The best internet provider in the UK for international workers

Working in a new country comes with plenty of opportunities and challenges, and one of the first conundrums is figuring out how to stay connected. Reliable internet is essential – from video calls and online meetings to managing emails, banking, or simply catching up with your loved ones.

If you are a digital nomad or an entrepreneur who travels a lot, but has decided to make the UK your primary home, you should have an internet connection according to your working needs.  

Which is the best internet provider in the UK? Well, it will certainly depend on which is your job: Are you an independent contractor? The CEO of a digital agency? Are you conducting streamings all-day-long? Or are you coding non-stop? 

Local UK SIMs are ideal for long-term stays and workers who need a UK number. International eSIMs are better for frequent travellers or anyone who wants a fast setup without paperwork. Whatever your situation, check out this complete guide of the most suitable internet options for you.

Benefits of a good internet for international workers

For international workers in the UK, the quickest and most flexible way to get connected is by finding a local SIM or international eSIM that best suits your needs. This will let you get online the moment you land – no waiting for broadband installation, no paperwork, and no contracts. And thanks to hotspot and tethering features, you’re not limited to just your phone. You can connect all your devices, whether it’s your laptop, tablet, or even share data with a colleague when needed.

Having a strong mobile internet plan is about much more than scrolling through social media. For international workers, it’s often the foundation of both daily life and professional tasks – especially in the first weeks before setting up other services. 

Below are the benefits you can expect from picking an efficient mobile internet connection:

• Instant connectivity when you arrive: Mobile data works immediately, helping you organise essentials like transport, banking, and housing from day one.
• Work anywhere, on any device: With a mobile hotspot, you can connect your laptop or tablet to finish tasks, join video calls, or access work platforms on the go.
• Avoid roaming fees: Relying on your home SIM in the UK can quickly become expensive. A local or international plan keeps costs predictable.
• Peace of mind while settling in: Moving abroad is stressful enough. Reliable mobile internet lets you focus on your work and new surroundings without worrying about losing connection.
• Flexibility for travel: Many international workers move between the UK, the EU, or other countries. Mobile internet, especially with an eSIM, makes cross-border work seamless.

In short, mobile internet is the most practical starting point for international workers in the UK. It’s flexible, fast to set up, and powerful enough to support both personal and professional needs.

Local mobile internet providers

Here are some international internet plans from UK providers.

EE Multi SIM 24 months

• Data: Unlimited.
• Cost: From $36.46 (£27) per month for a 24-month contract.
• Coverage: Unlimited minutes, texts and data.
• Pros: Gift data to family and friends.
• Cons: On 31 March each year the monthly price will increase by $3.38 (£2.50) for EE SIM Only plans, and out of bundle charges will increase by 5%.

EE Multi SIM 1 month

• Data: Unlimited.
• Cost: From $40.52 (£30) per month for a one-month contract.
• Coverage: Unlimited minutes, texts and data.
• Pros: Gift data to family and friends.
• Cons: On 31 March each year the monthly price will increase by $3.38 (£2.50) for EE SIM Only plans, and out of bundle charges will increase by 5%.

Vodafone UK

Vodafone Unlimited Plus Data Plan 24 months

• Data: Unlimited data, max speed 100Mbps. 
• Cost: From $40.52 (£30) per month for a 24-month contract.
• Coverage: Roaming in Zone A (Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, Iceland, and Norway). 
• Pros: When using a 5G-ready device, you’ll have unlimited 5G data.
• Cons: Price increases to $45.38 (£33.60) on 1 April 2027. If you’re a new customer, a credit check is required.

Vodafone Unlimited Plus Data Plan 30 days

• Data: Unlimited data, max speed 100Mbps.
• Cost: From $49.97 (£37) for a 30-day contract.
• Coverage: Roaming in Zone A.
• Pros: When using a 5G-ready device, you’ll have unlimited 5G data.
• Cons: If you’re a new customer, a credit check is required.

International internet providers

For workers who travel frequently and want a no-hassle setup, eSIMs are a smart alternative. You buy online, scan a QR code, and connect instantly – no contracts, no waiting, no paperwork.

Saily Ultra Plan

• Data: 30 GB of data at maximum speeds every month, with unlimited data starting at 1 Mbps.
• Cost: $59.99 (£44.42) per month for a monthly rolling contract with auto-renew.
• Coverage: Unlimited eSIM data in 113 destinations. 
• Pros: The Saily Ultra plan includes subscriptions to NordVPN, NordPass, NordLayer, and Incogni. 24/7 Priority Assistance is also included.
• Cons: Not all benefits are live yet.

Holafly Global eSIM

• Data: Unlimited data.
• Cost: Unlimited data from $10.40 (£7.70) per day. Can request up to 90 days; total is $127.33 (£94.28) per 30 days.
• Coverage: 3 G/4 G/5 G speeds in 113 countries.
• Pros: Hotspotting – 1 GB per day to share with others. Simple and easy connection via a QR code. Customisable plan duration.
• Cons: Some carriers may apply a Fair Usage Policy. No calls or texts included. You will need to use a regular SIM.

For international workers, Holafly’s Global eSIM stands out: it gives you mobile internet immediately upon arrival, avoids the hassle of contracts, and works beyond the UK if your job takes you to other countries.

International plans: Best internet and phone deals

Buying a local SIM card is a common choice if you’re staying long-term in the UK. Most providers offer prepaid (pay-as-you-go) SIMs that can be bought without showing a passport, though monthly contracts require a UK address, ID, and bank account.

