Choose your solution

XOXO WiFi Blog

Stay up to date with news from the world of travel! Follow the XOXO blog to get inspiration for new journeys and gain valuable travel tips and tricks. If you love the world, people and foreign cultures, this is the place for you!

Share post
Share
Copy

eSIM in the UK – Mobile Internet After Brexit Without Surprises

Added: 19.06.2026, Updated: 19.06.2026,

Planning a trip to the UK for a weekend, a week, or even longer? Until recently, you could simply turn on roaming and use your Polish mobile plan without extra charges. Brexit changed everything. Today, a 5-day business trip to London can cost between PLN 839 and PLN 1,462 with a Polish operator for just 5 GB of data and 120 minutes of calls. That's more than the cost of a flight and accommodation combined.

The solution? A UK eSIM from XOXO WiFi starting at PLN 25 for 1 GB, or a portable WiFi router with unlimited internet from PLN 27 per day. No contracts, no hidden fees, no surprises.

TL;DR

Brexit ended free roaming in the United Kingdom. Charges from Polish mobile operators can reach up to PLN 99 per GB. XOXO WiFi offers UK eSIM plans starting from PLN 25 for 1 GB and portable WiFi routers from PLN 27/day with unlimited internet. In this guide, you'll find roaming cost comparisons, pricing tables, and step-by-step activation instructions.

Why Is a UK eSIM Essential After Brexit?

Since January 1, 2021, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union. As a result, the "Roam Like at Home" policy no longer applies. Polish operators are no longer required to provide domestic-rate roaming in the UK—and they don't.

The result? Roaming rates reminiscent of the early 2010s.

Operator Cost per 1 GB Call Rate
Orange PLN 28.32 PLN 1.99/min
Play PLN 59 PLN 1.89/min
T-Mobile PLN 49 PLN 1.69/min
Plus PLN 59–99 PLN 1.89/min

Source: Operator roaming price lists, June 2026.

Example: A 5-Day Business Trip to London

Let's assume you need 5 GB of mobile data and 120 minutes of calls.

  • Orange: PLN 380.40 minimum, potentially up to PLN 1,462 depending on roaming billing rules.
  • Play: Approximately PLN 839 after roaming package activation fees.
  • T-Mobile: Around PLN 447.80.
  • Plus: Between PLN 521.80 and PLN 939 depending on your plan.

In practice, a short business trip to the UK can easily cost PLN 800–1,500 in connectivity fees alone.

XOXO WiFi UK eSIM – Plans & Pricing

Instead of paying expensive roaming fees, you can use a UK eSIM from XOXO WiFi. It works across EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2 networks, automatically connecting to the strongest available signal. It supports 5G, hotspot sharing, and requires no physical SIM card.

Data Package Price Validity
1 GB PLN 25 7 days
3 GB PLN 32 15 days
5 GB PLN 45 15 days
10 GB PLN 65 15 days
20 GB PLN 125 30 days
50 GB PLN 225 30 days

All plans are data-only but support internet-based communication services such as WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime, Teams, Zoom, and VoIP calls.

Who Should Choose eSIM?

A UK eSIM is ideal for:

  • Solo travelers
  • Business travelers
  • Digital nomads
  • Remote workers
  • Short city breaks
  • Anyone with an eSIM-compatible smartphone

Supported devices include:

  • iPhone XS/XR and newer
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
  • Google Pixel 3 and newer
  • Most recent Xiaomi, Huawei, and OnePlus devices

How to Activate Your UK eSIM

Activation takes just a few minutes and can be completed before departure.

Step 1

Purchase a package at xoxowifi.com.

Step 2

Receive your QR activation code via email.

Step 3

Install the eSIM.

iPhone
Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM

Android
Settings → Network & Internet → SIM Cards → Add eSIM

Step 4

Enable data roaming and select the XOXO eSIM as your primary data line.

Once you arrive in the UK, your phone will automatically connect to a local network.

XOXO WiFi Portable Router – Unlimited Internet for Groups

Traveling with family, friends, or multiple devices? A portable WiFi router may be the better option.

The router creates a private, encrypted WiFi network that supports up to five devices simultaneously, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles.

Rental Prices

Rental Period Daily Price
1–6 days PLN 34/day
7–13 days PLN 30/day
14+ days PLN 27/day

Each rental includes a daily high-speed data allowance. After the allowance is used, speeds are reduced to 512 kbps, but internet access remains unlimited.

The router automatically switches between EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2 to maintain the best possible connection.

eSIM vs Portable Router

Feature XOXO eSIM XOXO Router
Cost for 5 days PLN 45 From PLN 170
Supported devices 1 smartphone Up to 5 devices
Internet after limit No Unlimited at 512 kbps
Requirements eSIM-compatible phone Any WiFi-enabled device
Battery Uses phone battery 12–15 hours
Activation QR code Courier delivery or pickup

Choose eSIM If:

  • You're traveling alone.
  • You want the lowest cost.
  • You have a compatible smartphone.
  • You want instant activation.

Choose a Router If:

  • You're traveling with a group or family.
  • You need internet on multiple devices.
  • You require unlimited connectivity.
  • You're working remotely.

Why Public WiFi in the UK Isn't Worth the Risk

Free WiFi at London Underground stations, cafés, airports, and train stations may seem convenient, but public networks are among the biggest cybersecurity risks travelers face.

According to CERT Poland's 2025 cybersecurity report, fake WiFi hotspots ("evil twin" attacks) continue to increase. Cybercriminals create networks that imitate legitimate WiFi services and intercept user traffic.

Potential risks include:

  • Stolen banking credentials
  • Email account compromise
  • Malware infections
  • Phishing attacks
  • Session hijacking

Using your own encrypted connection via eSIM or a portable router significantly reduces these risks.

How Much Can You Save?

Let's revisit the 5-day London business trip example:

Option Total Cost
Orange Roaming ~PLN 1,462
Play Roaming ~PLN 839
T-Mobile Roaming ~PLN 448
Plus Roaming ~PLN 939
XOXO WiFi eSIM 5 GB PLN 45
XOXO WiFi Router PLN 170

By choosing XOXO WiFi eSIM, you can save between PLN 403 and PLN 1,417 compared to traditional roaming.

Final Thoughts

Brexit has made roaming in the UK significantly more expensive for travelers from Poland and many EU countries. Instead of risking unexpected charges, a UK eSIM provides a simple, affordable, and flexible alternative.

For solo travelers and business users, XOXO WiFi eSIM offers excellent value and instant connectivity. For families, groups, and remote workers, the XOXO portable router delivers unlimited internet access across multiple devices with the best available network coverage.

Order your UK eSIM before departure and enjoy reliable internet from the moment you land—without roaming surprises.

Tags

Share post
Share
Copy

Also check

They trusted us:

Partner icon Partner icon Partner icon Partner icon Partner icon