Best eSIM for Scotland in 2025

Looking for the best eSIM for Scotland in 2025? With about 91% of adults in Scotland using the internet, staying connected across cities and the Highlands is essential.

In this guide we break down what to consider, compare six providers head to head, and highlight which ones stand out.

Holafly is notable for unlimited data and flexible durations, O2 and Vodafone include calls and SMS with a UK number, and Airalo, Saily, and Orange Travel offer strong budget and high-data options for different trip lengths and styles.

Things to consider when choosing an eSIM for Scotland

The best eSIM for you depends on your trip length, data needs, and how you plan to use your phone. Before picking a provider, keep these factors in mind:

• Coverage in Scotland (and the wider UK if needed): Strong coverage across Scotland should be your top priority. However, if your travel plans extend to England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, look for an eSIM that includes full UK coverage.
• Unlimited data options: If you rely heavily on navigation, social media, or streaming, unlimited data ensures you won’t run out mid-trip.
• Plan duration flexibility: Some eSIMs let you choose from 1 to 90 days, while others are locked into 30-day cycles. Pick what matches your travel dates best.
• Tethering and hotspot use: If you’ll connect a laptop or share data with family, confirm that the eSIM allows hotspot use, as some unlimited plans restrict this.
• Refunds and customer support: Travel plans can change quickly. Choose a provider that offers refunds and has responsive support to resolve activation or usage issues.
• Overall value for money: The cheapest plan isn’t always the best. Unlimited data and wide coverage may cost a bit more but offer peace of mind during your trip.
• Call and SMS availability: Not every eSIM includes voice minutes or texts. If you’ll need to call locally or receive verification codes, make sure your plan supports it.

The best eSIM for Scotland

According to our research, here are the top eSIM providers for Scotland, with the essential details to help you pick the best eSIM for Scotland based on your travel needs.

Keep in mind that most providers offer eSIMs for the whole UK, not just Scotland, which is especially helpful if you plan to explore other parts of the UK or nearby countries.

Data disclaimer: All data in this review is accurate as of September 14, 2025, and can change thereafter.

1. Holafly

• Rating: 4.5/5 (Trustpilot)
• Pricing: Starts at $3.90 USD per day
• Coverage: 200+ countries, 15 regions, and one global
• Calls/SMS: No

Holafly is an eSIM provider that offers unlimited data plans, available in single-destination, regional, and global options. They also provide a monthly global subscription service called Holafly Plans.

Travelers can choose usage periods from 1 to 90 days, and Holafly refund requests are accepted within six months of purchase, which can give you added flexibility.

Holafly eSIM plans for Scotland:

Pros:

• Unlimited data across all plans
• Flexible usage period from 1 to 90 days
• Great for heavy users who rely on streaming
• Flexible refund policy
• 24/7 live chat customer support
• Monthly subscription plans available
• Holafly app available

Cons:

• Hotspot capped at 1 GB per day
• Can be expensive for long stays
• No local number for calls and SMS

2. O2

• Rating: 4.5/5 (App Store)
• Pricing: Starts at $20 for 20 GB for 30 days
• Coverage: EU, UK, Switzerland
• Calls/SMS: Yes

O2 is a leading telecommunications provider in the UK and offers travel eSIMs through eSIM.net. These plans are full-service plans that include data, calls, and SMS with coverage that extends across the EU, including Scotland, as well as the UK and Switzerland.

O2 Travel eSIM plans for Scotland:

Note: You can buy each eSIM plan for three or six months upon checkout for discounted rates.

Pros:

• Plans come with a +44 O2 UK number
• Offers calls and SMS on top of data allowance
• No restrictions on hotspot access
• Up to 15% discount for subscribing for three or six months

Cons:

• Refund policy not clearly stated
• Only two plan sizes

3. Vodafone

• Rating: 4.3/5 (App Store)
• Pricing: Starts at $20 for 6 GB for 30 days
• Coverage: UK + 75 countries
• Calls/SMS: Yes

Vodafone is a telecommunications company that operates in Europe and Africa. It offers travel eSIM plans through eSIM.net at lower prices. These plans include data, SMS, and calls with no hidden fees.

