Best eSIM providers and plans in Scotland in 2024
Our skilled writers & in-house research team are behind the biggest cybersecurity stories, like The Mother Of All Breaches & WhatsApp Data Leak.
We closely analyze the services, check their features & openly share our testing methods with everyone.
Learn more
Proper planning can enhance your Scotland trip, whether you visit the beautiful Loch Lomond Shore Balloch, explore the National Museum of Scotland, or take the Edinburgh bus tour.
Budgeting and preparation can prevent complications and reduce the risk of overspending. One of the travelers' most common forgotten-about needs is phone services — calls, texts, and data. After all, roaming fees, surprise bills, and no service errors are not what you want to face when you arrive in Scotland.
Thankfully, eSIMs offer a convenient solution. The best eSIMs for Scotland allow you to stay connected without roaming fees and use the most reliable networks for comprehensive coverage on flexible packages designed with travelers in mind.
Today, I rank the 5 best eSIMs for Scotland, reveal the most effective ways to pick the right provider for you, and explain everything else you need to know before choosing an eSIM.
Best 5 eSIMs in Scotland – shortlist
- Saily – best overall eSIM for trips to Scotland
- Airalo – for flexible offers on UK eSIMs
- Nomad – a highly-trusted provider
- Jetpac – the cheapest eSIM for Scotland
- aloSIM – for good value EU deals
What to consider before buying an eSIM for Scotland?
There are a few key features to look out for when picking the best eSIM provider. These are the most important:
- Coverage. Look for a provider with vast Scottish coverage from big cities to small towns. Many eSIMs include Scotland in its UK plans, enabling you to use your prepaid data in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Network Quality. Pick an eSIM partnered with one or more of Scotland’s most reliable networks. For example, EE has the best 4G coverage in the UK – 99% and aims for full 5G coverage by 2028.
- Data plans and pricing. Select a plan suitable for your data usage, trip duration, and budget. You can get 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 50, or even 100GB of Scottish data for between $0.83/GB and $5/GB, depending on your chosen provider and type of plan.
- Device compatibility. Make sure your device supports eSIMs. It’s also important to check your desired provider’s website to ensure it supports your specific phone or table model. Ideally, you want to choose a provider with many supported devices to avoid device-swapping complications.
- Additional Features. Look out for bonus offers and features. Some eSIMs for Scotland, such as Airalo, have a loyalty program offering up to 10% cashback. Others, including aloSIM, have an invite program — $3 per successful sign-up.
Compare the best travel eSIMs for Scotland
Looking at coverage, compatibility, pricing, customer service, app quality, and other key features, I ranked the best eSIMs for Scotland. These are the top 5 and why.
1. Saily – the best overall eSIM for trips to Scotland
| Coverage: | 150+ countries |
| Network in Scotland: | BT/EE |
| Regional plans: | No |
| Starting at: | $4.49 |
Overall, Saily is the best choice for Scottish data, with reliable networks, helpful customer service, and plenty of affordable deals.
Plan options. Saily has a UK-only plan covering England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. You can choose between 5 data sizes, ranging from 1GB to 20GB and lasting up to 30 days, suiting most travellers' needs.
Service. Using BT/EE in Scotland, it’s nearly certain you’ll get 4G at the very least and fast 5G in highly populated cities.
Customer experience. Signing up, purchasing data packages, and activating plans are made simple through Saily’s easy-to-use app. Plus, on the odd occasion you need help, its 24/7 live chat support resolves queries quickly.
Pricing. With most of its UK offers less than $3.00/GB, Saily is a reasonable and affordable data source in the country. It’s especially great if you need more extensive data, offering 20GB for just $31.99.
2. Airalo – for flexible offers on UK eSIMs
| Coverage: | 200+ countries and regions |
| Network in Scotland: | O2 (supports 5G) |
| Regional plans: | Yes, including Europe |
| Starting at: | $4.50 |
With 8 data sizes, 6 term lengths, four coverage options, and call/SMS services options on UK eSIMS, Airalo is perfect for those who want maximum flexibility.
Plan options. Scotland data is in Airalo’s UK, 39-country European, and 124-country Global plans, as well as its Scotland-only package. 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 20GB are your options for Scotland and the UK, or you can get up to 100GB on its Europe plan.
Service. Patterned with O2, Airalo offers vast 4G coverage across the UK (above 85%) and excellent 5G speeds in highly populated Scottish cities, including Edinburgh.
Customer experience. Some customers have found using Airalo’s app a little trickier to use. But if you’re not too tech-savvy and need help, there’s a friendly WhatsApp and email support team.
Pricing. Whether you’re planning a short trip to Scotland or a lengthy journey around Europe, with Airalo, you’re sure to get good value. Its Scotland-only deals cost between $4.50/GB and $1.3/GB, and you can get its long-lasting EU plan for as little as $1.85/GB.
