The quick answer
Outside Europe, a travel eSIM is almost always cheaper. Our UK Roaming Cost Report found that a week of roaming costs £30–£56 on Vodafone, EE and O2 in most long-haul destinations, while an eSIM with 5–10GB usually costs £5–£20 for the whole trip.
What roaming costs (pay monthly, checked 2 November 2026)
- Vodafone: £8 a day outside Europe (plans from August 2021 without inclusive roaming), and £2.75 a day in Europe.
- EE: roaming passes of £6 a day, £30 a week or £50 for 15 days in its main zone. Egypt and Morocco cost more (£8 a day, £40 a week), and Japan and Sri Lanka only offer an £8 day pass.
- O2: the Travel Bolt On costs £7 a day in 75 destinations, including the USA, Canada, Australia and Mexico.
When roaming makes sense
- In Europe, if your plan already includes EU roaming at no extra cost.
- If your plan includes roaming in your destination (some premium plans do).
- If your phone doesn't support eSIM or isn't unlocked.
When an eSIM wins
- Any trip outside Europe longer than a day or two.
- When you want to control costs with a one-off payment and no surprise bills.
- For heavy users who want lots of data or unlimited plans abroad.
Can I keep my UK number?
Yes. Travel eSIMs are usually data-only. Keep your UK SIM switched on for calls and texts, and set the eSIM as your data line. WhatsApp, iMessage and FaceTime keep working on your normal number over data.
Find an eSIM for your destination
Australiafrom £7.49Bali & Indonesiafrom £7.20Canadafrom £20.16Dubai & UAEfrom £16.42Egyptfrom £19.44Europefrom £9.94Indiafrom £12.67Japanfrom £7.78Mexicofrom £14.36Moroccofrom £11.76Singaporefrom £5.04South Koreafrom £9.50Sri Lankafrom £15.12Thailandfrom £7.06Turkeyfrom £5.04USAfrom £10.08Vietnamfrom £11.94Worldwidefrom £15.96
Last updated 2 November 2026. Prices are checked on providers' own websites and can change. Bubblely may earn a commission if you buy through our links; it never changes the price you pay.