The comparison site has introduced a new SIM card that can be purchased in the UK online before you head overseas.
It offers online coverage in 3GB, 5GB, 10GB and even bigger packages to ensure you can continue to use your data abroad.
The travel eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows mobile users to purchase and activate a local mobile plan for their preferred country remotely, without having to install a new physical plastic SIM.
To compare it to pay-as-you-go (PAYG) prices, 10GB of usage in Morocco will set you back an eye-watering £56,166, based on the average cost, whereas with Uswitch’s eSIM, that’ll be just £17.
Further, 10GB of usage in Spain and France could cost a UK traveller £11 for Uswitch, but for both nations, that’ll come to £214 when the average PAYG pricing is considered.
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The extortionate ranges follow a post-Brexit difficulty for some UK holidaymakers, who no longer have the safety blanket of the worldwide data roaming cap of £45. This has led to a third of Brits feeling as though they’ve been stung by high fees, according to a Uswitch survey.
Most newer smartphones are compatible with eSIM technology too.
Which phones accept eSIMs?
- iPhone 13, 14 and 15 series (any released after 2018)
- Samsung Galaxy S21, S22, S23 and S24 series
- Samsung Galaxy Fold 5
- Samsung Galaxy Flip 5
- Google Pixel 6, 7 and 8
Most of the major networks accept the eSIM, including O2, Three, EE, and Vodafone.
However, Asda Mobile, Lebara Mobile, SMARTY and VOXI do not have suitable networks at present.
‘Peace of mind against shock roaming charges’
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch, said: “After years of campaigning for better roaming protections for consumers – it’s brilliant to be able to finally […] offer a solution at Uswitch that really can give consumers peace of mind against shock roaming charges.
“Gone are the days when you’d arrive at the airport and scramble for a local SIM card. ESIMs offer a clear advantage – you can easily switch between different providers and can change your data or call plans, without having to wait for a new physical SIM to arrive.
“Travel eSIMs use mobile data only, which is great for messaging and voice apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage and others. Remember, this won’t include regular network calls or send SMS messages, so make sure you confirm any charges with your network provider before you travel.”
For guidance on how to avoid being stung by your phone data abroad, check our top data roaming tips.
ESIM comparison for popular holiday spots
| Country | Cost of 10GB eSIM for location | Equivalent roaming charge based on average UK provider (PAYG pricing) |
| Morocco | £17 | £56,166 |
| USA | £11 | £22,039 |
| Spain | £11 | £214 |
| UAE | £15 | £47,976 |
| Turkey | £11 | £29,036 |
| Greece | £11 | £214 |
| France | £11 | £214 |
| Italy | £11 | £347 |
