Travel eSIM data in 190+ countries, without roaming fees
More plans and lower prices than the big eSIM apps, on networks you know: Orange, Vodafone, Three, O2 and more. Install in two minutes and land online, from £1.50.
● ConnectedEurope · Orange41 countries
GB left of 20
Pick your network.
Land online.
Or your money back.
Most eSIM apps give you a mystery connection. With Mapians, you choose the actual network, like Three, Orange, Vodafone or O2, and see exactly what you get before you pay.
Named operators side by side, not "best available". Compare them like flights.
A 30-day money-back guarantee that covers installed eSIMs too.
Fast, helpful support from people who know eSIMs, with a better SLA than other providers.
From £0.15/GB with no hidden fees.
Popular eSIM destinations
More plans. Lower prices. Real networks.
Most eSIM apps sell one plan per country from one wholesale supplier. We offer local, regional, global and branded operator plans side by side, so you pick the cheapest one that fits your trip.
Travel 15: 25GB across 40 countries for £8.99. Published Airalo UK pricing works out at about €0.72/GB.
Per-day, fixed data, truly unlimited and network bundles with home-country data plus roaming. Choose by how you actually use your phone.
Orange, Vodafone, Three, O2, Llamaya, KDDI and dtac/TRUE. Genuine operator eSIMs from an authorised distributor, not anonymous resold data.
eSIM explained in 30 seconds
An eSIM is a SIM card that's already built into your phone. Instead of buying a plastic card abroad, you download a local data plan by scanning a code. Your normal SIM stays in your phone, so your WhatsApp and number don't change.
Jargon buster
GB (data)
How much internet you can use. Maps and WhatsApp use very little; video uses the most.
Validity
How many days the plan lasts, counted from when you first connect abroad.
Roaming
Using your home network abroad. Usually expensive; switch it off on your home SIM.
Hotspot
Sharing your phone's internet with a laptop or a friend.
Unlimited
No data limit. Speeds may slow with extreme use (fair use).
Unlocked phone
A phone not tied to one network. Needed to add an eSIM.
Most travellers still pay too much to get online abroad
The two usual options are your home network's roaming pass or a SIM bought at the airport. Both cost more and take more effort than they should.
Expensive and capped
- Daily passes that add up fast on a two-week trip
- Small fair-use caps, then throttling or extra charges
- Bill shock when you cross into a non-covered country
- Pricing often unclear until the bill arrives
Queues, markups and hassle
- Tourist pricing at arrivals counters
- Queues after a long flight; kiosks closed at night
- Passport registration, language barriers, a SIM tool
- Your home SIM in your pocket, easy to lose
- No data to book a taxi or message family on landing
Sorted before you fly
- Prices shown upfront, from £1.50
- Online the moment you land, before passport control
- Keep your home SIM and WhatsApp number in the phone
- One plan for a single country, a region or the world
- 24/7 Live Chat and a 30-day money-back guarantee
How much will you save on your trip?
Three quick answers. We compare roaming, an airport SIM and the Mapians plan we'd recommend. All amounts in GBP.
Airport SIM price (optional)
Roaming and airport figures are your inputs or typical examples. Mapians prices are plan prices including tax, converted at an indicative exchange rate.
MONEY-BACK
Six commitments, in writing, before you pay
If we don't keep one, raise a ticket or message us on Live Chat and we'll put it right or refund you.
Not connected because of us, or not installed? Full refund within 30 days.
If your eSIM doesn't connect on arrival and we can't fix it, you get a refund.
Deleted it by mistake or the install failed? We send a new one at no cost.
Support around the clock on Live Chat and tickets, with response times faster than other eSIM providers.
The price you see includes tax. No activation fees, no auto-renewals unless you choose them.
Find the same plan cheaper from a UK-based provider within 7 days and we refund the difference.
Why are Mapians plans so affordable?
Cheap can feel risky. Here's exactly why our prices are lower, and why the quality isn't.
