Guide to using eSim Mobile Data

May 16, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Jul 10

Are you looking forward to a holiday abroad but dreading those dreadfully expensive roaming charges? Staying connected can feel like a holiday add-on many of us can't afford.

Say hello to eSIMs – the savvy traveller's secret to cheap and easy connectivity. If you're tired of your network's hefty roaming fees, eSIMs are here to rescue your holiday. They offer the freedom to switch to a more budget-friendly provider whilst you're travelling, allowing you to download, stream, and stay connected without the fear of a shocking bill on your return.

Save Money with eSim Mobile Phone Data on Holiday

Using an eSIM while on holiday is one of the easiest ways to save money and stay connected when traveling. Instead of paying expensive international roaming fees, you can simply download a local or travel data plan directly to your phone at a much lower cost.

eSIMs allow you to use data as soon as you land in your destination - no need to hunt for a physical SIM card provider. Plus, you can keep your original number active for messages and verification codes while using the cheaper travel data plan in the background. It’s flexible, convenient, budget-friendly, and perfect for travellers who want to stay online without overspending.

If you're traveling soon, you should consider using an eSIM to cut your roaming costs and stay connected for less. This quick travel hack will save you money!

Why do you need eSim mobile data on holiday?

We've always generally relied on hotel Wifi on previous trips. We usually download all the info we think we need before we go and just log on to Wifi whilst in our hotel or restaurants or museums we stop at that provide free Wifi. However this time we were travelling to three different locations within one week, and I really wanted to maximise our time during the trip and do a little off-piste exploring. A few friends had previously mentioned they had used eSIMs whilst travelling, so I thought we'd give it a go.

We used Google Maps a LOT whilst we were away to find our way around. Within our one week trip we had planned to visit three different locations, Genoa, Pisa and Livorno. We had a loose itinerary of things we wanted to see and do, but this time instead of precisely planning everything, we used Maps when we were at one of our must see locations and searched the local area for other things to do and places to see.

Use Google Maps to explore whilst on Holiday — *Use Google Maps to explore the local area whilst on holiday*

Maps was great for finding local supermarkets, restaurants and places of interest in our area. Then when we needed to head off to another location or back to the hotel, Maps gave us the quickest walking routes, taxi journeys and even told us when the next bus was due to arrive and where the nearest stop was! Having unlimited mobile data made our family trip more adventurous rather than sticking to a well planned itinerary.

The game changer moment of having unlimited mobile data came at a train station... we had planned to catch a train from Pisa to Livorno just a 20 minute train journey. We booked the train tickets in advance the day before (it's cheaper!) but we arrived at the station a little bit too early. We spotted an earlier train heading for Livorno coming in to Platform 5. I quick looked up my confirmation email and saw a 'Manage Booking' option... clicked the link which took me to my online booking and within moments I'd managed to change our train tickets to the earlier train and hopped aboard! Boom - no hanging around the train station unnecessarily for another half an hour 💖

Similarly when we were heading back from Livorn, we couldn;t get out of there quick enough (that's another story!) so I hopped online and managed to change our train tickets to an earlier time. I was super thankful for the ability to quick jump online and get us the heck out of that place!

Having unlimited mobile data also proved super useful whilst eating out at restaurants. Many of the restaurants we visited (especially in Pisa) didn't hand out a printed menu. Instead you were requested to scan a QR code located on your table using your mobile phone which brings up the menu on your phone for you to read - although I'm sure the restaurants had printed menus if needed, you'd just have to ask.

Benefits of Unlimited Mobile Data on Holiday — Some of the benefits of using eSim unlimited mobile data whilst on Holiday

The kids loved the unlimited mobile data package too, as they could connect to my mobile data via the 'personal hotspot' functionality on my mobile phone (hotspotting). They managed to log into Netflix and watch a movie whilst on the train from Genoa to Pisa. Brownie points for mum! 💖

That's just a few of the many benefits we discovered from purchasing an unlimited data eSIm to use whilst on holiday. You will of course have your own reasons and will no doubt discover your own benefits for using eSim mobile data, maybe even for a few things you hadn't considered before leaving home! Let us know in the comments below! 👍

Why I Recommend Bcengi eSIM for Holiday Mobile Data

You an read all about why I recommend Bcengi eSIM mobile data over on our blog post here - Why I Recommend Bcengi eSIM for Holiday Mobile Data.

What is an eSIM?

An eSim, or electronic Sim, is a digital Sim that allows devices to access a mobile (cellular) service without needing a physical Sim card. This technology lets users switch operators and mobile plans digitally, often more easily than traditional Sim cards.

The Bcengi pay-as-you-go eSim mobile data plan offers complete peace of mind whilst you're on holiday or travelling within the UK, Europe or worldwide! It offers a single use eSIM you can use in 200+ countries.

How to Install an eSIM

Check device compatibility: Ensure your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
Get an eSIM QR code or activation details: Your mobile carrier e.g. Bcengi will provide a QR code, activation code, or an app-based setup.
Open your phone’s eSIM settings:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
- Android (varies): Settings → Connections/Network → SIM Manager → Add eSIM
Scan the QR code or enter details: Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code or manually enter the activation code from your carrier.
Follow on-screen steps: Your phone will download the eSIM profile and activate the plan.
Restart if needed: Some devices require a quick reboot to finalise activation.