Vodafone eSIM plans for Scotland:

Pros:

• Offers calls and SMS on top of data allowance
• Includes both fixed data and unlimited data plans
• Up to 15% discount for subscribing for three or six months
• No restrictions on hotspot access

Cons:

• Refund policy not clearly stated

4. Airalo

• Rating: 4.5/5 (App Store and Google Play)
• Pricing: Starts at $4.50 for 1 GB for 7 days
• Coverage: 200+ countries, nine regions, and one global
• Calls/SMS: Yes

Airalo is a Singapore-based eSIM store with its headquarters in Delaware. It offers single-destination, regional, and global plans, and is backed by its global team in over 40 countries across six continents.

As of April 2025, more than 20 million travelers worldwide use Airalo. Airalo’s refund policy allows requests within 30 days of purchase.

Airalo eSIM plans for Scotland:

Pros:

• 24/7 live chat customer support
• Airalo app available
• Very affordable entry-level plans

Cons:

• No long-duration unlimited data plans
• Limited data allowances and durations
• No local number for calls and SMS

5. Saily

• Rating: 4.6/5 (Trustpilot)
• Pricing: Starts at $4.49 for 1 GB for 7 days
• Coverage: 200+ countries, eight regions, and one global
• Calls/SMS: No

Saily is a global eSIM service developed by the team behind NordVPN. It offers flexible data plans in more than 200 destinations, along with Saily Ultra, which is a subscription option designed for frequent travelers who need global coverage.

Saily refund requests can be made within 30 days of purchase.

Saily eSIM plans for Scotland:

Pros:

• No restrictions on hotspot access
• Offers both fixed data and unlimited data plans
• 24/7 live chat customer support
• Security features available
• Saily app available

Cons:

• Most limited data allowances and durations
• No local number for calls and SMS

6. Orange Travel

• Rating: 4/5 (Trustpilot)
• Pricing: Starts at $5.99 for 1 GB for 7 days
• Coverage: 200+ countries, 10 regions, and one global
• Calls/SMS: Yes

Orange Travel is part of Orange, one of the world’s largest telecom providers. It offers both prepaid SIM and eSIM cards and has served over 250 million customers worldwide.

Coverage is supported by Orange’s 26 subsidiaries and more than 700 partner operators. Refund requests can be made within 14 days of purchase.

Orange Travel eSIM plans for Scotland:

Pros:

• Offers calls and SMS on top of data allowance
• No restrictions on hotspot access
• Orange Travel app available

Cons:

• Limited refund window of 14 days
• No unlimited data plans

Comparison of best eSIMs for Scotland

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the main features of each provider to help you choose the best eSIM for Scotland:

Provider		Best for	Unlimited data offering	Lowest price availability	Coverage	Refund policy
Holafly		Heavy data users, flexible durations (1–90 days)	Yes	$3.90 (1 day, UK)	200+ countries, 15 regions, global	6 months
O2		Travelers needing calls, SMS, and a UK number	No	$20 (20 GB, 30 days)	EU, UK, Switzerland	Not clearly stated
Vodafone		Users who want calls/SMS with flexible rolling plans	Yes	20 (6 GB, 30 days)	UK + 75 countries	Not clearly stated
Airalo		Budget travelers, light data use	Yes (only for 10 days)	$4.50 (1 GB, 7 days, UK)	200+ countries, 9 regions, global	30 days
Saily		Mix of budget and unlimited users, mid/long-term stays	Yes	$4.49 (1 GB, 7 days, UK)	200+ countries, 8 regions, global	30 days
Orange Travel		High-data users (30–500 GB) and those needing calls/SMS	No	$5.99 (1 GB, 7 days, UK)	200+ countries, 10 regions, global	14 days

Why do I need an eSIM in Scotland

Using an eSIM in Scotland makes travel smoother by keeping you connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards. Here are a few key reasons travelers choose eSIMs:

• Instant connectivity: Activate your plan before you land and have data ready as soon as you arrive in Scotland.
• Stay connected while exploring: Use maps, translation apps, or rideshare services seamlessly in cities and rural areas.
• Flexible data options: Choose short-term or unlimited plans that fit the length and style of your trip.
• No roaming fees: Avoid high roaming charges from your home carrier by using a local or international eSIM.
• Travel beyond Scotland: Many eSIMs also cover the wider UK, so you stay connected if your trip includes England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

How we chose the best eSIM for Scotland

When comparing eSIMs for Scotland, we focused on the features that matter most to travelers. Here’s what we looked at and why it’s important:

1. Unlimited data

Having unlimited data means you won’t have to constantly track data usage or worry about running out. This is especially useful if you stream, use maps all day, or work while traveling.

