A trip to the United Kingdom is many people's dream, be it to walk along the street in London, explore the Highlands of Scotland, or visit relatives in Manchester. But while you're soaking up the experience, one thing that can quickly turn into a nightmare is mobile roaming costs.
In case you travel with your home SIM card, each call, SMS, and MB will be much more expensive because of the imposed roaming charges. Luckily, modern solutions such as UK eSIM, eSIM UK, and eSIM for UK can save you money and provide hassle-free connectivity.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain everything about roaming in the UK, break down the costs for US and Canadian travellers, and show how an eSIM for the UK can give you unlimited mobile data at a fraction of the price.
Roaming Costs in the UK
While this might sound convenient, using a domestic SIM card while roaming can be an expensive mistake. Roaming charges vary by mobile carrier and country of origin; the one thing that is sure, though, is that it is rarely cheap.
Below, we look into the roaming costs in the UK for US and Canadian travellers and how these can compare to using a UK eSIM instead.
Roaming Costs in UK for US Travellers
Most major carriers offer daily roaming passes if you're traveling from the US to the UK; these are usually more expensive compared to buying a local or eSIM plan.
|
SIM Provider |
Roaming Pass Cost |
Pay-As-You-Go Rates |
Roaming Plans for UK |
|
AT&T |
$12 per day with “International Day Pass.” Use your domestic data plan abroad. |
$2.05 per MB if you don’t buy a pass. |
Unlimited calls/texts; data from your home plan; charged per active day. |
|
Verizon |
$10 per day via “Travel Pass.” |
Around $2 per MB for data without a pass. |
Uses your US data allowance abroad; capped at daily rate. |
|
T-Mobile |
Free roaming in select plans (up to 15 GB high-speed data), then slower speeds. |
Pay-as-you-go available if not covered in your plan. |
Certain unlimited plans include UK roaming at no extra cost. |
|
Google Fi |
Included international data in most plans; $10/GB beyond cap. |
Pay per GB after threshold. |
Automatically works in 200+ countries including the UK. |
Summary: A $10 to $12 a day roaming charge can run $140 to $168 for an average two-week UK trip, simply for keeping your phone connected. That’s before calls or additional data use. Switch to a UK eSIM instead, and you could pay as little as $10 to $30 for the same period, with far more data.
Roaming Costs in UK for Canada Travellers
Canadian carriers also offer international roaming options for UK travel, but those daily passes can add up fast, too.
|
SIM Provider |
Roaming Pass Cost |
Pay-As-You-Go Rates |
Roaming Plans for UK |
|
Rogers Wireless |
$18/day with “Roam Like Home.” |
Up to $15 per 20 MB if not subscribed. |
Use your domestic plan abroad for a daily fee. |
|
Bell Canada |
$16/day for UK and Europe. |
Around $5/MB if you don’t buy a pass. |
Uses your Canadian plan abroad for a fixed daily cost. |
|
Telus Mobility |
$16/day under “Easy Roam.” |
Roughly $3–$5 per MB. |
Includes calls, texts, and data from your home plan. |
|
Freedom Mobile |
Add-on packs starting around $50/week. |
$10/MB if no add-on. |
Limited data and calls for set periods. |
Abstract: Canadian travellers could easily spend $112–$252 per trip just in roaming fees, whereas for the same amount a prepaid eSIM UK could offer unlimited data and local rates for weeks.
Get Unlimited Mobile Data with ZetSIM eSIM for UK
Tired of high roaming fees? That's where the ZetSIM eSIM for the UK comes in. You don't need to physically change your SIM cards anymore, nor do you have to deal with hidden costs with an eSIM UK.
What is an eSIM?
eSIM is a type of digital SIM that's integrated into your smartphone, which, within a few taps, lets you download and activate mobile plans without the need for a physical SIM card. Most recent devices, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel, support eSIM.
Why Choose ZetSIM eSIM for the UK?
Instant Activation: Scan a QR code to get connected in minutes after purchase.
Unlimited Data Plans: Enjoy limitless browsing, streaming, and GPS navigation.
No roaming charges: Your data plan connects you directly to a UK network, not through your home carrier.
Flexible Validity: You can select 3, 7, 15, or 30-day plans according to your trip duration.
