Why more Brits are choosing dedicated mobile data for travel

The moment your plane lands, you open your maps to find the right terminal exit.

At the same time, Uber or Bolt is already searching for a driver, while a message from your family or friends is waiting in your chat app.

You do all of this within minutes of arriving, without giving much thought to how much your mobile connection might cost.

Meanwhile, your smartphone connects to a local network, and roaming charges may apply depending on your mobile plan.

Turning mobile data off may seem like the easiest way to save money, but many travellers rely on their phones for maps, transport, payments, and travel documents throughout their trips.

Instead of relying solely on roaming, more travellers are choosing to install a Travel eSIM before they leave.

Providers such as the Swiss company Yesim allow users to arrange mobile connectivity before departure.

Travelling without internet is no longer an option

There was a time when you could switch mobile data off while travelling or rely on hotel Wi-Fi.

Today, many travel essentials depend on an internet connection.

Whether you're approving a banking notification, accessing a boarding pass, checking into accommodation, using maps or booking transport, many services now rely on mobile apps.

Background processes, such as app updates and cloud syncing, may also automatically use data.

As a result, many travellers prefer to plan how they'll stay connected before they travel.

Roaming and local SIMs

Although roaming remains a convenient option for many travellers, costs and terms vary depending on your provider and destination.

Daily roaming passes, fair usage limits, and data allowances vary by operator, so it's worth checking what's included before you travel.

Some providers also count background app activity as data usage.

Buying a local SIM card is another option, although it may involve finding a retailer after arrival, completing any local registration requirements and, on some devices, replacing your home SIM card.

How Travel eSIM works

An eSIM is a chip built into many modern smartphones, including recent iPhone, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models.

It allows users to download mobile network profiles remotely without changing a physical SIM card.

Travel eSIM providers build on this technology by offering apps where travellers can choose a destination, purchase a data package and install it before they leave home.

One benefit is knowing the cost of a package before travelling, while compatible devices can connect using the selected eSIM upon arrival.

The Yesim ecosystem

Swiss technology company Yesim has offered Travel eSIM services since 2019 and says it has connected more than 3.5 million users worldwide.

The company has also partnered with the World Players Super League (WPSL), an international golf tour that spans more than 1,800 tournaments in over 50 countries.

Yesim offers plans for single-country and multi-destination trips, including the Global Package (80+ destinations), Global Plus Package (140+ destinations) and Pay & Fly, a pay-as-you-go option available in more than 170 destinations.

The company says it works with more than 800 partner operators worldwide.

Its Switchless Networks automatically connect your device to the network with the best signal in any given location, which is especially useful outside major cities, while traveling, at resorts, or during events when individual networks are experiencing high traffic.

Features for families and groups

The Multiple eSIMs feature allows users to manage multiple eSIM profiles from a single account, making it easier to organise connectivity for family members or group trips.

Depending on their device, users can keep their primary SIM active for calls and text messages while using a travel eSIM for mobile data.

Yesim also offers customer support 24/7 and a 500 MB trial package for £0.45 (€0.50).

First-time customers can use the promo code GETYESIM15 for 15% off their first purchase.

To find out more about Yesim, head to https://bit.ly/44RImW2

*T&Cs apply. 15% discount valid on first Yesim data plan purchase made via the Yesim app or website. Subject to availability and change. See yesim.app for details.