REVIEW · LONDON
eSIM for UK (34 EU countries) | 3 to 30 days. Up to 40GB of data
Your phone can handle Europe without airport lines.
This eSIM plan is interesting because it’s a digital mobile ticket you activate with a QR code emailed to you, and it runs on the EE network for your UK connection. I also like that you get enough data for everyday social and messaging, including WhatsApp plus quick check-ins on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The main thing to watch is that this is data only, and after your high-speed allowance it switches to 3G.
At $4.75 per person, the value is the point: you’re not hunting for a SIM counter the moment you land. You also get remote customer service from the provider, Xplori, which is reassuring if you hit a setup snag. Just make sure your phone actually supports eSIM before you rely on it, since there’s no physical pickup, and it’s a purely digital product.
Key Points at a Glance

- QR-code activation by email means you can set up before your trip, no shop required
- EE network in the UK is a strong choice for day-to-day mobile data
- Up to 40GB total data across the UK plus 34 EU countries (3 to 30 days)
- Mobile data only, so plan for calls and texts over Wi-Fi
- High-speed cap then 3G, so expect slower speeds after you use the allowance
- Remote customer service from Xplori can help if your eSIM setup or settings need attention
What You Actually Get: UK and 34 EU eSIM Data on EE

This experience is not a guided outing. It’s a mobile data plan you install on your phone. You buy it once, then use it during the duration you selected, from 3 to 30 days, across the UK and 34 EU countries.
In the UK, the plan runs on EE, which is a major local network. Practically, that matters because your phone is usually trying to pick up a usable network the moment you walk outside and start moving around. Here, the goal is simple: keep your data working so you can message home on WhatsApp and keep up with social apps.
The delivery method is also part of the value. You receive the eSIM information by email, and your activation is based on a QR code. For most trips, that cuts out the airport stress and the time spent comparing SIM options after you are already tired.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
Activation Day Checklist Before London (Save Yourself Time)

Since this is purely digital, your biggest win happens before you ever board a plane. I’d treat it like a tiny homework assignment.
Here’s what you should do up front, based on what the plan requires:
- Confirm your phone supports eSIM before booking or right after you get the email
- Wait for the QR code you receive by email, then follow the setup steps it provides
- Expect it to be activated as a mobile ticket, not something you pick up in person
Also, set expectations. The product does not mention any calls or texting service, and one of the clearest cautions is that it is data only. If you rely on SMS for travel plans, use WhatsApp for contact, or have a backup Wi-Fi plan.
One more practical note: your service is tied to your phone’s mobile settings. A support response from the provider points out that eSIM setup can require small phone setting changes. So if something feels off, you are not looking at a mystery failure. You’re checking settings and activating correctly.
EE Network and 40GB Across the UK and Europe
The promise is up to 40GB of data over your selected time window. That sounds like plenty because it is, especially if your travel style is more chatty than video-streamy.
Your listed app needs are very normal travel uses:
- WhatsApp for messages and quick updates
- Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for check-ins
That list matters because it tells you the intended role of the data: social and messaging, not replacing every part of your phone service with mobile coverage.
How much should you expect to use? If you tend to post photos, refresh feeds constantly, and watch lots of media on the go, you can eat through high-speed quickly. Once you hit the cap, the plan switches speed to 3G. In real life, that often means you keep connectivity, but data-heavy actions can feel slower.
So I look at the 40GB as your runway for high-speed use. Then, once you slow down, you shift to lighter tasks like messaging, quick browsing, and Wi-Fi-first habits when you can.
Oxford Street and Notting Hill: Using Data Where You Actually Walk

The plan is structured around two London areas: Oxford Street and Notting Hill. Even though this is a data product, those spots are a useful way to think about real coverage, because you will be moving around a lot and you will naturally want your phone to work reliably in the moment.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street is the kind of place where your phone becomes your real-time travel buddy. With mobile data, you can message friends and family on WhatsApp and stay current on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter while you walk and browse.
The practical benefit here is timing. You do not want to discover your connection is flaky after you are already deep into the shopping streets. With this plan, the goal is straightforward: stay connected while you explore and keep your social and messaging apps working without stopping to swap SIMs.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill is another area where you might naturally find yourself switching between quick messages, checking posts, and keeping in touch. The same data features apply.
One caution to keep in mind: there is a documented issue from real users about poor or no reception in some areas of the UK. That does not mean the plan is useless. It means you should still expect uneven coverage depending on where you are, how you move, and how your phone is searching for signal.
If you’re the kind of traveler who needs constant mobile connectivity for everything, consider bringing a simple fallback plan (Wi-Fi where possible, or less reliance on data-heavy actions).
Speed Changes to 3G: The Real-World Impact