Find the same plan cheaper at another UK-based eSIM provider within 7 days and we'll refund the difference.
We're an authorised distributor for Orange, Vodafone, Three, O2 and others, so there's no middleman markup.
No shops, no plastic, no shipping. Those savings go into your price.
You connect to the same Orange, Vodafone and Three masts as everyone else. Lower price, same signal.
If it doesn't connect, you get your money back. We can only offer that because it works.
You're buying from a registered British business
Not an anonymous app. Our company details are public and you can check them yourself on the UK government register.
- Company number
- 16116903
- Registered office
- 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, United Kingdom
- VAT number
- GB 452 8391 20
- ICO data protection
- ZB619042
- Payments
- Stripe · PCI-DSS Level 1
- Network partners
- Authorised distributor
Top European networks, one tap away
Big allowances on Europe's best-known operators. Each network has its own page with every plan.
Orange eSIM
Tier-1 French operator · Holiday Europe eSIMsfrom £3.49 VVodafone eSIM
Pan-European 4G/5G · Big data allowancesfrom £9.99 TThree UK eSIM
UK mobile number included · Long validity optionsfrom £10.00 O2O2 eSIM
Reliable UK & EU roaming · Strong urban 5Gfrom £36.00 LLlamaya eSIM
MásMóvil Group · Great-value Spain & EU datafrom £8.99All Europe plans
Compare every network side by sideOpen →Built for the way you travel
Holiday travellers
Maps, photos, bookings and video calls home without watching the meter.
Learn more →Business & corporate
Land ready for Teams calls. Company accounts with one invoice.
Learn more →Students abroad
Big monthly data while you set up a local contract and bank.
Learn more →Seafarers & crew
Data in port and shore leave across multiple countries, with crew discount.
Learn more →Online in three steps, all from your phone
No shop, no queue, no plastic SIM, no passport copy at a kiosk.
Where to?Choose your destination and plan
Search 190+ countries and pick a plan by data, days and price. Our plan finder recommends one in seconds.
Scan this code to install your UK eSIM.
Get your eSIM instantly
Pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay or card. Your QR code arrives by email and in the Mapians app within seconds.
My eSIMsInstall, land, connect
Install at home over Wi-Fi. When you land, switch on data roaming for Mapians and you're online.
Watch real travellers use Mapians
Rated Excellent by 200,000+ travellers
“I used a Mapians eSIM during my 3-week trip across France, Germany, and Italy. Activation took less than two minutes, and I had reliable 5G coverage throughout the journey without swapping physical SIM cards or paying roaming.”
Europe trip · France, Germany, Italy
“I've tried several eSIM providers, but Mapians offered the best balance of pricing and coverage. The connection remained stable across multiple airports and cities, making travel much easier.”
Multi-country travel · 190+ coverage
“As a remote worker traveling between Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore, reliable internet is essential. Mapians delivered consistent speeds for video calls, navigation, and daily work with zero hassle.”
Digital nomad · Southeast Asia
“I travel internationally for work almost every month. Mapians keeps my data costs predictable and I land connected for emails, meetings, and client calls without roaming bill shock.”
Business traveller · Regular flights
“Purchased a Japan eSIM through Mapians before my trip. The QR code arrived instantly, activation was simple, and KDDI coverage was excellent throughout Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.”
Japan trip · Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
“Our family used Mapians during a two-week vacation. Everyone stayed connected without needing separate local SIM cards. It saved time, money, and a lot of hassle.”
Family holiday · Europe vacation
“Bought a regional plan before our port rotation in Asia. Connected the moment we came alongside and called home on WhatsApp without paying high ship satellite rates.”
Seafarer · 3rd Marine Engineer
Frequently asked questions
Still unsure? Our 24/7 Live Chat and ticket team will help.
What is a travel eSIM?
An eSIM is a SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting plastic, you scan a QR code and your phone downloads a mobile plan. A Mapians travel eSIM gives you local data in the country you visit, at local-style prices instead of roaming rates.
When should I buy and install it?