EE UK

EE Unlimited Essentials Plus

• Data: Unlimited, max speed 100Mbps .
• Cost: From $32.41 (£24) per month for a 24-month contract
• Coverage: No-charge EU Roaming, use your inclusive minutes and data in Europe. Unlimited minutes, texts and data. Unlimited data for your watch.
• Pros: Excellent coverage and speeds. Use your mobile as a hotspot. Gift data to family members with EE.
• Cons: Price is increasing to $35.79 (£26.50) from 31 March 2026. EE may slow down your speeds at busy locations if you use over 600GB a month. 

EE Unlimited No Frills

• Data: Unlimited data, max speed 10Mbps.
• Cost: From $47.27 (£35) per month for a one-month contract
• Coverage: Unlimited minutes, texts and data.
• Pros: Use your mobile as a hotspot. Gift data to family members with EE.
• Cons: Slow speed. EE may slow down your speeds at busy locations if you use over 600GB a month. 

EE Pay as you go SIMs

EE 30-day Saver plan

• Data: Unlimited data, max speed 25Mbps.
• Cost: From $42.54 (£31.50).
• Coverage: Unlimited minutes and texts.
• Pros: Save 10% each month. 30-day plan with recurring card payment. No contract, cancel any time
• Cons: Slow speed.

EE 30-day plan

• Data: Unlimited data, max speed 25Mbps.
• Cost: From $47.27 (£35).
• Coverage: Unlimited minutes and texts.
• Pros: 30-day plan with no commitment. One-time payment, choose when to renew. No contract, cancel any time.
• Cons: Slow speed.

Vodafone UK

Vodafone Unlimited Plus Xtra Euro Roam

• Data: Unlimited, max speed 100Mbps.
• Cost: From $36.46 (£27) per month for a 24-month contract
• Coverage: Unlimited UK data, minutes and texts. Roaming in 51 European destinations.
• Pros: Send endless picture and video messages at no extra cost. Worth $4.73 (£3.50) a month.
• Cons: Price is increasing to $38.89 (£28.80) from 1 April 2026, and then to $41.33 (£30.60) on 1 April 2027. International call and text charges apply.

Vodafone Unlimited Plus 12 months

• Data: Unlimited, max speed 100Mbps. 
• Cost: From $47.27 (£35) per month for a 12-month contract
• Coverage: Unlimited UK data, minutes and texts
• Pros: 5G at no extra cost. 
• Cons: Price is increasing to $49.70 (£36.80) from 1 April 2026. International call and text charges apply.

Vodafone Unlimited Plus 30 days

• Data: Unlimited, max speed 100Mbps.  
• Cost: From $60.77 (£45) for a 30-day contract
• Coverage: Unlimited UK data, minutes & texts.
• Pros: 5G at no extra cost. 
• Cons: Extra charges for different zone usage. International call and text charges apply.

Vodafone Pay as you go SIM

• Data: Unlimited data, 5G speeds.
• Cost: From $54.02 (£40) per month for a 30-day contract.
• Coverage: Unlimited standard minutes and texts in the UK and Zone A.
• Pros: No contracts or credit checks, cancel anytime.
• Cons: Need to pay extra for roaming. Need to purchase the relevant Pay as you go Plus Extra before you make an international call/text, roam abroad, or call/text a premium rate number.

Giffgaff UK

Giffgaff Unlimited Data 18 months

• Data: Unlimited data, 5G speeds.
• Cost: From $20.26 (£15) per month for an 18-month contract.
• Coverage: Unlimited UK calls and texts. EU Roaming included up to 5 GB.
• Pros: No credit checks.
• Cons: No roaming outside the EU and selected destinations. No international calls and texts included.

Giffgaff Unlimited Data monthly rolling

• Data: Unlimited data, 5G speeds.
• Cost: From $47.27 (£35) per month for a monthly rolling contract.
• Coverage: Unlimited UK calls and texts. EU Roaming included up to 5 GB.
• Pros: No credit checks.
• Cons: No roaming outside the EU and selected destinations. No international calls and texts included.

Holafly Plans

Holafly Unlimited Plan

• Data: Unlimited data, fast speeds. Hotspotting with unlimited data sharing.
• Cost: From $64.90 (£48.06) per month for monthly rolling – no contract.
• Coverage: Global coverage (160+ countries). Automatic network switching.
• Pros: European number included. Receive SMS free of charge. 24/7 available support.
• Cons: No internet on planes or trains.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Unlimited data plans comparison 

Internet provider in the UK: local or international plan?

So, which is the best internet provider in the UK for international workers?

It depends on your situation:

• If you’re settling long-term, need a UK number, and don’t mind contracts, a local SIM card might suit you.
• If you value flexibility, instant setup, and stress-free travel across multiple countries, an international eSIM like Holafly is the best choice.

Holafly’s plans are designed to give you peace of mind while you work abroad – unlimited data, no roaming fees, and setup in just a few minutes. That means you can get on with your life in the UK without worrying about connectivity.

Plan ahead, choose the option that best suits your lifestyle, and stay connected wherever your work takes you.

Plans that may interest you

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Letara Draghia

English Copywriter

I've been a copywriter for over a decade, working mostly in the retail industry. I've managed copywriting teams and contributed to major campaigns for F&F at Tesco, TK Maxx, and Dreams. I also work part-time as a news writer. Outside of work, I love to cook, and a fun fact about me is that I have a phobia of bananas—it's the smell!

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