MoneySavingExpert Founder, Martin Lewis · Editor-in-Chief, Marcus Herbert Chair, Martin Lewis · Editor, Marcus Herbert

Compare travel eSim deals

Compare deals from 12 eSim providers to find the cheapest data plans for your holiday and avoid expensive roaming charges.

Which country are you visiting?

Popular: Spain | USA | Turkey | France | Australia

If you're travelling to more than one country, you'll need to compare each destination separately.

Travel eSim need-to-knows...

Travel eSim need-to-knows...
Check your phone supports eSims before you buy Check compatibility
Most travel eSims are data-only, so calls and texts may not be included
Your current plan may already cover you abroad, so check for free roaming or travel passes before spending extra on an eSim
Pay attention to activation rules. Some plans start when you install them, while others start when you first connect abroad
Back to options

You may not need an eSim for France

Before you go for an eSim, check what your provider charges for roaming - it might even be free or have an add-on bundle.

Travel eSims to France

We've found the deals, but do your own checks. We've listed the cheapest eSim deals we could find across different providers. As we don't have feedback on individual eSim firms, we can't vouch for any particular provider.

 
Data 5GB
Length 7 days
4s
Cost (pay in USD)
£2.39
 
Data 10GB
Length 7 days
4s
Cost (pay in USD)
£4.10
 
Data 10GB
Length 7 days
Mozillion
Cost
£6
 
Data 5GB
Length 7 days
4s
Cost (pay in USD)
£6.24
 
Data 5GB
Length 30 days
Breeze
Cost
£7
 
Data 10GB
Length 7 days
Ubigi
Cost
£7
 
Data 20GB
Length 7 days
4s
Cost (pay in USD)
£7.35
 
Data 5GB
Length 7 days
Airalo
Cost
£8
 
Data 5GB
Length 30 days
Roamless
Cost (pay in USD)
£8.19
 
Data 5GB
Length 30 days
Sim Local
Cost
£8.25
 
Data 5GB
Length 30 days
Saily
Cost
£8.96
 
Data 10GB
Length 30 days
Instabridge
Cost
£9.50
 
Data 6GB
Length 30 days
Amigo
Cost
£10
 
Data 12GB
Length 8 days
Lebara Travel
Cost
£10
 
Data 30GB
Length 15 days
4s
Cost (pay in USD)
£10.79
 
Data 10GB
Length 30 days
Breeze
Cost
£11
 
Data 10GB
Length 30 days
Sim Local
Cost
£11
 
Data 10GB
Length 7 days
4s
Cost (pay in USD)
£11.45
 
Data 5GB
Length 30 days
Breeze
Cost
£12
 
Data 10GB
Length 7 days
Airalo
Cost
£12.50
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Setting up your travel eSim

1 Before you travel

Buy a travel eSim from a provider and you'll receive a QR code by email or through their app. You'll need a Wi‑Fi connection to download and install the eSim on your phone.

2 When you arrive

Set your travel eSim as the default for mobile data and turn on data roaming. Keep your UK Sim active if you still need calls and texts, but turn roaming off.

3 If it doesn't work

Try restarting your phone (you'll be surprised how often this works). But if not, you'll need to contact your eSim provider if you run into any issues.

A thumbs up from Martin...

The set-up took about six minutes. I found the instructions pretty simple for this eSim and suspect anyone used to playing with their phone settings could do it (I didn't even need to call upon Mrs MSE's tech-savvy help), though those who aren't tech-confident may struggle.

– Martin Lewis

Travel eSim FAQs

An eSim (embedded Sim) is a digital Sim built into your phone, so you don't need a physical card. A travel eSim lets you buy a local or regional data plan for the country you're visiting, without swapping your usual UK Sim. You install it via an app or QR code before or during your trip.

Most travel eSims are data-only, meaning they don't include a UK phone number for calls or texts – they're designed purely for getting online. Availability and pricing vary by provider and destination, so it's worth comparing options.

Usually not. Most travel eSims are data-only, giving you mobile internet but no traditional calls, texts or new phone number. For most travellers, this is fine as apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime and Skype let you call and message over data.

A few providers offer eSims with calls and texts, or as an add-on, so check the plan details before buying. Your existing UK number can usually still receive texts and calls if you keep your UK Sim active alongside the eSim.

Yes. WhatsApp, along with iMessage, FaceTime and Signal, works over data or Wi-Fi rather than traditional phone networks, so it functions normally on a data-only eSim. You can send messages and make calls as usual.

WhatsApp is linked to your phone number, not your Sim, so your friends and family will still reach you on your usual number even when using the eSim for data.

Yes, if your phone supports dual Sim functionality, which most eSim-compatible phones do. This means you can keep your UK number active for calls/texts, while your eSim handles data abroad – often much cheaper than roaming.

You'll need to adjust settings so data uses the eSim, not your UK Sim, to avoid roaming charges.

Install your eSim before you travel, ideally while on Wi-Fi. Downloading it usually needs an internet connection. You can install it ahead of time and activate later, or activate straight away if the plan doesn't have a fixed start date – this varies by provider, so do check its own instructions.

Leaving installation until you're abroad without Wi-Fi can cause problems.

It depends on the provider. Some plans allow top-ups via its app or website, others require you to buy a new plan. Check the providers instructions or FAQ’s before you buy.

Many providers offer regional or multi-country plans (eg, Europe, Asia), which can save hassle compared with buying separate eSims. Coverage varies by provider, so always check the full country list.

Our tool doesn’t currently compare regional eSims, but we’re working on adding them.

Yes – but only if you set it up correctly. Installing an eSim isn't enough. You’ll need to switch off data roaming on your UK Sim in your phones settings and ensure your phone uses the eSim for data while abroad. If data roaming remains active on your UK Sim, you could still be charged.

First, check you're on Wi-Fi for setup, your phone is unlocked and supports eSims, and that you've entered activation details correctly. Restart your phone, toggle the eSim off/on, or manually select the network. If it still doesn't work, contact the provider. Keep proof of purchase in case you need a refund.

How to check if your phone supports eSims

Most newer iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixels are compatible, but there are exceptions.

One quick way to check is to dial *#06# (star, hash, zero, six, hash) on your phone – if an EID number appears alongside your device details, your phone is likely eSim-compatible. Many newer phones are already unlocked, but if you're unsure, check with your provider.

If it's an older device (especially pre-2019) or a budget handset, there’s a chance it might not support eSims.

One more question...

How long are you going for?

Up to 3 days
Up to 7 days
Up to 14 days
Longer than 14 days