2. Flexible validity periods

Not every trip lasts exactly 30 days. eSIMs that offer plans from just a few days up to several weeks give travelers more freedom to match their data plan with the actual length of their stay.

3. Strong network coverage

Reliable coverage ensures you can stay connected throughout Scotland, whether you’re in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow or exploring the Highlands. We also considered providers that extend coverage across the UK, which is helpful for broader travel.

4. Customer support

Access to quick and responsive customer service can make a big difference if you run into setup issues or need troubleshooting while abroad. We prioritized providers with 24/7 support.

5. Pricing

Cost is always a factor. We compared the price of plans relative to the amount of data and coverage offered to make sure you get good value without overpaying.

How to check if my device supports a Scotland eSIM

Before buying an eSIM for Scotland (or the wider UK), you’ll want to confirm two things:

1. Your phone is eSIM compatible.
2. Your phone is carrier unlocked (so it can work with providers outside your home network).

Here’s how to check on both iPhone and Android.

For iPhone:

Most iPhones from the XS / XR (2018) and newer support eSIM, but you can double-check in your settings:

1. Open Settings > General > About.
2. Look for EID (a long number). If you see it, your iPhone has eSIM support.
3. Scroll to Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, your iPhone is unlocked and ready for use abroad.
4. If you don’t see EID, confirm your iPhone model (on the same screen). Models older than iPhone XS / XR don’t support eSIM.

For Android:

Support varies more by brand and model, so it’s best to check in your settings first:

• Open Settings.
• On Google Pixel: Go to Network & internet > SIMs and look for an option like Add eSIM.
• On Samsung Galaxy: Go to Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM.
• If you see an option to add an eSIM, your phone supports it.
• To confirm, go to Settings > About phone and look for an EID number.
• If nothing shows up, check the manufacturer’s official specs for your exact model (some regional versions don’t include eSIM).

At the same time, you also need to make sure your phone is not locked to a carrier. Here’s how to check if your phone is carrier unlocked:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, your phone is unlocked.
• Android: Insert a SIM from another carrier. If it works, your phone is unlocked. If not, contact your carrier to request an unlock.

When to order and how to activate Scotland eSIM

It’s best to order your Scotland eSIM a few days before your trip so you have time to set it up and test it. Most providers will email you an eSIM QR code or activation instructions right after purchase. You can choose to install the eSIM immediately and activate it later, or wait until you arrive in Scotland to switch it on.

On iPhone, eSIM activation usually means going to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Add eSIM and scanning the QR code or entering the details provided by your eSIM provider.

On Android, the steps vary by brand, but you’ll typically find the option under Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > SIM manager/Add eSIM, and then scan the QR code or follow the app’s instructions.

Once added, you can select the eSIM as your main data plan, keep your physical SIM active for calls, or switch between them as needed.

Benefits of having a Scotland eSIM

1. Immediate internet access

You can connect to the internet as soon as you land in Scotland, without needing to search for a local SIM card shop. This makes navigation, ride-hailing apps, and travel updates available right away.

2. No need for a physical SIM card

Since everything is digital, you don’t have to swap out your primary SIM card with your eSIM. This avoids the risk of losing your original SIM while traveling.

3. Multiple profiles on one device

eSIMs let you store several plans on the same phone. You can keep your home country’s SIM active for calls and texts while using your Scotland eSIM for affordable data.

4. Flexible coverage options

Many Scotland eSIMs also include coverage across the UK, so you’re connected whether you stay in Scotland or travel to England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

5. Easy setup and top-up

Buying and activating an eSIM is done online in minutes. Most providers also allow you to top up directly through their apps if you need more data during your trip.

Best eSIM for Scotland: Which one to use

When it comes to choosing the best eSIM for Scotland, each provider has its strengths. O2 is a solid choice if you need a UK number with calls and SMS included. Vodafone offers flexible rolling plans with the option of unlimited UK data and roaming in 75 countries.

Airalo is one of the most budget-friendly options for light data users, while Saily provides both fixed and unlimited plans at competitive rates. Orange Travel stands out for its massive high-data options, going up to 500 GB.

But if you’re looking for the most reliable, hassle-free option, Holafly is the best pick. With unlimited data across all plans, flexible durations from 1 to 90 days, and a generous six-month refund policy, it’s perfectly suited for travelers who don’t want to worry about running out of data while exploring Scotland. Plus, Holafly’s 24/7 support and easy-to-use app make setup seamless.

Best eSIM for Scotland FAQ