eSIM deals & discounts for travel

Stay connected for less with our round-up of the best eSIM discount codes and deals. Whether you're looking for the flexibility to switch plans when you need to or you're travelling the world and want to avoid your UK network's expensive roaming fees, our handpicked eSIM promo codes will ensure you get the best deal on coverage so you don't overpay.

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Browse the latest eSIM deals and discount codes for 2025/2026 to save on local, regional and global eSIMs. Whether you need an eSIM plan for your personal use or an upcoming business trip, you're sure to find the best eSIM deals here and now.

Holafly discount code: 5% off eSIMs

  • Save EXTRA 5% on global, regional & local eSIMs
  • Buy online with exclusive Holafly discount code
  • Get unlimited data plans at multiple destinations
Show discount codeShow discount code ******VEL
Redeem Holafly discount code >>

View all Holafly offers

Jetpac promo code: 10% off eSIMs worldwide

  • Save 10% on eSIMs for worldwide destinations
  • Buy online with exclusive Jetpac promo code
  • Excludes products less than $10 (USD)
Show discount codeShow discount code ******ER2
Redeem Jetpac discount code >>

Expires at 23:59 on Friday 20th Mar 2026

Airalo discount code: 15% off eSIMs

  • Save 15% on eSIMs with latest Airalo discount code
  • Buy local, regional & global eSIMs ideal for travellers
  • Explore mobile data packs with local rates
Show discount codeShow discount code ******O15
Redeem Airalo discount code >>

Expires at 23:59 on Wednesday 31st Dec 2025 · View all Airalo offers

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What is an eSIM?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital alternative to the traditional physical SIM card you use for smartphones, tablets and other smart devices to make calls, send texts and access the internet.

While traditional physical SIM cards can be inserted and removed from different devices, eSIMs are specific pieces of code that are embedded into your device. Physically removing them and placing them into another phone or tablet isn't possible.

eSIMs are becoming increasingly popular since they allow users to choose and activate different plans that suit their usage needs. The latest Apple iPhones and Android phones all support eSIMs, as do Apple's iPad and Apple Watch range.

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How does an eSIM work?

eSIMs work 100% digitally, activating with your data bundle purchase without the need for physical card swapping.

Phones compatible with eSIMs contain an embedded chip that contains all the necessary hardware to maintain your mobile cell service and data connection. As soon as your eSIM is activated, it functions like a traditional physical SIM card, allowing you to make calls, send SMS messages and connect to the internet.

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Why should I get an eSIM for international travel?

eSIMs can be great for international travel since they allow you to activate a local line on your device and avoid the expensive roaming charges abroad.

One of the many great things about getting an eSIM for holidays and overseas travel is that you don't need to go to a local provider to arrange a price plan; simply order your eSIM online, download it to your phone and activate it once you arrive at your destination.

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What types of eSIM are available?

There are two types of eSIM to suit different usage needs: Data only and Voice, SMS and Data.

Data-only e-SIMs are exclusively for data connectivity, providing full coverage and connectivity around the world. Since they don't allow you to make calls or texts, data-only SIMs generally don't have numbers. If you only need your eSIM to access the internet, data-only is ideal.

Meanwhile, Voice, SMS and Data eSIMs provide both global roaming coverage and standard mobile services, allowing you to stay in contact with family and friends as well as access the internet.

Voice, SMS and Data eSIMs come with a +44 phone number and provide access to 5G networks. If you're planning a long holiday or work trip and want to use your phone freely for different ways, a Voice, SMS and Data eSIM is a great option.

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How to choose the best eSIM for international travel

When choosing the best eSIM for your international travel, it's important to consider your destination, how much data you'll need and how long you'll be abroad for. Some carriers also include international roaming on some data plans, so always check your current data plan and what's included. It might be the case that you don't need an eSIM after all.

If you decide to purchase an eSIM for your travels, consider the areas you're travelling to. Planning to visit multiple countries? A global eSIM or regional eSIM may be the most cost-effective option. Or if you're travelling to one country only, a local eSIM will likely provide you with everything you need.

Also consider what you'll be using your eSIM for. If it's just to access the internet while you're abroad, consider a data-only eSIM to save money.

Other considerations to keep in mind when choosing an eSIM are whether the service offers customer support and how much data you'll need. For light data usage (such as checking your emails and browsing the internet), 1GB to 3GB a month should be enough. But if you plan to watch movies and make downloads, you'll want to explore eSIMs with bigger data packages.

Always check and compare different providers to find the best eSIM option for your needs.

Global eSIMs

Global eSIMs, or international eSIMs, provide coverage across multiple countries worldwide. This makes them ideal if you're a frequent traveller or you plan to visit many countries and continents in a single trip. With a global eSIM, you'll enjoy a seamless data and connectivity experience without the need to change operators during your travels.

Regional eSIMs

Regional eSIMs are eSIMs that give you coverage across several countries in a region, providing data and connectivity with a single eSIM profile. Some of the areas you can purchase regional eSIM options for include Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, South America, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

Local eSIMs

While global and regional eSIMs target multiple areas, local eSIMs provide coverage in a single country, making them perfect for travellers confined to one location. As local eSIMs are country-specific, the plans are usually cheaper.