Buy any time before you travel and install it at home over Wi-Fi. Most plans only start counting days when they first connect to a supported network at your destination. Check the validity rule on your plan page.
Will I keep my WhatsApp and home number?
Yes. Your home SIM stays in your phone for calls and SMS (switch its roaming off to avoid charges) and your WhatsApp number does not change. The Mapians eSIM handles data.
Does the eSIM include a phone number?
Most plans are data-only. You can call and message over WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, Teams and similar apps. Some network plans, such as Three UK, come with a UK number.
Is my phone compatible?
Most phones from 2019 onwards support eSIM, including iPhone XS/XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. The phone must be carrier-unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM.
Can I use hotspot / tethering?
Yes, hotspot is supported on our plans so you can share data with a laptop or a travel companion. Usage counts against your plan.
eSIM guides and destination tips
Mapians vs Saily eSIM: Why Mapians Could Be the Better Choice for Your Next Trip in 2026
Mapians vs Saily eSIM: Quick Comparison1. Why Consider Mapians Instead of Saily?Compare different data allowan...
Mapians vs Holafly: Which Is the Best eSIM for Europe in 2026?
Quick comparison: Mapians vs Holafly1. Why consider Mapians for your Europe trip?Compare data allowances inste...
eSIM for Indonesian Seafarers: The Complete Guide to Staying Connected Abroad
What Is an eSIM for Indonesian Seafarers?Important: Does an eSIM work in the middle of the ocean?Why Indonesia...
More plans, lower prices, real networks
The same trip usually costs less with Mapians, especially on 10GB and above.
| Mapians | Airalo | Holafly | Saily | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | £1.50 | from about US$4.50 | day plans from US$3.90 | from US$1.99 (selected countries) |
| Big-data value (Europe) | 25GB / 28 days £8.99 · £0.36/GB (Llamaya) | €0.72 / GB (UK 50GB, 30 days, €36) | Sold mainly as unlimited daily plans | Close to Airalo on most plans |
| Branded operator eSIMs | Orange, Vodafone, Three, O2, Llamaya, KDDI, dtac | Network not always named before purchase | Varies by destination | Varies |
| Plan types | Per-day, fixed, unlimited, network bundles | Fixed + some unlimited | Mostly unlimited | Fixed + some unlimited |
| Dedicated seafarer plans | Yes, with crew discount | No | No | No |
| Refunds | 30-day money-back guarantee | Full refund only if the eSIM was not installed | Conditions apply | Flexible policy |
| Pay in your currency | 9 currencies incl. ₹, AED, SAR | Multiple | Multiple | Multiple |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat & tickets, priority SLA | Chat, email, WhatsApp · no phone line | Chat | Chat |
| Unlimited plans | Yes: UK, Japan, Thailand + more | Some destinations (3GB/day then 1Mbps) | Yes, with fair-use slowdowns | Some plans |
| Hotspot on unlimited | Allowed (fair use shown upfront) | Varies | Capped 500MB–1GB/day | Allowed |
| Seller | UK-registered company, verifiable | Singapore-based | Spain-based | Part of Nord Security |
Competitor information from published pages and third-party comparisons (Saily blog, May 2026; Amigo eSIM, Oct 2026; Jetpac review, 2026). Prices change often, so check each provider's site before buying.
Most "unlimited" data isn't really unlimited
Under operators' fair-use policies, many unlimited plans give you a set amount of high-speed data, then cut you to a crawl. Here's what the small print says, from published sources.
