UK Holidaymakers Save Hundreds with Martin Lewis eSIM Tip

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UK travellers could save hundreds of pounds on their next holiday by using a simple phone hack endorsed by MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis. With the cost of flights, hotels, transfers, day trips, and dining rising, avoiding unexpected mobile phone bills has become an increasingly important part of holiday budgeting.

Lewis has highlighted the benefits of using an embedded SIM, or eSIM, to bypass expensive roaming charges while abroad. Sharing his own experience, he told Birmingham Live:

“As I was going out of Europe for just under 10 days, I picked a one-month 10GB eSIM for £18. My network charges well over £6 a day for a 500MB daily data limit. I got a strong 4G signal virtually everywhere, and used the internet with the freedom and speed of home. The 10GB limit lasted my whole time away, far exceeding a daily 500MB limit, so I didn’t need to worry about overage. Overall, a very simple experience. Then, when I got home, I just switched the phone settings back to my normal SIM in seconds. Of course, this is just one trip with one eSIM, but so far it’s a thumbs up.”

eSIMs have grown in popularity in recent years. Worldwide, there are now an estimated three billion eSIM connections, with the sector currently valued at around £8 billion. Analysts predict that the global eSIM market could reach £36 billion by 2032.

Arif Reza, CEO and Founder of UK-based eSIM provider WorldSIM, said the technology is becoming a favoured option for travellers seeking to control costs.

“We’ve seen a rise in holidaymakers wanting an eSIM. It provides peace of mind when going away, knowing exactly how much data you’re using,” Reza explained.

“Ever travelling within Europe, using your phone can rack up bills in the hundreds if you’re not prepared or not on the right package. eSIMs are prepaid, so you know exactly what you’re being charged, and you have the freedom to choose a data-only package or a full tariff with calls and texts.” Reza also pointed out that changes following Brexit have made eSIMs particularly useful for UK travellers.

“Brexit brought the end of ‘roam like at home’ for UK travellers in Europe, and I think this has pushed people to explore their options when going away,” he said.

The technology is also attracting remote workers, who can use eSIMs to maintain strong connectivity while travelling or working from different locations. Reza added:

“We see remote workers using eSIMs to boost their connectivity, giving them more flexibility on where they work without worrying about their network coverage.”

For UK holidaymakers, eSIMs offer an accessible and cost-effective way to stay connected. Prepaid plans mean users know the exact costs in advance, while data-only options or full packages with calls and texts offer flexibility depending on travel needs.

Martin Lewin emphasises the simplicity of the approach, noting that switching between a physical SIM and an eSIM is quick and straightforward. With eSIM options widely available from UK providers, travellers can avoid the shock of expensive roaming charges and make their holidays more affordable.

As eSIM technology continues to expand, it is likely to become a standard tool for UK travellers, helping them control costs, stay connected abroad, and enjoy a smoother travel experience.