This plan is explicit about its speed behavior: high-speed data is capped, and after you use the included amount, speed switches to 3G.
Why that matters is simple. Many travel uses stay workable on slower speeds, like messaging and quick social check-ins. But anything that depends on fast loading, large uploads, or constant refresh can feel more annoying once you transition to 3G.
My advice is to use the high-speed portion with intention:
- Treat your first stretch as the time for heavier browsing and more uploads
- Then switch to lighter usage after the cap if you’re planning a longer trip
Also, keep an eye on when your service is supposed to last. One reported issue included the eSIM stopping about two days before the booked plan finished, so it’s worth watching your service status during your trip. If that happens, contact Xplori right away and ask for a fair solution. The support reply specifically mentions they can offer options like a partial refund when problems occur.
Remote Customer Service From Xplori: Peace of Mind, Not Magic

The plan includes remote customer service from the provider, Xplori. That’s important because eSIM issues tend to be setup or configuration related, not something that requires you to meet someone in person.
Here’s the practical way to think about it:
- If activation doesn’t work at first, it’s often a settings problem on your phone
- If service stops earlier than expected, you should escalate quickly
One helpful detail from the provider’s response is that they acknowledge eSIM setups can require small phone setting changes. So rather than assuming the plan is broken, you can expect troubleshooting guidance.
The best approach is calm and fast. If your data is failing, don’t wait days. Reach out while you still have time to fix it during the trip window.
Price Value at $4.75: When This Beats the Airport SIM

At $4.75 per person, this is positioned as a value alternative to buying a SIM at the airport. Whether it truly beats the airport price depends on what you would otherwise buy, but the logic is solid.
Airport SIMs often cost more because you’re buying under pressure, with limited options nearby. Here, you’re buying a digital plan in advance and activating with a QR code you receive by email. That can save money and, just as importantly, save time.
The plan’s value also depends on your trip shape:
- If you want WhatsApp and social access in the UK without swapping SIMs
- If you’re comfortable with mobile data only
- If you have an eSIM-compatible phone
If you need calling and texting through the SIM itself, this plan is not the right fit. One clear complaint was exactly that: it was data only, with no calls or texting available. So if phone calls and SMS are essential for you, you’ll likely do better with a plan that covers those services.
Should You Book This UK and EU eSIM Plan?

Book it if you want an easy, low-cost way to stay connected across the UK plus 34 EU countries with up to 40GB on EE, activated by QR code email. It’s a good match for WhatsApp and social check-ins, and remote support can help if your phone settings need tweaks.
Skip it or think twice if you require calls and texts through your SIM, or if you already know you depend on very consistent coverage in every corner of the UK. Also, because there are reports of service stopping early and of reception being poor in some areas, I’d keep expectations realistic. Make sure your phone is eSIM-ready, and have a backup plan for any must-do communications that can’t wait.
If you do your setup early, treat the 40GB as your high-speed runway, and plan for slower 3G after the cap, this can be a smart, simple buy for your London days around Oxford Street and Notting Hill.
FAQ
How long does the eSIM plan last?
It covers 3 to 30 days, depending on the duration you select when you book.
How much data do I get?
You get up to 40GB of data for the duration you selected.
Which countries are included?
The plan covers the UK plus 34 EU countries.
What network does it use in the UK?
It uses EE, described as the best local telecoms network for the UK connection.
How do I activate the eSIM?
You receive a QR code by email and activate the eSIM using that QR code.
Is there in-person pickup or a meeting point?
No. This is a purely digital product with no pickup or meetup.
Does it work for calls and texting?
This is designed as mobile data only, so it does not include calls or texting service.
What happens after I use the high-speed data?
After you use the included high-speed amount, data speed switches to 3G.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel for free, and for a full refund you must cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.
















