Best UK eSIM? My Honest Sim Local Review (+ Discount Code)

Looking for the best eSIM for travel to the UK?

In this Sim Local review, I’ll give you the full scoop from a local Londoner who’s tried and tested this eSIM firsthand – sharing everything you need to know before you buy.

While it certainly stands out as the best eSIM for UK travel, Sim Local also connects you seamlessly across multiple countries. This makes it a fantastic choice no matter where your adventures take you.

Keep reading as I dive into the nitty-gritty details and reveal why Sim Local is a top pick for travellers – and you’ll even get my exclusive discount code to help you save!

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Sim Local Review & Discount Code

I would 100% recommend a Sim Local eSIM for UK travel, and for travel to any country.

They are the most affordable eSIM provider I’ve ever used – especially in the UK. Their coverage was fantastic, with the additional bonus of calls and texts too.

My package also included roaming, allowing me to use the same eSIM for my trip to Europe as well.

I did have a slight issue with setup (more on this below), but their amazing customer service and prompt resolution of this was the icing on the cake for me.

👉 Grab your Sim Local UK eSIM today and you’ll thank yourself later. Use my code BIGBACKPACK for 5% off!

Why choose Sim Local?

Among a sea of providers, it can feel overwhelming knowing which eSIM is best for your travels.

At first glance, most eSIMs seem almost identical. So how do you know which one to pick?

After diving deeper into the world of eSIMs and comparing the top options, I’ve found that Sim Local stands out in several key ways – particularly if you’re traveling in the UK.

How does Sim Local work? (Pricing, Coverage, Plans)

Unlike other eSIM providers, Sim Local connects with multiple local networks in each destination, ensuring the best connectivity & coverage.

Plans start from 20GB per month and go all the way up to unlimited data, with options to include calls, texts, and roaming if you need it.

There’s a wide range of packages to choose from, so you can pick the one that best fits your travel style.

Local (best UK eSIM)

Local eSIMs are perfect for short stays in one country.

• Best eSIM for UK or London travel
• Prices from £9 for 20GB

👉 If you’re plans easily change & you value flexibility, I’d recommend getting a local eSIM with roaming – this is great for impromptu trips!

Regional

Regional eSIMs are best if you’re visiting multiple countries in one trip.

• Regional packages offered for Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, Africa, Asia, & The Caribbean
• Prices from £15 for 12GB

Global

Global eSIMs are ideal for long-term travellers or digital nomads visiting multiple continents

• Global packages offered for up to 90 days
• Prices from £14 for 14GB

Price comparison (eSIM for UK travel)

Check out the table below for the price comparison of Sim Local with other main providers.

All prices shown are for a 30-day period in the UK.

	Sim Local	Airalo	Holafly	Nomad
5GB	n/a	£12.50	n/a	£9.30
20GB	£9	£38	n/a	£14.90
100GB	£14	n/a	n/a	n/a
Unlimited	£27	n/a	£60	n/a

As you can see, Sim Local is by far the most affordable eSIM for the UK. They offer significantly larger data packages than most other providers, at a much better value.

👉 Remember to grab your Sim Local eSIM through this link & use my discount code BIGBACKPACK for 5% off

How to set up your Sim Local eSIM (Step-By-Step)

Setting up your Sim Local UK eSIM is very straightforward, and I’m going to walk you through it step-by-step.

I’d suggest setting up your eSIM at home before you travel, and it will automatically activate as soon as you land.

Step 1: Download the app

Before you leave for your trip, either head to the Sim Local website or download their app to purchase your plan – I’d recommend doing everything on the app for ease.

Step 2: Check your phone’s compatibility

This step is crucial. Make sure your phone supports eSIM (most recent iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel models do).

If unsure, you can check Sim Local’s compatibility list on their website here.

Step 3: Choose your plan

Choose the plan that suits your travel needs best.

Browse and choose your destination from the list of 200+ countries, or if you’re visiting multiple countries, select the “Multi-Destination” option.

If you’re visiting multiple continents, check out the “Global” plans.

Some plans offer unlimited data packages, while others include calls, texts, and roaming – simply select the package that suits you best.

Feeling unsure? Sim Local has a “Find My Plan” quiz, which will help you pinpoint the perfect plan in seconds and not purchase any more than you need.

Step 4: Install your eSIM

Once you’ve made your purchase, keep an eye out for the email from Sim Local with the confirmation and installation instructions.

Before installing your eSIM, you need to ensure that you have a stable internet connection.

You have a couple of options –

✅ Option 1: head back to the app, click on the “my eSIM” tab, and click on download SIM.

This is the most straightforward way to download your eSIM, as you do not have to leave the app and can simply follow the instructions.

✅ Option 2: scan the QR code in the email sent to you.

If you hold down on the QR code, some options will pop up. Hit the “Add eSIM” button at the bottom and follow the instructions.

Be sure to choose a label for your eSIM to help you identify it. Your home number will show as “Primary”, and as you can see, I’ve changed my eSIM name to “Sim Local”.

Step 5: Turn data roaming on

Once installed, make sure “Data Roaming” is switched on for the Sim Local eSIM – this will allow you to seamlessly switch to this network when it becomes available.

Also, make sure “Allow Mobile Data Switching” is turned off. This will ensure it does not switch back to your primary number when you’re abroad, resulting in hefty roaming fees.

Step 6: Start using your data

Keep your primary line switched on until you land in your new destination, before switching to your Sim Local line.

Once you’ve landed, simply toggle “Turn on this line” and your phone will connect right away – woohoo!

