HelloRoam offers a UK eSIM from €2.45, with access to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your e SIM taps into local 4G/5G networks the moment you land, no roaming charges. Scan the QR code and you're online in under two minutes, on any eSIM compatible phone. Your Three Ireland, Vodafone IE, or Eir number keeps running on dual SIM while your e-sim handles the data.
- local networks
212+- 5G support
5G- to activate
2 minutes
Last updated
Cheapest eSIM UK plans from London to Edinburgh and beyond
Cheap eSIM for United Kingdom, starting from €2.45. Local 4G/5G data on top carrier networks in United Kingdom. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. Britain is Ireland's nearest neighbour and a constant destination for work trips, city breaks, and concerts in London, Edinburgh, or Manchester. A travel eSIM UK plan from HelloRoam starts at €2.45, covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and activates at home via QR code before you board at Dublin, Shannon, or Cork. 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs, GDPR-compliant checkout.
UK eSIM with fast 5G coverage
HelloRoam offers eSIM plans for the UK from €2.45. Connect on O2 and Three 4G and 5G networks. Handy for trips to London, Edinburgh, or Manchester from Dublin.
- Plans start at €2.45 with 5G speeds
- Coverage from EE and 1+ other operators
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- UK coverage across major cities
- Network
- 5G
- Plans From
- €2.45
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Guarantee
- 180 days
How to Set Up an eSIM in UK
Follow these steps to get started with an eSIM on your iPhone or Android.
Set up an eSIM on your iPhone with the HelloRoam app
Set up an eSIM on your Android with the HelloRoam app
- 1
Choose your plan and checkout
Pick a data plan for your destination and complete checkout online.
2Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM instantly.
- 3
Activate in minutes: ready on arrival
Your eSIM installs instantly and activates the moment you land.
4Manage everything from the app
Track usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs in one place.
Trip changed? No bother, we have got you sorted.
Travel plans shift, and that's grand. HelloRoam refunds unactivated, unscanned eSIMs in full for up to 180 days after purchase, no drama.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam UK eSIM vs Three Ireland, Vodafone IE and Eir roaming
Comparing eSIM vs a travel SIM card for UK? Eir charges up to €5.99/day for Worldwide Roaming, Vodafone IE up to €6.99/day for Global Roaming, and Three Ireland applies daily charges outside its Go Roam zone. Skip the airport SIM counter at Dublin Terminal 1 and get a prepaid eSIM from €2.45 with instant QR activation and a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Irish carrier roaming add-on | Limited data eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy |  Feature available |  Feature not available | Feature not available |
| 24/7 live chat support | Feature available |  Feature available | Feature available |
| €0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Free hotspot and data sharing | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Premium UK carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
Why Travellers from Ireland Use HelloRoam e-sim for UK
24/7 live chat support
Stuck at 2am in Bangkok or sorting things out the night before a Dublin Airport departure? HelloRoam support answers on live chat, WhatsApp, or email, 24/7, with a real person replying in under five minutes. Connectivity issues don't wait for office hours, and neither does our team, wherever you've landed.
Best eSIM for UK
Travel to UK with a prepaid eSIM card that connects to local 4G/5G networks. Buy your plan, scan the QR code, and get online when you land. No Eir or Vodafone IE roaming fees, no SIM swap, no airport kiosk queue. A digital SIM profile installs in minutes so you arrive connected without touching a plastic card.
Dual SIM ready
Keep your Three Ireland, Vodafone IE, or Eir mobile number active for calls and texts. HelloRoam runs travel data on a second eSIM line on any dual SIM compatible phone. No need to choose between your Irish number and your data abroad. Running two lines on one handset means family back home can always reach you on your usual number while you use local data rates.
212+ partner networks worldwide
HelloRoam connects to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your phone switches automatically to the strongest available 4G/5G signal. That breadth of mobile network coverage means reliable internet access from European cities to long-haul destinations in Asia and the Americas.
Usage alerts before you run out
We send you an alert at 80% usage so you never hit a surprise data cap mid-trip. Top up instantly from the app without reinstalling your eSIM. Real-time data monitoring keeps your allowance in view so you stay in control of your spend from day one to the last day of your holiday.
Local network speeds in United Kingdom
HelloRoam eSIM connects to local 4G/5G networks in United Kingdom at local data prices. You get fast speeds for maps, video calls, and streaming without paying Eir or Vodafone IE daily roaming rates. Plugging into the destination's own mobile infrastructure means you pay what residents pay, not what Irish carriers charge for international add-ons.