3. Nomad – a highly-trusted provider
| Coverage: | 200+ countries and regions |
| Network in Scotland: | BT/EE (supports 5G) |
| Regional plans: | Yes, including Europe |
| Starting at: | $5.00 |
Nomad has thousands of positive reviews. It’s well-praised for its user-friendly app, helpful customer service, and reliable coverage in more than 200+ countries and regions, including Scotland.
Plan options. Nomad’s UK, Europe, or Global deals have you covered for Scotland data. With easy top-ups and 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20GB options, it’s perfect for most Scottish Trips - long or short.
Service. Nomad has 99% 4G UK coverage because it's partnered with one of the best UK networks (BT/EE). It also supports 5G in 1000 UK cities and towns, including more rural areas like Fort William.
Customer experience. Its well-designed mobile app makes the eSIM process simple – from purchasing to activation, and its customer service team is professional and helpful. However, with only ticket support, you might have to wait a little longer for a response.
Pricing. Nomad’s UK 20GB deal costs just $33 ($1.65/GB), and its same-size 35-country EU plan — $35. Even its smaller EU packages are great value, $14 for 5GB!
4. Jetpac – the cheapest eSIM for Scotland
| Coverage: | 100+ countries |
| Network in Scotland: | EE, 3, and O2 (supports 5G) |
| Regional plans: | Yes, including Europe |
| Starting at: | $4.00 |
For the cheapest deals, Jetpac is best. Most Scottish data plans are under $2/GB, and there are numerous affordable EU and global offers.
Plan options. Jetpac’s UK plans include Scotland, or you can opt for its European or Global offers. With 8 data sizes (1-40GB), it offers excellent choices for short-term trips and heavy data users.
Service. Partnering with EE, Jetpac also supports vast 4G and 5G coverage in Scottish towns and cities. Plus, you get a more reliable signal with two additional network partners – 3 and O2.
Customer experience. With 24/7 live chat and WhatsApp support, Jetpac is always available, no matter your time zone. However, assistance isn’t often needed thanks to its top-tier eSIM app and premium service.
Pricing. It's the best value for money on UK eSIM data. You can get 3GB for $7, 15GB for $15, and 40GB for $33 ($0.83/GB.) 8 of its 9 data options on its 28-country EU plans are under $2.00!
5. aloSIM – for good value on EU deals
| Coverage: | 170+ countries |
| Network in Scotland: | 3, O2, and EE (supports 5G) |
| Regional plans: | Yes, including Europe |
| Starting at: | $5.00 |
aloSIMs EU eSIMs offer a lot - data lasting up to 180 days, prices as little as $1.85/GB, and options from 1-100GB.
Plan options. For Scottish data AloSIM, you can choose between its UK-only, UK and Republic of Ireland or European packages. With its UK plans, you can opt for 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, or 20GB. Its Europe plan has higher data options – 50 and 100GB.
Service. aloSIM has partnered with 3, o2, and EE for its UK plans. So, a reliable 4G signal is nearly guaranteed, and if you’re visiting a highly-populated city such as Glasgow, fast 5G is available.
Customer experience. Setting up and using an eSIM with aloSIM is as simple as possible. Plus, when you need help, its friendly and helpful customer service team are available 24/7.
Pricing. Its UK 20GB deal is $1.80/GB, and its 180-day-lasting 100GB EU package costs just $1.85/GB. So, aloSIM is an excellent pick for long European trips and heavy-data users visiting Scotland.
Compare the best eSIM providers in Scotland
I created a table to compare Scottish eSIM providers' key features to find and rank the best. Take a look to make the best choice for your upcoming trip!
| Provider | Saily | Airalo | Nomad | Jetpac | aloSIM |
| Plan duration | 7 or 30 days | 7, 15, 30, 90, 180, or 365 days | 7 or 30 days | 4, 7, or 30 days | 7, 15, 30, 90, or 180 days |
| Data options | 1, 3, 5, 10, or 20GB | 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100GB | 1, 3, 5, 10, or 20GB | 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 40GB | 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100GB |
| Data sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best plan | $1.60/GB ($31.99 total – UK) | $1.30/GB ($26 total – Scotland) | $1.65/GB ($33 total – UK) | $0.83/GB ($33 total – UK | $1.80/GB ($36 total – UK) |
| Price range (for all plans covering Scotland) | $4.49 – $31.99 | $4.50 – $185 | $5 – $57 | $4 – $80 | $5 – $185 |
| Network | BT/EE | O2 | BT and EE (3 and Vodafone on 1GB) | Everything Everywhere, 3, and O2 | 3, O2, and EE |
| Support | 24/7 live chat support, email, and ticket support | email and Whatsapp | Ticket support | 24/7 live chat, email, and Whatsapp | 24/7 live chat, and email |
How did we rank eSIMs for Scotland?
