How to Buy an eSIM Online: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Travellers

To buy an eSIM online, check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, choose your destination and how much data you need, pay, and you will receive a QR code and install instructions by email. Install it at home on Wi-Fi, then switch it on when you land. The whole purchase takes a few minutes, and there is no physical SIM to post or collect.

Last checked: 27 October 2026. Plan prices and checkout options change, so always check the plan page and your phone maker's support pages before you buy.

Buying an eSIM online: the six steps

1. Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be network-unlocked.
2. Pick your destination. A single country, or a regional plan if you are visiting several.
3. Choose your data and days. Match the allowance to how you use your phone.
4. Pay. Checkout takes a minute or two.
5. Get your QR code by email and install the eSIM.
6. Switch it on when you arrive and set it as your mobile data line.

The rest of this guide goes through each step, what to check before you pay, and how to avoid fake sellers.

Step 1: check your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked

Most iPhones from the XS and XR onwards, recent Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixel phones support eSIM, but some models sold in certain countries do not. The quickest check is our eSIM compatibility checker, or see our full compatibility guide.

Your phone also needs to be unlocked. Ofcom banned UK networks from selling locked handsets from 17 December 2021 (Ofcom), but an older phone, or one bought abroad or second hand, may still be locked. If in doubt, ask your network to confirm before you buy.

Step 2 and 3: pick your destination, data and validity

Search for the country you are visiting. If your trip covers more than one country, a regional plan (for example Europe) usually works out simpler than buying one eSIM per country. Our guide to regional versus single-country eSIMs explains the trade-off.

For data, think about what you will actually do: maps, messaging and social media use far less than video calls or streaming. Our guide to how much data you need for a week abroad has typical figures. Choose a validity period that covers your whole trip, and remember that you can top up most plans later if you run low.

What to check before you pay

The best eSIM deals are not always the cheapest headline price. Before you pay any eSIM provider, check these points on the plan page:

• Coverage list. Make sure every country you are visiting is listed, and check which local networks the plan uses.
• When validity starts. Some providers start the clock when you buy or install. On SimplySIM plans, the validity period starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in your destination, not on the purchase or install date.
• Data only. Travel eSIMs, including SimplySIM's, are data only. You do not get a local phone number. Keep your UK SIM in the phone for calls and texts, and use WhatsApp or FaceTime over data.
• Hotspot. Check whether you can share data with a laptop or tablet. SimplySIM plans allow you to use your phone as a hotspot, within the plan's data allowance.
• Unlimited plans. Many unlimited plans have a daily full-speed allowance. SimplySIM's unlimited plans give 1GB a day at full speed, then a slower speed. See our unlimited data eSIM guide.
• Refunds. Check the rules before you buy. An eSIM can be refunded if it has not been activated, no data has been used and you ask within 30 days of buying. Once it is activated and data has been used, it counts as delivered and cannot be refunded. Full details are in our terms and conditions.

Example: SimplySIM plans for Spain

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers. On 27 October 2026, SimplySIM plans included:

The Spain plans use Orange and Movistar, with Vodafone and Yoigo also listed on the unlimited plans. If Spain is one stop on a longer trip, compare the Europe plans on the Spain eSIM page, which also cover Spain.

Step 4: paying at checkout

On SimplySIM, you add a plan to your basket and go to checkout. You can buy as a guest or sign in to your account. At checkout you are asked for your email address, the phone you will use the eSIM on, the date you need it from, and whether the trip is for leisure or business. This is also where you can add a discount code.

Payment is handled securely by Stripe. Card payment is always available. For orders in pounds you can also use Pay by Bank, and for orders in euros you can use Bancontact or iDEAL.

Step 5: get your QR code and install the eSIM

Once payment is verified, SimplySIM creates your eSIM and emails you your QR code, step-by-step install instructions and your plan details. This usually takes a few minutes, but can take up to 24 hours in rare cases. Your eSIM also appears in your account on the website, where you can track data and top up.

There is also the SimplySIM app for iPhone and Android. On iPhone, the app can install your eSIM in one tap without scanning a QR code, and on both it shows your remaining data and lets you top up.

To install from the QR code on an iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Data, then Add eSIM, and scan the code. On Android, look under Settings, then Connections or Network and Internet, then SIM manager. Our guide to setting up an eSIM on different devices has the full steps. Install on a stable Wi-Fi connection, and do not delete the eSIM afterwards: most QR codes can only be used once.

When to buy and install

You can buy weeks ahead. Because SimplySIM validity starts on first connection in your destination, buying early does not use up your days. The best time to install is a day or two before you fly, at home on Wi-Fi, so you have time to sort out any problems. Our guide on when to install a travel eSIM before your flight covers this in more detail.

Step 6: switch it on when you arrive

1. When you land, go to your phone's SIM settings and turn on the travel eSIM.
2. Set it as the line for mobile data, and turn on data roaming for the eSIM. This is normal for travel eSIMs and does not cost extra.
3. Turn off data roaming on your UK SIM so your UK network does not charge you.
4. Keep the UK SIM switched on if you want to receive calls and texts, such as bank codes.

Our dual SIM settings guide walks through this on iPhone and Android.

How to spot fake eSIM sellers

Buying online is safe if you buy from the provider directly. Be wary of:

• QR codes sent by strangers on social media or messaging apps.
• Sellers asking you to pay by bank transfer to a personal account, or in gift cards.
• Prices far below everyone else, or "lifetime" data offers.
• Lookalike websites. Check the web address before you enter card details.

A genuine eSIM QR code only installs a data plan. Never scan a code that asks you to sign in to your bank or share personal details. See our guide to eSIM scams and fake QR codes for more warning signs.

FAQs

Can I buy an eSIM online before I travel?

Yes. You can buy an eSIM online days or weeks before your trip. With SimplySIM, the validity period does not start until the eSIM first connects in your destination, so buying early does not waste any days.

How quickly do I get my eSIM after buying?

SimplySIM emails your QR code and install instructions once payment is verified. This usually takes a few minutes, but can take up to 24 hours in rare cases.

How do I choose between eSIM providers in the UK?

Compare the coverage list, the local networks used, when validity starts, whether hotspot is allowed and how top-ups work, as well as the price. Our best eSIM for UK travellers guide goes through what to look for.

Does a travel eSIM give me a phone number?

No. Travel eSIMs are data only. Keep your UK SIM for calls and texts, and use apps such as WhatsApp for calls over data.

How can I pay for a SimplySIM eSIM?

By card on every order. Orders in pounds can also be paid with Pay by Bank, and orders in euros with Bancontact or iDEAL. Payment is processed by Stripe.

Can I use the same eSIM on another phone?

An eSIM is tied to the phone it is installed on. If you need data on a second device, you can share it from your phone using hotspot, within your plan's data allowance.