Global and regional plans
Heading to more than one country? HelloRoam regional plans cover Europe, Asia, the Americas, and 185+ destinations in one e-sim purchase. One multi-country data plan means no SIM swapping at borders and a single account managing all your international mobile data in one place.
Hotspot and data sharing in UK
Share your UK eSIM data with a laptop or tablet using your phone's hotspot. No extra fees, no setup. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. Tethering and mobile hotspot support means the whole group stays online without buying separate data plans for every device.
Best eSIM Prices for UK
HelloRoam, the best eSIM UK. Compare plans and find the right data for your trip.
| Number of days | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 day | €2.59 |
| 3 days | €7.39 |
| 7 days | €15.97 |
| 15 days | €31.11 |
| 22 days | €42.21 |
| 30 days | €52.90 |
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for UK
eSIM provider reviews from Irish travellers consistently highlight the 180-day refund policy, zero activation fees, and 24/7 live support. See how HelloRoam compares to Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and other eSIM providers on the things that matter most for your UK holiday.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| 24/7 live chat support | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature available |
| €0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Free hotspot and data sharing | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
| Premium UK carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Own branded carrier identity (SPN) | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature available |
What Is an e SIM? How eSIM Works in UK
An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into your phone: no plastic chip, no SIM tray. Scan a QR code to activate in under 2 minutes on any eSIM compatible iPhone or Android. It works as a prepaid data plan for UK travel with no airport SIM counter, no physical SIM card, and no carrier contract. Sort everything at home before you head to Dublin Airport, Shannon, Cork, or Knock and you are ready to go the moment you land. guide
Mobile connectivity guide for the United Kingdom
The UK has strong 5G and 4G coverage across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Cardiff. O2, Three, and Vodafone all run extensive networks. Rural areas of Scotland, Wales, and the English countryside can be patchier, but cities and tourist areas are well covered.
A HelloRoam eSIM is especially useful for Irish travellers heading to the UK post-Brexit where your EU roaming may no longer apply.
- HelloRoam connects to EE 5G, Three 4G in UK
- 5G and 4G on O2, Three, and Vodafone across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- Activate at home before your Aer Lingus or Ryanair flight from Dublin
- Great for London city breaks, Scottish Highlands trips, or Manchester weekends
eSIM Travel Tips for UK
Post-Brexit: EU roaming may not apply in the UK
Since Brexit, EU roaming rules no longer automatically cover the UK. Some Irish plans charge extra for UK roaming. Check your Eir, Three IE, or Vodafone IE plan before you go. A HelloRoam eSIM from €2.45 is often cheaper and more predictable than roaming add-ons.
Download the Tube map offline for London
The London Underground has patchy coverage underground, especially on older lines. Download the TfL Go app or a Tube map offline before heading underground. Most Jubilee and Elizabeth line stations have 4G now, but deep Piccadilly line stops can drop signal.
Coverage in the Scottish Highlands is limited
If you are planning a Scottish road trip to places like Skye, Torridon, or Kintyre, download offline maps in advance. Highland areas can have very limited signal and sometimes no coverage at all in the most remote glens.
Keep your Irish number for cross-border calls
For trips that cross between Ireland and Northern Ireland, your dual SIM setup is very useful. Keep your Irish SIM for calls and use HelloRoam for data. Works reliably on both sides of the border.
UK trains have improving but inconsistent signal
The UK's rail network is extending trackside 4G coverage but signal on intercity routes can still drop, especially through tunnels and in rural areas. Download content before long journeys on routes like London to Edinburgh or London to Manchester.
Mobile networks in the UK: what Irish travellers should know
HelloRoam connects on O2 and Three in the UK. Both have 5G rolling out in major cities with strong 4G across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. O2 is strong across England and Scotland. Three has competitive data speeds in cities and suburban areas. Your eSIM picks the strongest signal automatically wherever you are in Britain.
- EE
- 5G
- Three
- 4G
HelloRoam eSIM vs Irish carrier UK roaming
Here is an honest look at your data options for a UK trip from Ireland.
| Category | HelloRoam eSIM Recommended | UK prepaid SIM | Irish carrier UK roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | From €4.32 total | €8.64–€21.61 total | €6.91–€10.37/day |
| Details | Plans from €2.45. Buy before you travel, scan a QR code at home, and arrive in London or Edinburgh already connected. No bill shock, no add-ons to remember. | Available at newsagents and phone shops across the UK but you need to be there first. Not ideal when you want data from the moment you clear arrivals. | UK roaming is no longer covered by EU rules since Brexit. Check your Irish plan for specific UK roaming charges, which can be $1 to $3 per day depending on your provider. |
Prices approximate as of . Actual savings vary.
