eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi vs Local SIM: Which Is Best for Travel?

For most UK travellers with a recent phone, a travel eSIM is the easiest way to get mobile data abroad: you buy and install it before you leave, keep your UK number and connect on arrival. Pocket Wi-Fi suits phones that do not support eSIM and larger groups who stay together. A local SIM can make sense for long stays where you want a local number. This guide compares all three fairly so you can choose.

What each option is

Travel eSIM

A digital SIM you download to your phone using a QR code or link. It runs alongside your UK SIM, so you can use the eSIM for data and keep your UK number for calls and texts. Most travel eSIMs are data-only.

Pocket Wi-Fi

A small battery-powered router, rented or bought, that connects to a local mobile network and creates a Wi-Fi hotspot. Phones, tablets and laptops connect to it over Wi-Fi. It is usually collected at the airport or posted to you, and rentals need returning.

Local SIM card

A physical SIM bought in the destination, from an airport kiosk, shop or network store. It replaces your UK SIM in that slot unless your phone has a second slot or eSIM, and gives you a local number. Some countries require passport registration.

Side-by-side comparison

Cost and convenience in more detail

An eSIM's biggest advantage is that you arrive already connected. There is no kiosk to find after a long flight, and you can compare plans calmly at home. You also avoid the risk of mislaying your UK SIM card while swapping cards.

Pocket Wi-Fi can be cost-effective when several people share one device, because one rental covers everyone. The trade-offs are an extra gadget to charge, the need to stay within Wi-Fi range of whoever carries it, and the return process at the end.

Local SIMs are often good value for heavy use over a month or more. The time spent buying one, possible ID rules and language barriers matter less on a long stay than on a short break.

To estimate how much data you need for any of the three, use our travel data calculator.

Phone compatibility

This is often the deciding factor. Most iPhones from the XR and XS onwards and many recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones support eSIM, but not every model or regional variant does, and the phone must be unlocked. Check yours with our device compatibility checker.

If your phone does not support eSIM, pocket Wi-Fi or a local SIM are the realistic options.

Sharing with a group

With an eSIM, one phone can usually share its connection through the personal hotspot, provided the plan allows tethering. Our hotspot guide explains the setup. The catch is that everyone relies on that one phone's battery and stays within range.

For families who split up during the day, separate plans tend to work better. Our article on family holiday eSIMs: separate plans or one hotspot compares the two approaches.

Which should you choose?

Solo traveller

A travel eSIM is usually the simplest choice. Nothing extra to carry, connected on arrival and your UK number stays reachable.

Couple

Two eSIMs give each person independent access, which helps if you go separate ways for a few hours. Sharing one plan via hotspot can work if you are always together.

Family

Adults with compatible phones are often best with their own eSIMs, with children's tablets connecting to a parent's hotspot. A pocket Wi-Fi can suit a large family who stay together and have several older devices.

Business traveller

An eSIM keeps your work number active, avoids hardware to manage and can be set up before departure. For teams, see our business eSIM page.

Long stay or study abroad

A local SIM can make sense if you need a local number for rentals, banking or deliveries. Some travellers use an eSIM for the first weeks, then add a local SIM once settled.

Frequently asked questions

Is an eSIM cheaper than pocket Wi-Fi?

For one person it often is, because there is no rental fee, deposit or delivery. For a large group sharing one device, pocket Wi-Fi can work out cheaper per person.

Can I use pocket Wi-Fi if my phone does not support eSIM?

Yes. Pocket Wi-Fi works with any device that can connect to Wi-Fi, which is why it suits older phones.

Will I lose my UK number with a local SIM?

Your number is not cancelled, but if you remove your UK SIM you cannot receive calls or texts on it until you put it back. A dual SIM phone avoids this.

Can I share an eSIM with other devices?

Not by installing it on several devices, but you can usually share its data through your phone's hotspot if the plan allows it.

Which option is best for a long stay abroad?

A local SIM is often good value for stays of several months, especially if you need a local number. An eSIM is handy for arrival and short trips.