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Top tips on saving money on eSIMs

There are many ways to save money on eSIMs. Here are some top tips on how to reduce the cost of your eSIM plan:

  • Browse our promo codes & deals - scroll for the best offers & discounts to save money on your eSIM
  • Purchase a local eSIM - if your usage will be confined to a single country, consider local eSIMs over regional & global eSIMs so that you're not paying for coverage you don't need
  • Buy your eSIM before you travel - purchasing your eSIM online or from a local shop before your trip usually works out cheaper; avoid buying your eSIM at the airport as you'll likely be overcharged!
  • Install & activate your eSIM before you travel - eSIM installation & activation usually requires a stable internet connection; install & activate your eSIM before you travel so that your data & connectivity are ready to go when you land (and you don't accidentally incur charges trying to install and activate your eSIM).

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Understanding eSIM discount codes

eSIM discount codes, also known as promo codes and offer codes, are fixed amount or percentage discounts to reduce the price of your eSIM.

Often only available for a limited time, eSIM discount codes are sometimes automatically applied to your booking or you may need to manually enter your code at checkout on the website you're booking with.

Always read the small print (Ts&Cs) to get the full details of your discount code before completing your purchase.

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FAQs

How long does an eSIM take to activate?

eSIM activation is fast, usually taking up to five minutes to activate once you've purchased your plan. In many cases, eSIMs can be activated instantly, meaning you can start using your new mobile plan straight away.

How many eSIMs can you have?

Depending on your device, you may be able to install up to eight or more eSIMs on your device. However, a maximum of two can be active at once. Please note that this may vary depending on your carrier and the country you're in.

How do you transfer an eSIM?

Usually, eSIMs can be safely transferred from one phone to another without the need to contact your network provider. However, you may need to contact your network provider for some necessary details, like QR codes or activation codes.

Before transferring your eSIM, always back up your data, contacts, messages and apps so that you don't lose anything during the transfer. You should also make sure that both devices are unlocked and running with the latest software updates to prevent any issues with the transfer.

If you have an iPhone, open 'Settings' and tap on 'Mobile Data'. Then, 'Add Cellular Plan' to start the transfer process. You'll then need to scan the QR code on your other device and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Android users will need to go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager and scan the QR code on the other device and follow the instructions from there.

Transferring your eSIM from an iPhone to an Android or vice versa? Make sure both devices are updated to the latest software versions and go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add Cellular Plan on your iPhone and open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager before scanning the QR code to initiate the transfer process.

How do you remove eSIM?

Since eSIMs are digital, they can't be physically removed. But if you no longer need to use it, you can delete it by going to Settings on your iPhone, tapping 'Cellular' and then 'Delete eSIM'. If multiple eSIMs are installed on your device, click on the one you want to remove and tap 'Delete Plan'.

Android user? Simply go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Network > Advanced. Then, select your mobile service provider and the eSIM profile you'd like to erase. Proceed by tapping 'Remove' and confirming your choice by tapping 'Remove' again.

Before you remove your eSIM, remember that most eSIMs can only be installed once. This means you won't be able to reinstall or reactivate your eSIM once you've deleted your plan. If you think you might need to use your eSIM again, consider deactivating it instead.

How can I check if my phone is compatible with eSIMs?

eSIMs are compatible with most smartphones manufactured after 2018 including iPhone, Samsung and Google Pixel devices.

To check whether your iPhone is compatible with eSIMs, simply go to Settings > General > About on your device and scroll down to Available SIM (iOS 15 or later) or Digital SIM (earlier iOS versions). If your iPhone supports eSIMs, you'll see a 15-digit IMEI number.

To check whether your Android is compatible with eSIMs, you can contact your manufacturer or network provider. Alternatively, you can dial *#06# on your phone's keypad. If an EID number appears on screen, your device is compatible with eSIMs.

Can I use more than one eSIM provider abroad?

Yes! You can use multiple eSIMs while you're abroad. Switching between local eSIM profiles is easy and can be beneficial if you're travelling across different countries. However, if you're travelling to multiple destinations over a long period of time, it may prove more convenient and cost-effective to use a single global eSIM or regional eSIM.

Are eSIMs better than physical SIM cards?

In terms of what they do, eSIMs and physical SIM cards are very similar in that they enable your phone to store carrier information and make calls, send texts, use apps and access mobile internet. Typically, eSIMs offer the same signal strength as physical SIMs.

The key selling point of eSIMs over physical SIM cards is their flexibility, since they allow you to switch networks easily to access better plans. eSIMs can be particularly useful if you're travelling abroad as they allow you to temporarily change your network to avoid the high roaming costs associated with UK networks. As a result, eSIMs can prove more cost-effective than physical SIM cards in many different circumstances.

As an eSIM is virtual and its information is rewritable, there's no need to hunt for a SIM 'ejector tool' to remove it before changing your network.

What are the risks of using eSIMs?

Like anything, eSIMs can come with risks. While unlikely, they can be hacked by criminals, who may then take steps to access your accounts and personal data. To prevent this from happening, never click on suspicious links and only download files and apps from trusted, verified sources.

The good news when it comes to eSIM safety is that in the event of your eSIM being lost or stolen, there are many security measures in place to protect you. For example, eSIMs are traceable and disabling or removing them requires authorisation, which can be tricky for thieves and criminals to navigate.

Can't find what you're looking for? Head back to our complete collection of travel deals and discounts for further savings for holidays and business trips in 2025/2026.

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