| Provider | How it's sold | What actually happens | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Unlimited (selected destinations) | 3GB high-speed per 24 hours, then 1Mbps | Saily review of Airalo, 2026 |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | Fair-use slowdowns after heavy use; hotspot capped at 500MB/day (Europe) or 1GB/day (Asia) | Jetpac Holafly review, 2026 |
| T-Mobile (US roaming) | Unlimited data abroad | 5GB high-speed, then 256kbps | ShopBack US roaming guide, Aug 2026 |
| Jio (India) roaming packs | "Unlimited" data packs | 1GB–10GB high-speed, then 64kbps | Jio packs as published (prune.co.in, July 2025) |
| e& (UAE) Daily Data | Daily roaming data | 500MB per day, then 64kbps | eand.ae Roaming Daily Data Plan, 2026 |
Video calls, HD streaming, hotspot, maps
Maps and messages; video buffers
Slow web pages, photos take ages
WhatsApp text only. Maps barely load
We tell you exactly how much full-speed data you get
- Every plan shows its full-speed allowance in GB, upfront
- Per-day plans clearly say what happens after the daily allowance (128kbps until midnight)
- Big fixed plans like 100GB give full speed the whole time, from £0.15/GB
- Speed caps, such as KDDI's 10Mbps option, are shown on the plan before you buy
Fair-use details are taken from the providers' published terms or from the reviews named in the Source column, and can change. Check each provider's current terms.
How Mapians compares, with the numbers
Published prices, compared like for like. Sources listed underneath.
Price per GB
Lower is better.
30 days in Europe
Most travellers use under 1.5GB a day, so 100GB covers a month of heavy use for well under half the price.
What's included
Sources: Mapians plan prices (Oct 2026); Airalo UK pricing via Amigo eSIM comparison (Oct 2026); Holafly pricing, hotspot limits and plan start rules via Jetpac review (2026); Airalo support and refund themes via Saily review and Kimola consumer insights (2026). Currency conversions are indicative.
The top eSIM complaints, and how we fixed each one
From analysis of customer reviews across the market: connectivity is 40% of complaints, activation problems 23%, and support 20%.
Unknown "best available" networks and heavy throttling.
We name the exact operator and speed before you buy, and use tier-1 networks like Three, Orange, Vodafone and O2.
Confusing APN settings and one-shot QR codes.
One-tap install in the app, a 5-second device check at checkout, and a free replacement if anything fails.
Slow replies when you're stuck abroad.
24/7 Live Chat and tickets answered by trained people, with a faster SLA than other providers.
Refunds only if the eSIM was never installed.
30-day money-back guarantee, including when it's installed but won't connect.
Some plans start counting from purchase.
Install early: most Mapians plans start when you first connect abroad. Each plan states its rule.
Daily tethering caps on unlimited plans.
Hotspot allowed on our plans, with any fair-use limit stated upfront.
Hard to tell how much data you actually need.
Plan finder recommends one plan from your trip length and usage, in plain words.
Complaint shares from Kimola's consumer-insight analysis of Airalo reviews (2026); other issues from Jetpac and Saily reviews.
We stay with you for the whole trip
Most eSIM sellers stop at the QR code. That's where our service starts.
- 0 minInstant delivery
QR code by email and in the app, with one-tap install.
- Day beforePre-trip check
A reminder to install over Wi-Fi, and a quick check it's ready.
- On landingAuto-connect + arrival tips
Your plan activates on the local network. We send a simple "you're connected" guide.
- During tripLow-data alerts & top-ups
Alerts at 80% used and top-ups in two taps, so you never run dry.
- Any time24/7 Live Chat & tickets
Fast answers in plain language, around the clock.
- After tripMoney-back if it failed
If it didn't work, you're covered for 30 days.
You see the real network before you pay
- Operator name on every plan: Three, Orange, Vodafone, O2, KDDI, TRUE
- Speed shown upfront: 4G, 5G or capped speeds like 10Mbps
- Coverage list for every country on the plan
- If a network underperforms, we move you to another partner network free
Trusted by networks, payment providers and travellers
Sending employees abroad? Cut travel data costs for good.
One account for every employee trip: client visits, events, project deployments. Lower cost than roaming packs, central billing, and a team that treats you as a long-term partner.
Land connected. Pay local prices.
Pick your destination, get your QR code by email and set up in two minutes.
Buy, install and top up from your phone
Check data left, get low-balance alerts, top up in two taps and reach support from inside the app.