Keep Your Home Number: The dual-SIM feature allows you to keep your home number active and enables you to use data through eSIM.
|
Feature |
Traditional Roaming |
ZetSIM eSIM for UK |
|
Setup Time |
Automatic via carrier, but expensive. |
Instant activation via QR code. |
|
Cost |
$10–$18 per day on average. |
One-time payment as low as $10–$25. |
|
Data Limit |
Uses your home plan; possible throttling. |
Unlimited or high-data plans. |
|
Flexibility |
Locked to your carrier’s network. |
Works on UK networks like O2, EE, and Vodafone. |
How to Avoid Data Roaming Charges in the UK
Whether you're going away for a few days or several weeks, here's how to completely avoid roaming charges and stay connected:
1. Before you travel, purchase a UK eSIM.
Buy an eSIM for the UK online before the trip. Once you land, your phone will automatically connect with local networks. You can avoid all of the roaming charges this way and get local data speeds.
2. Keep Roaming Off on Your Home SIM
If you want to keep the original SIM active, turn off roaming for that line. You can still receive messages via Wi-Fi and apps like WhatsApp, but avoid expensive cellular data.
3. Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible
Wi-Fi is free in all hotels, airports, cafes, and forms of public transport in the UK. When possible, use these networks for heavier tasks such as video calls or streaming.
4. Download Offline Maps and Apps
Before you leave, download offline maps in Google Maps or Citymapper to ensure you won't need constant data when finding your way around.
5. Use Messaging Apps Instead of SMS
WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger all use data or Wi-Fi so that you can avoid paying per-SMS roaming charges.
6. Compare Plans Before You Fly
Check your carrier's international rates to see whether buying a UK eSIM or local SIM may be cheaper.
7. Use dual-SIM phones
Most modern smartphones are capable of hosting two numbers: one for your home carrier and one for your travel eSIM. You can receive texts from your home number while using data through your eSIM UK.
Putting these easy steps together means you avoid all the surprises that come with roaming and enjoy affordable high-speed connectivity throughout your UK adventure.
Roaming vs eSIM for UK
To help you decide whether to stick with roaming or switch to a UK eSIM, here’s a direct comparison:
|
Aspect |
Roaming in UK (Home SIM) |
UK eSIM (e.g., ZetSIM) |
|
Setup |
Automatically works upon arrival. |
Requires quick QR scan activation. |
|
Cost |
$10–$18/day average. |
One-time $10–$30. |
|
Data |
Limited; depends on your home plan. |
Unlimited or large high-speed quota. |
|
Flexibility |
Controlled by your home carrier. |
Choose plans from various providers. |
|
Speed |
Depends on roaming partners. |
Connects directly to UK 4G/5G networks. |
|
Best For |
Short trips or emergencies. |
Extended trips, heavy data use. |
Final Verdict
- Roaming: Convenient but costly. Good for short business trips or minimal usage.
- eSIM UK: Ideal for longer stays, digital nomads, or travellers needing constant connectivity.
If you frequently travel to the UK or Europe, investing in a UK eSIM is easily the most practical solution.
FAQ’s
1. Is roaming still free in the UK?
No. Most carriers that used to offer free EU roaming have reintroduced charges for use in the UK following Brexit. Unless the roaming is included in your plan, using roaming in the UK is no longer free for most travellers. An eSIM for the UK allows you to pay local rates and doesn't charge you daily roaming fees.
2. Can I use roaming in the UK?
Yes, you can. If your carrier allows for international roaming, your phone will automatically join a UK network, but it will bill you based on your plan. To avoid high bills, disable roaming and use a UK eSIM or local SIM card instead.
3. What is the best way to use my phone in the UK?
It all depends on your trip:
Short trips 1–3 days: A roaming pass may suffice.
Longer trips (1+ week): A UK eSIM or local prepaid SIM provides better value.
Frequent travellers: Get a global eSIM plan that covers multiple countries, including the UK.
4. Is my phone compatible with an eSIM?
Most modern phones are. The iPhones from the XR upward, Google Pixels starting from version 4+, and recent models of the Samsung Galaxy series support eSIMs. Check your phone settings under "Mobile Data" or "Cellular" for an option to "Add eSIM".
5. Can I still keep my original number when using an eSIM?
Yes, your phone can use both numbers simultaneously provided that it is a dual-SIM-capable phone. Your UK eSIM handles data, while your home SIM can still receive messages or calls over Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
Roaming in the UK doesn't have to break the bank. While older roaming plans cost $10-$18 per day, switching to a UK eSIM or an eSIM for the UK will now give you unlimited mobile data, lower rates, and seamless performance.
With solutions like ZetSIM eSIM UK, you get:
Seamless setup before you even land.
Access to reliable 4G/5G UK networks,
The ability to stay connected affordably and flexibly.
The choice is clear: ditch expensive roaming fees, welcome modern eSIM technology, and set off in utter confidence. Whether exploring the pulsating streets of London or tranquil areas like those in Wales, staying online with a UK eSIM ensures you stay connected to all that matters without paying a penny more than necessary.
