Choosing the best eSIM for the UK, what Brexit changed and how to pick

It helps to separate what the law requires from what each operator offers. Within the EU and EEA, your operator must give you roaming data on the same terms as at home, subject to a fair-use policy. In the UK that obligation no longer exists. Whether your plan keeps working there at no extra cost is entirely up to your operator, and may also depend on your contract type or whether you're on pay-as-you-go. If you'd like the full picture, our guide to how roaming works explains it.

If your operator charges for data in the UK, or you're travelling from outside Europe, a travel eSIM gives you a fixed price up front.

As a rough weekly guide:

• Light use, 1–2 GB a week: maps, WhatsApp, email and quick look-ups. Typical if your accommodation has good Wi-Fi.
• Moderate use, 3–5 GB a week: social media, short video calls, planning Tube and train journeys and some music streaming.
• Heavy use, 7–10 GB or more a week: video, sharing your connection with a laptop, or remote work.

For a weekend in London, light or moderate use is the norm. For a road trip around Scotland, allow for navigation and long spells without Wi-Fi. Most plans can be topped up from your customer area if you run short.

Total-data plans give you a fixed amount of data for a set period; for the UK we offer 0.5–50 GB. You use it at your own pace. Daily plans give you a high-speed allowance every day; once it's used, you stay connected at reduced speed until it resets the next day, enough for messaging but not for video. On a city break with plenty of Wi-Fi, total data usually gives better value; if you'll use your phone heavily every day, a daily plan is more convenient.

Startia's UK plans connect to EE, with 5G across part of its network, and to Three, on 4G. Coverage is broad in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and the other big cities. On the London Underground, mobile coverage in tunnels is being extended but is still patchy, and many stations have Wi-Fi. In the Scottish Highlands, parts of Wales, the Lake District and Cornwall there are rural and upland areas with weak signal, so download offline maps before you head out.

• Oyster and contactless: on London's public transport you can tap in with a contactless bank card or your phone via Apple Pay or Google Pay, with no data needed. Always use the same card or device to tap in and out so daily caps apply. An Oyster card is the traditional alternative.
• Entry requirements: the UK requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from many visitors, including EU citizens. Apply in advance through official channels.
• Ireland and Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland is part of the UK; the Republic of Ireland isn't. If you're crossing the border, a UK-only plan won't cover Ireland.
• Your home SIM: turn off data roaming on it if your operator charges for the UK.

• Price per GB: our UK catalogue starts at €0.78/GB.
• Validity: it should cover the whole trip and start when you connect in the UK.
• Networks: which British operators the plan uses and whether 5G is available.
• Hotspot: if you need it, check the offer allows it.
• Top-ups without switching eSIM.
• Support language: ours answers in English and Spanish.
• Refunds if you don't travel.

Startia eSIM is the travel eSIM brand of Startia Operadora, a Spanish telecoms operator. Our UK plans start from €4.99, with total-data plans valid for 1–30 days alongside daily plans. For a weekend in London, the 5 GB plan is usually enough; for one or two weeks touring England and Scotland, the 10 GB plan is a good starting point. Every plan, with current pricing, is on our UK eSIM page.

If you're combining destinations, there are other options in the catalogue: the Ireland & UK plan covers both countries on the same eSIM (on 4G), and the regional Europe 33 and Europe 40+ & Morocco plans also include the UK, in that case on the O2, Three and Vodafone networks.

The eSIM arrives by email and on your order page right after payment, with a QR code and manual details; on iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later there's also a one-tap install button. Install it at home: validity starts on your first connection to a network in the UK. When you arrive, set the eSIM as your data line and turn on data roaming for it.

If you'd like to compare with other brands, we keep a comparison of their public prices, with the date and source: Startia vs Airalo and Startia vs Holafly. Look at price per GB, validity and conditions, and choose what suits your trip.

Does EU roaming still work in the UK?

The EU "roam like at home" law has not covered the UK since 2021. Some operators include it voluntarily and others charge extra, so check your plan.

Which networks does the Startia eSIM use in the UK?

The UK plan uses EE, with 5G where available, and Three on 4G.

Do I need data to pay for the London Underground?

No. Contactless payment by card or phone works without a data connection.

Will the plan work if I also visit Dublin?

The UK plan doesn't cover the Republic of Ireland. For both countries, choose the Ireland & UK plan or one of the regional Europe plans.

When does the validity start?

On your first connection to a network in the UK. You can install the eSIM before you leave without using up any days.