Using data abroad and avoiding high roaming charges - a guide for UK travellers

Using data abroad and avoiding high roaming charges - a guide for UK travellers

The digital world has opened up a universe of travel opportunities, but for many UK holidaymakers, one old problem persists: the cost of staying connected abroad. For years, the choice has been a painful one between expensive roaming charges from your mobile provider and the faff of finding a local physical SIM card upon arrival. But what if there was a better way?

With the rise of eSIM technology, a new era of seamless, affordable travel connectivity has arrived. Here's a breakdown of eSIMs and how a provider like Jetset eSIMs can save you money and stress on your next trip.

What Exactly Is an eSIM?

An eSIM, or "embedded SIM," is a digital version of a physical SIM card that is built directly into your phone's hardware. Instead of a tiny, removable plastic chip, the eSIM is a programmable component inside your device that allows you to install a carrier's digital profile via software.

In simple terms, you no longer need to physically swap out a card when you travel or switch networks. The information on an eSIM is rewritable, giving you the flexibility to easily switch between different data plans and carriers from your phone's settings.

The Jetset eSIM Advantage: Seamless Connectivity on Your Terms

An eSIM is all about convenience, and Jetset eSIMs takes that to the next level. Instead of hunting for a SIM card kiosk at a foreign airport—the last thing you want to do after a long flight—you can arrange everything for your trip with a few clicks from the comfort of your home.

Here's how it works:

  • You can order a Jetset eSIM for yourself and your entire family up to 180 days before your trip.

  • The eSIM is delivered instantly via email, ready to be installed on your phone by simply scanning a QR code.

  • You can activate your eSIM before you even board the plane, and the plan's data allowance will be ready to use the moment you land at your destination.

  • Jetset eSIMs also offers a money-back guarantee that your eSIM will work, providing peace of mind for your travels.

This digital-first approach means you can have multiple plans from different providers stored on a single device, giving you total control. For example, you can keep your primary UK number active for calls and texts while using a Jetset eSIM for all your data needs, a smart way to cut down on expensive roaming fees.

The Price of Freedom: A Direct Cost Comparison

Let's look at how the cost of a Jetset eSIM compares to what you might pay for traditional roaming on major UK networks in popular holiday destinations.

For UK travellers, using your phone in Europe is no longer guaranteed to be free since Brexit, and roaming outside the EU can be extremely expensive.

Here’s a quick comparison of Jetset's affordable data plans against UK roaming costs.

United States

  • UK Roaming: An O2 "Travel Bolt On" can cost £7 per day for data, texts, and calls, while an EE Travel Data Pass costs £8.45 per day for just 150MB of data. Over a two-week trip, this could cost you well over £80.

  • Jetset eSIM: A 1GB plan for the USA costs just £2.50 for 7 days, and a 5GB plan costs £5.70 for 30 days. That’s a significant saving for a typical holiday.

Turkey

  • UK Roaming: Turkey is typically classified as a "Rest of the World" destination by UK providers, meaning roaming costs can be extremely high. Vodafone, for example, may charge up to £3.58 per GB of data after a fair usage limit of 25GB.

  • Jetset eSIM: A 3GB plan for Turkey costs a mere £3.10 for 15 days, providing you with ample data for maps, social media, and communication.

Brazil

  • UK Roaming: As a long-haul destination, roaming in Brazil would likely fall under a provider's "Around the World" or "Global" plans, which can be pricey. A daily pass from one major network could cost £7 per day.

  • Jetset eSIM: A 3GB plan for Brazil is just £8.70 for 15 days , making it a highly cost-effective choice for a two-week South American adventure.

The savings are clear. An eSIM is a prepaid plan, so you know exactly what you are getting without any hidden charges or "bill shock" after your trip.

A Smart Choice for Every UK Traveller

Whether you're a UK pay monthly customer or on a pay-as-you-go plan, an eSIM provides a smarter, more affordable way to travel. The ease of ordering an eSIM for each member of the family—from small, affordable bundles for a short city break to larger plans for a longer trip—means no one has to worry about staying connected.

Don't let expensive roaming fees hold you back. Say goodbye to the hassle of physical SIMs and the fear of "bill shock" by making the switch.

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