Best time to visit the UK from Ireland
The UK is an easy and popular short break destination from Ireland with multiple daily flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon, and other Irish airports. Spring and summer are the most popular for London city breaks and Scottish road trips. Winter brings Christmas markets and cosy pub culture. Edinburgh's Hogmanay and the Edinburgh Fringe in August are both worth planning around.
Reviewed by HelloRoam Editorial Team
Reviewed by HelloRoam Editorial Team
Top Destinations in UK
Edinburgh
Stay connected in Edinburgh with HelloRoam. Get an eSIM data plan for United Kingdom and go online right away.
O2, Three, and Vodafone 5G cover Edinburgh city fully; Edinburgh Airport has reliable data throughout terminals.
England
England puts London, Manchester, and the coast within easy reach. HelloRoam keeps you online across the whole country with one eSIM.
O2, Three, and Vodafone 5G cover England's cities. Heathrow and Gatwick are covered on landing; rural national parks have lighter signal.
London
HelloRoam delivers high-speed data in London, United Kingdom. Activate your eSIM and connect in minutes.
O2, Three, and Vodafone 5G cover London throughout; Tube coverage is expanding on all sub-surface lines.
Scotland
Scotland takes you from Edinburgh's old town to the Highlands. HelloRoam keeps your data working in the cities and on the scenic routes between them.
O2, Three, and Vodafone 5G cover Glasgow and Edinburgh fully. Highland roads and the islands have patchy signal, so download maps before you drive.
Essex
HelloRoam gives you instant data access in Essex, United Kingdom with no extra fees.
O2, Three, and Vodafone 5G cover Essex towns; rural north Essex may drop to 4G between larger settlements.
Hampshire Uk
Hampshire is a county of contrasts on England's southern coast, with the New Forest, the port city of Southampton, and the historic naval town of Portsmouth all within easy reach.
Coverage can thin out in the New Forest. Keep a HelloRoam eSIM active so you can navigate and stay in touch on rural roads.
Kent
HelloRoam offers data plans for Kent travelers, with coverage across United Kingdom.
O2, Three, and Vodafone 5G cover Kent; Eurostar travellers at Ashford and Folkestone have strong signal.
Manchester
Manchester is the beating heart of northern England, famous for its music, football, and industrial heritage. A brilliant city for food, nightlife, and catching live sport.
Manchester's tram and bus network is easy to use with a HelloRoam eSIM keeping Google Maps and Citymapper running smoothly.
Surrey
HelloRoam makes it easy to stay online in Surrey with data plans for United Kingdom.
O2, Three, and Vodafone 5G cover Surrey; Gatwick Airport at the south edge has full 5G throughout terminals.
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Reviews
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from Trustpilot and the App Store, quoted as written.
40k+ travellers have used HelloRoam
Cat
On a trip to Europe, my hotel Wi-Fi was so slow and outside Wi-Fi was unreliable. I couldn’t take it anymore so I got helloroam for a few days. It was tricky to set up correctly because of the primary settings (with my original number). But I reached out to their customer service via WhatsApp. Super responsive and helpful, with specific and clear steps to troubleshoot. Appreciate having 4G roaming instead of being stuck with in and out Wi-Fi during my trip!!
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Very good experience! The eSIM was easy to set up and worked great in London. It was much cheaper than it would have been to use my own operator there.
Ilona
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
metulker
Hard to set up but help was good
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Reuben
Really happy with HelloRoam. Everything worked as expected, from messaging and Google Maps through to streaming without any issues. Easy to use, reliable and affordable. Would happily use them again when travelling.
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Angeline
Reliable connection. Reasonable pricing.
Rated 4 out of 5 by this reviewer
Last updated
Your UK eSIM Questions Answered
How do I get UK data sorted before flying from Dublin to London or Edinburgh?
A prepaid eSIM UK plan from HelloRoam covers London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and the whole country on British networks from €2.45. HelloRoam activates at home via QR code before flying from Dublin. Plans come with no contract and work on any unlocked eSIM phone.
What is the best data sim card UK option for Irish visitors travelling regularly to Great Britain?
A HelloRoam data sim card UK plan covers London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Northern Ireland on local UK network speeds from €2.45. Activate via QR code at home, fully prepaid with no contract, no SIM card to swap, and a 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs on every order.
What is the best eSIM for UK from Ireland?
HelloRoam is a top-rated eSIM for travellers from Ireland visiting UK. Plans start from €2.45 and connect through our worldwide network of 212+ carriers, giving you local 4G/5G speeds in United Kingdom. Activate via QR code in under two minutes, keep your Three Ireland, Vodafone IE, or Eir number on dual SIM, and enjoy a 180-day refund window on unactivated eSIMs. No daily roaming charge and no carrier contract.