I ranked the best eSIMs for Scotland, looking at key features, including data sizes, renewal terms, speeds, network reliability, service quality, and more.
| Criteria | Description |
| Coverage | Does it offer full Scottish coverage? Are there UK and comprehensive EU plans? |
| Network Connection | What are the best mobile networks in Scotland and which providers use them? |
| Compatibility | Is there excellent support for a vast number of devices? |
| Price | How much does each package cost and is it good value overall? |
| Support | Is it easy to get hold of customer service and are they helpful? |
Coverage. Using product pages, I listed each provider’s plans for Scotland, the UK, and the EU and its coverage in other countries and regions to pick only eSIMs with comprehensive international support.
Network Connection. I found the network partners for every eSIM I reviewed by inspecting product details and contacting customer service when necessary. I determined network quality with coverage maps and considered it in my rankings.
Compatibility. I read tutorials and FAQs to pick eSIMs with easy activation and support for iOS (iPhone eSIMs) and Android devices. I favored eSIMs with a long list of supported devices.
Price. For every provider, I listed each package covering Scotland, including its price and the data amount, to calculate the cost per GB and identify the best value options.
How to activate an eSIM card – quick guide
Activating an eSIM is relatively simple. The steps you need to take differ from provider to provider, but generally, there are a few ways to get started, whether you’re setting up an eSIM on a Samsung or iPhone.
- Scan a QR code. In your phone settings, enter the Mobile Network section. Find your SIM Card Manager; you should see the eSIM adding option. Once selected, select the QR set-up option and scan the provider's code.
- Manual setup. On your eSIM provider’s website, click on your plan and copy the SM-DP+ address. Locate your eSIM settings on your phone device – its location depends on your device. Typically, it’s somewhere like Settings > Connection > SIM Card Manager > Add eSIM. Choose manual setup, paste the code, and confirm.
- Via app. Download your provider’s app, open it, and log in. The best eSIM apps have an automated activation process which guides you through setting up with easy-to-follow instructions for your specific device model.
- Via provider's website. Log into your eSIM provider's site. Locate the QR or SM-DP+ code in your account dashboard and add it to your device’s SIM card manager.
- Get help. You can always contact your provider if you’re struggling to activate your eSIM. You can use live chat, email, in-store, or a call – depending on what support methods the provider is offering and what works best for you.
What are the advantages of using an eSIM in Scotland?
The advantages of using an eSIM in Scotland include:
- Flexible. With no lengthy contracts or in-store visits required, easy-to-switch plans, and digital SIM swapping – eSIMs are incredibly convenient for trips to Scotland.
- Practical. Many providers for Scotland offer a wide range of data and numerous term lengths — ideally suited for short and long trips. Plus, it often costs a lot less because there’s no roaming fees.
- Safe. eSIMs are entirely software-based. So, there’s no risk of losing your SIM card or having it stolen. This adds a layer of protection to your mobile services and personal info.
- Sustainable. Traditional SIMs require a physical card made from plastic and metal. But with eSIMs, there’s no hardware, which means no unnecessary electrical waste and a reduced carbon footprint.
Final thoughts about best eSIM travel plans and providers for Scotland
With an eSIM for your Scotland trip, you can dodge your local network roaming fees and get a prepaid plan ideally suited to your needs. There are no lengthy contracts, and you can enjoy top-tier speeds without the hassle of traditional SIMs! Although the perfect Scottish eSIM for you in the Dominican Republic depends on your needs, there are a few you should consider.
Saily is the best eSIM provider overall, with 99% 4G coverage and 5G in 1000 cities and towns across the UK on budget-friendly plans. Plus, activation is easy thanks to its incredible app and 24/7 customer service team!
However, Scotland is only in Saily’s UK plan. Airalo offers flexible multi-country packages that are better suited for frequent flyers. It has affordable single-country, UK, European, and global packages that include Scotland.
Nomad is a reliable choice. With thousands of positive reviews, flexible UK packages, and four network partners, you’ll likely have a premium eSIM experience for a lower price.
Read more eSIM guides on Cybernews
FAQ
How do I get eSIM in Scotland?
To get an eSIM for Scotland, purchase one, install the app, and follow the activation instructions provided. Try Saily it offers an easier setup process thanks to its user-friendly app and top-tier customer service.
What are the disadvantages of eSIMs?
The activation process is the most significant disadvantage to eSIMs. You must take multiple steps, make settings changes, and potentially encounter complications with device compatibility. However, the best eSIMs for Scotland have premium-quality apps, semi-automatic activation, and vast device support.
Should I install eSIM before traveling?
Yes, you should install an eSIM before traveling. eSIMs require an internet connection to activate. So, if you’re traveling to a country where you’re unsure if you can get WiFi and don’t have a backup SIM, it’s best to install your eSIM in advance to avoid complications.
How to get data in Scotland?
Public WiFi, prepaid cards, a data roaming plan, and eSIMs are all ways to get data in Scotland. Many cafes and restaurants have free internet access. Prepaid SIMs are available at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. You can use your international SIM if you don’t mind paying roaming fees or use an eSIM such as Saily for an often more affordable and straightforward solution.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are markedmarked