for longer stays or heavier data use, offering reliable 4G and 5G coverage on EE and Three (H3G). Saily suits travellers who prefer privacy, flexibility, and quick setup through the app. To explore more options, visit our full UK eSIM provider directory.
How to choose the right eSIM for your UK trip
- Phone compatibility: iPhones XR+, newer Androids, and Pixels generally support eSIM
- Data needs:Consider your WiFi access vs mobile usage. Heavy data users and those tethering regularly need 10GB+ plans, while light users with frequent WiFi access can opt for 3-5GB backup plans.
- Visiting other countries too? Consider a region-wide or global plan from Ubigi.
- Support matters: Choose a provider that offers live chat or detailed help articles
Both Ubigi and Saily offer competitive pricing with data-only plans starting from $5, making them cost-effective alternatives to roaming charges or physical SIM cards.
💡 Travelling beyond the UK? See also our guide to the best eSIMs for Europe to find plans that cover multiple countries under one data package.
How to set up an eSIM in the UK
Setting up an eSIM in the UK is quick and straightforward. You can install it before your trip or once you arrive, and most devices are ready to connect within minutes.
eSIM UK step-by-step guide:
- Purchase your eSIM plan from a trusted provider.
- Scan the QR code or follow the installation link provided by email or app.
- Open your phone settings and add the eSIM under Mobile Network or Cellular Plans.
- Activate the plan when you land in the UK to start using data.
- Monitor your balance or top up directly through the provider’s app.
💡 Tip: Remove expired eSIMs from previous trips to avoid confusion, and label your new profile (e.g., “UK-Data”) for easy access.
You’ll be connected to local networks like EE, O2, Vodafone, or Three as soon as the setup is complete.
Final recommendation: Which eSIM is best for the UK?
After testing both providers across UK networks, these two offer the best combination of value, coverage, and flexibility for digital nomads. Whether you're settling into London for three months, working through Scottish coworking spaces, or making a quick stopover between European destinations, both Ubigi and Saily provide reliable 4G/5G connectivity without the hassle of UK bank accounts or address verification required for contract SIMs.
Choose Ubigi if you want reliable nationwide coverage, flexible data options, and an easy in-app experience for longer stays. Use code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first purchase.
Choose Saily if you prefer a privacy-focused eSIM with quick setup, responsive support, and credits back on every plan. Use code NOMADWISE5 for 5% off Saily plans.
Both make staying connected in the UK effortless, affordable, and secure.
