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25 June, 2025

Posted by Mike | Spaceships Crew

When you’re travelling through the outer space of the UK or Europe, you’re going to need to stay connected in your Spaceships campervan. But can you use your current phone on your UK or Europe road trip? Well now you can, just by adding an an eSIM to your existing phone.

Here we’ll explain what an eSIM is and how it works. It’s really useful for travellers coming to to the UK or Europe from out of the EU, but it may even be more convenient and save money on data roaming costs for visitors to the UK from the EU as well. We’ll tell you why you should get one and the easy way to get your eSIM.

Do I really need an eSIM?

Your current cell phone has a SIM card which it uses for data and to make calls. This is either a standard, micro or nano card that you slide into your phone. If you want to use your phone in the UK and Europe, you could buy another SIM card and replace the existing one in your phone.

2 travellers in a Spaceships Camper Car

It was left there! Why didn't we get an eSim?

But that’s a bit of a pain, especially on a relatively short trip. You will have to find somewhere to buy a SIM card, then travel and park in a town, mess around trying to replace it, remembering to keep your original SIM card safe. Then you will need to pick a provider and plan and hope that the coverage is good throughout your trip. You could set up a pay as you go plan, maybe on a longer tariff than you actually need. Or you could buy a "burner" phone, just for your trip, but again, it's probably more money, hassle and time than you need to spend.

It doesn’t end there though. You will need to find Wi-Fi somewhere to connect and activate it – and this is all before your trip has even started or you’ve posted that photo of your cool Spaceship or WhatsApp’d the folks back home to tell them you’ve landed! If you don’t jump through all those hoops, there’s a chance that you’ll be hit with heavy data or roaming charges from your current data provider back home.

It’s easier than you think

There is an easier way though. You may not even know this, but if you’ve got a phone made in 2018 or later, the chances are you already have an eSIM embedded into your current phone.

A SIM is a Subscriber Identity Module. An eSIM is an Embedded Subscriber Identity Module. They do the same thing, except an eSIM is, as its name suggests, embedded into your phone already, as opposed to you having to mess around putting a tiny SIM card into a tiny slot in the back of your phone.

Woman in a campervan checking the route

Get an eSim for search, maps, posting & WhatsApp

eSIM for travellers is the simple way to get a data package on your phone in another country. That way you stay connected on your trip from the minute you land in the UK, and can use search, Google Maps, post photos of the fantastic Scottish scenery on Insta, as well as make calls, video calls and message via Whats App. You won’t get minutes or texts, but you can still use Whats App for calls and messaging.

Apple are considering phasing out SIM cards too, so by getting an eSIM now, you’ll be ahead of the curve.

Getting an eSIM is as easy as getting a Spaceship

Your eSIM is in your phone if it is a post 2018 model, but how do you use it? Relax, we’re here to help, and you can do it right here.

We’ve partnered with Saily, one of the world’s leading global eSIM providers, which is owned by the Nord Group who you probably already know from products like Nord VPN and NordPass.

Better still, you can set it all up before you leave home. Just download the Saily app, choose your country and data plans and you are automatically connected and ready to go as soon as you touch down on British soil.

Get on board with Saily in 3 easy steps

Get your data sorted before you leave so you’re connected when you arrive in the UK. You can do it now in 3 easy steps.

  1. Select your UK eSIM data bundle (no worries, you can top up later if you need more)

  2. Download the Saily app and follow the steps to download your eSIM. It's that simple!

Your plan will activate when you arrive so you’re ready to hit the road in your Spaceships campervan - with your phone connected.

Why travellers love the Saily eSIM

Saily might be an unfamiliar name to you (yet) but they have done a lot. The Saily eSIM brand is part of the famous Nord Security Group, the ones that create awesome & secure VPNs. So these are the advantages that Saily brings to the eSIM game, things that not all eSIM brands can offer.

Enhanced security and privacy

When travelling, it's crucial to stay safe online and protect your personal information. Saily eSIM offers a range of security and privacy features designed to give you peace of mind while exploring the world. You can enjoy a more secure and private browsing experience, ensuring that your travels are memorable for all the right reasons.

Ad blocker: browse without distractions

One of the standout features of Saily eSIM is its built-in ad blocker. With just a single click, you can enable the ad blocker in the Saily app and say goodbye to annoying advertisements. Not only does this make for a more relaxed browsing experience, but it also helps you save mobile data and increase browsing speed. By blocking ads, you can focus on what truly matters, enjoying your time in the UK and making the most of your travel experiences.

Web protection: stay safe online

Saily eSIM goes the extra mile to protect you from online threats with its Web Protection feature. This powerful tool allows you to block malicious websites and limit online trackers, ensuring that your personal information remains secure. By enabling Web Protection, you can browse the web with confidence, knowing that Saily is working hard to keep you safe from internet dangers. This feature is particularly useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which can often be risky and vulnerable to hacking attempts.

Virtual location: access content without borders

Another impressive feature offered by Saily eSIM is the ability to change your virtual location effortlessly. With the Saily app, you can choose from over 115 virtual locations, allowing you to browse more privately and access your home content without borders. This feature is perfect for those who want to stay connected to their favourite shows, websites, and services while travelling. By changing your virtual location, you can enjoy a more open and unrestricted internet experience, no matter where your adventures take you.

Relaxing in a spaceships Campervan

Relax... with an eSim you can post that view now

Easy to use and cost-effective

Saily eSIM is designed with simplicity and convenience in mind. To get started, simply download the Saily app and choose a data plan that suits your needs and budget. Your eSIM will activate automatically when you reach your destination, ensuring that you stay connected from the moment you arrive. With Saily, you can avoid sneaky roaming fees and know exactly how much your internet connection will cost before you leave for your trip.

One eSIM for all your trips

With Saily, you can use one eSIM in multiple destinations, making it the perfect travel companion for frequent Space Travellers. Simply top up your data plan and connect to a local network wherever you go. Saily offers both global and regional plans, allowing you to explore entire regions and beyond with ease.

Phone locked and loaded? It's time for lift-off

You’re connected as soon as you arrive. No SIM card to buy, no replacement SIM, no new pay as you go plan, and no stress. You’ve done it all before you travel – the smart way. Your existing SIM card you use at home just stays where it is in your phone, so it’s less likely to get lost or stolen on your trip, and ready to go again as soon as you get back.

Select a plan that best suits the length of your trip and budget. You can top your plan up if you run out of data or need more days, so you won’t pay for data you don’t use. The Saily eSIM uses the UK and Europe’s leading data providers, so you will get coverage wherever you are, although be aware that any data coverage can sometimes be patchy in remote areas like the Scottish Highlands.

So now you can prepare for lift-off in your Spaceship with your phone locked, loaded and ready to connect - wherever you decide to take-off to!

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Mike | Spaceships Crew

Mike | Spaceships Crew

Meet Mike, a vibrant member of the Spaceships marketing crew, who draws his inspiration from the sea breeze. Always found near coastal areas around the globe, Mike harnesses the power of the ocean to craft amazing content about travelling the world.

From road trips to bike adventures, Mike is always on the move, exploring new places and capturing the essence of his journeys. His passion for discovery and his knack for storytelling make his travel narratives truly captivating.

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