How much does an eSIM for UK cost from Ireland?
A UK eSIM starts from €2.45. Fixed data plans run from 1GB to 20GB. Unlimited daily plans suit longer trips. All plans include local 4G/5G access with no overage charges and no carrier contract. That is far less than what Eir charges for non-EU Worldwide Roaming or Vodafone IE for Global Roaming.
Which networks does a UK eSIM connect to?
eSIM in UK connects to local 4G/5G networks. Your phone picks the strongest available signal automatically on arrival, no manual carrier selection needed. Coverage spans major cities, airports, main roads, and most rural areas. You get the same local network speeds as residents of United Kingdom, not the premium daily rates Eir or Vodafone IE charge for international roaming.
How do I get an eSIM for UK before flying from Ireland?
Getting your eSIM for UK takes three steps. First, choose your plan at helloroam.com and pay in EUR. Second, scan the QR code from your confirmation email in Settings under Mobile Data, then Add eSIM. Third, your e-sim installs in under two minutes and activates when you land. Do everything at home before you head to Dublin Airport, Shannon, Cork, or Knock. No shop visit, no physical SIM swap, no queue.
Does iPhone support eSIM for UK travel from Ireland?
Yes. iPhone XS and all newer models support your eSIM for UK. Go to Settings, tap Mobile Data, then Add eSIM, and scan the QR code from your HelloRoam email. Your Irish number stays active on your main SIM through dual SIM while HelloRoam handles all travel data on the eSIM line. iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only with no SIM tray needed.
What is the best eSIM for the UK?
HelloRoam is a solid eSIM choice for the UK for Irish visitors. Plans start at €2.45 with 5G and 4G data on O2 and Three. Buy before your flight, scan a QR code at home, and arrive in London or Edinburgh already connected. No airport SIM shops needed.
Does a HelloRoam eSIM work in the UK?
Yes, HelloRoam eSIM plans work across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland on O2 and Three. Activate at home and you have data from the moment you land or arrive by ferry.
Do Irish travellers need a separate SIM for the UK?
Since Brexit, EU free roaming rules no longer cover the UK. Many Irish plans charge extra for UK data. A HelloRoam eSIM from €2.45 is often the cheapest and most straightforward option for UK trips.
How much does an eSIM for the UK cost?
HelloRoam eSIM plans for the UK start at €2.45. Larger plans work well for longer stays in London or extended UK road trips.
Does HelloRoam eSIM work in Northern Ireland?
Yes, your HelloRoam eSIM works in Northern Ireland. The same plan covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Coverage is strong in Belfast and Derry and along the main road networks.
How much data do I need for a week in London?
A week in London using the TfL app, Google Maps, messaging, and social media typically uses 3 to 6 GB. If you stream content on the Tube or make regular video calls, choose a 5 GB or 10 GB plan.
Does HelloRoam eSIM include calls and texts in the UK?
HelloRoam plans are data-only. Use WhatsApp or FaceTime for calls and messages. Emergency calls to 999 work on any network in the UK.
Which network does HelloRoam use in the UK?
HelloRoam eSIM for the UK connects on EE with 5G coverage. The UK has 2 network partners in the HelloRoam system. Your phone selects the strongest signal automatically. Buy before your flight from Dublin and connect the moment you land.
What to Know Before You Buy
eSIM requires an unlocked, eSIM-compatible device. Check your phone settings before you buy.
Most travel eSIM plans provide data only. Your existing phone number stays active for calls and texts on your primary SIM.
Coverage quality varies by location within UK. Urban areas typically have strong network coverage, while rural or remote areas may have limited connectivity.
Install your eSIM before departure. Activation requires an internet connection, which may not be available at your destination airport.
Transparency Notice
- Service Provider Name (SPN)
- HelloRoam appears as the carrier name on your phone's status bar through the SPN, a standardized field in the eSIM profile. Unlike most travel eSIM resellers, HelloRoam provisions its own Service Provider Name.
- Public Network Name (PNN)
- The PNN is the network name field in your eSIM profile, set out in the 3GPP standard TS 31.102 (EF_PNN). Your phone can read it to show the name of the network you're connected to.
- Access Point Name (APN)
- HelloRoam eSIMs auto-configure their Access Point Name during installation. Your device connects to the strongest local network infrastructure without manual settings.
Prices are our retail rates across 185+ countries. Plan recommendations use real traveller feedback and network performance data. Unactivated eSIMs qualify for a 180-day refund.
Future Syncs Limited 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, UK +44 203 916 6249 help@helloroam.com Reg. No. 15950168
