Saving Money on Data While Abroad: Can Using an eSIM Help?
23 April 2025
At PhoneStar, our mission is always to help you and your loved ones cut down on call costs – specifically, by setting up your own 0800 number so they don’t have to pay to reach you.
However, there are call savings to be made in other areas of your life, too. For example, have you ever found that you’re paying high rates for data while travelling abroad?
Unfortunately, if you travel a lot and use mobile data continuously, you're likely to face all kinds of extortionate fees and roaming demands. Can you really be sure that your mobile network has you registered to the best possible tariff, for example, for when you travel?
The answer to rising roaming fees and the hassle of having to manage your mobile data overseas might just arrive in the shape of an eSIM – a digital SIM that cuts down tons of headaches and financial fumbling.
Why is it so expensive to use your mobile overseas?
Unfortunately, there are major networks out there that continue to apply high rates to using mobile data, calls, and texts outside of the UK. You can add a booster here and there, but chances are, you’re still paying well over the odds for the services you need.
And, if you end up having to buy and set up a local SIM from wherever you travel to, you might find that you pay more on a pay-as-you-go basis than on contract!
On top of that, swapping out SIMs when you travel, and potentially having to pause your UK number just while you're on holiday, can be a real pain.
Thankfully, eSIMs can cut those hassles down to size!
What do eSIMs do, and how do they work?
eSIMs are digital SIM cards you install or embed to your mobile phone or tablet. Like regular SIMs, they give you access to cellular and data networks – only, you can install them alongside any SIMs you already have inserted into your device.
SIMOVO is an eSIM brand that’s quickly becoming a big name in the industry – so, let’s use them as an example. With a SIMOVO eSIM, you simply need to ensure your device is configured to accept eSIMs and is ready to roam, and then purchase and scan a QR code giving you roaming access to mobile data when you travel.
That means, when you touch down in your new destination, you can connect automatically to the best available data network. There’s no need to choose a specific SIM or to hunt around for the best coverage.
As you pay upfront, too, there are no nasty bills to worry about. You’re covered for a certain amount of data and time. When you need to travel again in future, simply buy, scan, and install a whole new eSIM. It’s really simple!
As mentioned, you can run eSIMs alongside any cards you already have inserted into your device. That means you don’t have to give up your existing number while you travel.
Should you choose SIMOVO when you travel, however, do keep in mind that you’re covered for data only. That means regular calls and texts will still be run through your existing SIM. But, you can use data-focused messaging and video call services, such as WhatsApp and you'll be covered through the eSIM.
How can eSIMs save you money?
eSIMs through companies like SIMOVO save you money immediately because you’re not at the mercy of charges applied by your network. For all the costs of roaming data, calls, and texts have come down in price over the years, you’re still expected to pay premium costs for the sake of staying connected when travelling abroad.
With an eSIM, you can avoid having to pay exorbitant call and text charges through your usual SIM by using data messaging apps and call services instead. For instance, instead of using basic SMS, you’ll save money by contacting people through WhatsApp or iMessage instead.
For calls, if you can, try to switch to FaceTime for iPhone, or consider using Zoom or Google Meet. You can also make some calls through services like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, too, provided you have data available.
Using an eSIM for data while abroad will also save you money on having to buy whole new SIM cards outright – just buy, scan, and install before you travel, and you’re ready to go.
Plus, there are no contract fees or minimum terms. You can still keep your existing SIM and number in place if you need to, meaning you can run your internet usage through the eSIM instead – just make sure to warn people that they should contact you through WhatsApp or other messengers instead!
How to get started with an eSIM
SIMOVO makes it really easy to get started with eSIMs. Choose the area you’re travelling to, purchase the data you need, scan a QR code, and install it to your device. SIMOVO has a full list of compatible devices available, too, so you’ll never end up buying an eSIM that won’t work in practice.
Do also make sure that you activate eSIM compatibility through your device’s settings – this can usually be found through mobile and network settings, however, the routes will vary depending on the device and version in use.
Also, it’s not just phones and tablets that can use eSIMs – most devices that have SIM mounting technology can use them. That means you might even be able to take your laptop or wearable tech on holiday and connect to cheaper roaming data, too!
What we like most about SIMOVO's eSIMs range is that you can purchase packages that cover you for different countries and continents, and you can even get total global coverage if you’re off on a world tour of sorts.
Regardless, eSIMs are absolutely the future of more affordable, more efficient, and less hassle data roaming. If you’re planning to jet abroad but can’t be without internet access, make sure to check out what SIMOVO has to offer before you go.
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