Best UK eSIM? My honest experience with Sim Local

I’m from London, and I’ve heard many travellers raving about Sim Local as the best UK eSIM, so I decided to try it out.

I wanted to see if Sim Local lived up to the hype, and how it compared to my home provider (spoiler: I think it’s better!).

I’ll be honest, I had a slight hiccup when ordering. My payment didn’t go through properly, so I messaged their customer service on WhatsApp.

They replied almost instantly and had it sorted within 30 minutes – I thought that this was seriously impressive and the best customer service I’ve received for a long time.

👉 It’s important to note that Sim Local has a 100% no-quibble refund guarantee if you are not happy with anything at all

I went for the 100GB package (30 days, roaming included), and it only cost me £14, which is such a good deal for that much data.

I used it both in the city and out in the countryside (Suffolk), and the connection was perfect everywhere. In the countryside, 5G wasn’t so consistent, but the 4G held the fort down.

I even used it as a hotspot for my laptop while on the train, and it never dropped out once.

I also took a pretty impromptu trip to Croatia, and because my package included roaming, I was able to use it across Europe as well, without the need for a new eSIM.

There was one small downside. The app doesn’t show how much data you have left, so you can’t track your usage easily – this is something I really hope they add in the future.

Overall, if you need a reliable eSIM for UK travel, I’d 100% recommend Sim Local. It works perfectly in cities and rural areas, and for the price, it’s a no-brainer.

👉 Remember to grab your Sim Local eSIM through this link & use my discount code BIGBACKPACK for 5% off

Sim Local Heathrow: Buying a physical SIM on arrival

If you’re someone who prefers the reassurance of a physical SIM card, Sim Local has kiosks at a few major airports.

You’ll find Sim Local kiosks in London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Athens, Madrid & Vienna.

Their kiosks are conveniently located in all terminals, so buying a UK SIM card at Heathrow Airport is super straightforward and can be done as soon as you land.

That said, I’d still recommend sorting out an eSIM for UK travel in advance. It’s far more convenient and means you’re connected the moment you step off the plane.

However, if you’re unsure about which plan to choose or simply prefer speaking to someone in person, you can definitely buy a London SIM card for tourists here.

They can also advise you on the best plan for your trip, making it a reliable backup option if you don’t want to commit to an eSIM straight away.

Sim Local Review: Would I recommend Sim Local in 2026?

If you’re looking for the best UK eSIM in 2026, I can confidently say that Sim Local is an excellent choice.

From hotspotting my laptop in Central London to navigating rural walking trails in the countryside, Sim Local eSIM truly delivered.

Because they work with major local UK providers, I never once faced an issue with connection, and I can vouch for Sim Local’s reliable, fast, and seamless coverage.

On my trip to Croatia (which included stops in Germany & Belgium because of a missed connection, oops), my Sim Local eSIM worked flawlessly.

When it comes to cost, Sim Local is undoubtedly one of the cheapest providers on the market – especially in the UK.

With 20GB for just £9, using a Sim Local eSIM for UK travel is super affordable. As well as calls and texts, their plans offer generous GB allowances and are generally the best-value packages out there.

One downside is that they don’t have smaller packages available (with 1-3GB options) if you’re not a big streamer or simply need a small top-up.

However, the larger bundles are such good value that this isn’t really a downside.

While Sim Local is hands-down one of the best eSIMs for UK travel, its unbeatable prices and reliable coverage make it my new go-to eSIM no matter where in the world I’m travelling

FAQs

Can I buy a SIM card at Heathrow Airport?

Yes! Sim Local has kiosks and vending machines there, as well as at Gatwick.

This means you can get your SIM for London or the UK directly at the airport – however, I would still recommend downloading an eSIM beforehand.

Is it better to get a local SIM or eSIM?

I used to always choose a local SIM because I worried about unreliable network connectivity in new destinations.

But since switching to eSIMs, staying connected has never been an issue.

They can also be much more affordable, and grabbing an eSIM is one of my top tips for travelling on a budget.

With Sim Local, especially, you get the same reliable coverage as a local SIM because it partners directly with local network providers in each destination.

As Sim Local partners with local network providers like 3, Orange, or EE (the biggest networks in the UK), there is really no difference from buying a UK SIM card.

Which SIM card is best for tourists in London?

Sim Local is undoubtedly the best eSIM for tourists in London and the UK.

Working with local providers guarantees you the best connectivity, and they’ve got the cheapest prices on the market compared to other providers.

Their unlimited plans are great for serious streamers, and their offer of calls and texts, not just data, really sets them apart.

And the best part? If you have any problems with your eSIM when you land in London, you can look out for the kiosks at Gatwick or Heathrow.

Here, they’ll be able to help you and answer any questions you might have about your eSIM for London.

Is there an eSIM for calls?

Yes! While most eSIM providers offer data-only plans, Sim Local offers plans with calls and texts included.

Which eSIM is best for UK travel?

Sim Local is undoubtedly the best UK prepaid SIM card for tourists, alleviating any worries about roaming fees or patchy wifi.

Having tried and tested my eSIM both in the city and the countryside, its superior coverage makes it not only the perfect eSIM for London, but the best eSIM for UK travel generally.

You really cannot beat their data packages for value, and having calls and texts included is an added bonus for peace of mind.

Sim Local UK Review: Final Thoughts

To wrap up this Sim Local review, I can confidently say that Sim Local stands out as the best UK eSIM for tourists.

With affordable plans, great coverage, and excellent customer service, it truly delivers.

👉 Remember to grab your Sim Local eSIM through this link & use my discount code BIGBACKPACK for 5% off

If you’ve used Sim Local before, or have any questions, I would love to hear from you – drop me a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest!