Three UK Roaming vs Simify: Which Wins for Travel?

Table of Contents

1. How Three UK Roaming Works
2. What Is Simify and How Does It Work?
3. Activation and Setup
4. Coverage and Data Speed
5. Roaming Fees and Transparency
6. Device Compatibility and Flexibility
7. Who Should Use Which Option?
8. FAQ

As global travel becomes more accessible, staying connected abroad is now a must-have. Whether it’s using maps, booking accommodation, or checking in with family, a reliable mobile connection is essential.

Two popular options for UK travelers are Three UK’s roaming service and Simify’s international eSIM plans. Both services offer global coverage — but they differ in terms of flexibility, speed, transparency, and convenience. In this article, we explore both options and help you decide which one fits your travel style best.

How Three UK Roaming Works

Three UK offers international roaming under its "Go Roam" feature, which allows customers to use their UK allowances in over 70 destinations. In supported countries, users can call, text, and use data just like they would at home — though there are fair use limits and daily caps depending on your plan.

Outside of “Go Roam” destinations, Three offers roaming at pay-as-you-go rates or optional daily passes. This can work well for casual travelers heading to popular countries like the US, Australia, or much of Europe. However, speeds may be throttled, and additional charges can quickly add up in destinations outside of their included zones.

What Is Simify and How Does It Work?

Simify is a global travel SIM provider that uses eSIM technology to connect travelers to local networks abroad. Rather than relying on your UK mobile plan, you simply purchase a regional or country-specific data pack and receive a QR code to install on your device.

Simify doesn’t tie users to monthly contracts or local carriers. It's designed for ease of use — ideal for travelers who want flexibility and full control over their data usage. Its eSIMs are compatible with a wide range of devices and provide access to fast mobile networks in over 190 countries.

Activation and Setup

Three’s roaming is straightforward for existing customers. If your destination is part of the Go Roam list, roaming activates automatically when you arrive. This works well for those who prefer a “set and forget” approach. Simify, meanwhile, requires a small amount of setup.

After purchasing a plan online, you receive a QR code via email. You scan it with your phone to install the eSIM profile — and you’re ready to go. This can be done before or after arriving, which offers peace of mind for those who want to avoid airport Wi-Fi searches. While both are relatively easy to use, Simify’s process is designed to be quick and seamless for international use, especially in destinations not covered by UK plans.

Coverage and Data Speed

Three UK offers good coverage in its supported regions, especially across Europe. However, some users report slower speeds or limited connectivity in certain countries, particularly when fair usage limits are exceeded.

Simify partners with major local providers in each country, often giving users access to high-speed 4G or 5G networks, depending on the destination and device compatibility. This can result in better data performance, especially for tasks like navigation, streaming, or video calls.

For those traveling beyond Europe or hopping across multiple countries, Simify’s regional packs can provide more consistent speeds across borders.

Thanks for visiting our blog, are you planing to travel to Europe? Check out our eSIM Europe.

Roaming Fees and Transparency

Roaming fees are one of the biggest concerns for travelers. Three’s Go Roam feature includes 71 destinations, but there are daily usage limits and charges for certain types of content.

Outside Go Roam zones, daily charges or high pay-as-you-go rates may apply — which can lead to surprisingly high bills. Simify avoids this problem by offering prepaid data plans with clear data limits and no surprise costs.

Once you reach your limit, your connection stops — giving you control over when and how to top up. This billing transparency is especially valuable for budget-conscious travelers.

Device Compatibility and Flexibility

Three UK works seamlessly with all phones that support its UK SIM cards. It’s a good option if you prefer to use your home number and want traditional voice/text features.

Simify’s strength lies in its compatibility with dual SIM and eSIM-enabled devices. This allows travelers to use their regular number (via physical SIM) for calls and texts, while using Simify’s eSIM for data — effectively running two networks at once.

For users with recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, or Google Pixels, Simify offers more flexibility, especially when managing multiple data needs or traveling with work and personal phones.

Who Should Use Which Option?

Both Three UK Roaming and Simify offer solid connectivity options — but the best choice depends on your travel needs.

✅ Choose Three UK Roaming if you:

• Travel mainly to Go Roam destinations (e.g. EU, US, Australia) 
• Want to use your UK number without switching SIMs
• Prefer built-in roaming with your existing mobile plan 

✅ Choose Simify if you:

• Travel outside of Three’s included destinations
• Want prepaid data without bill surprises
• Use an eSIM-compatible phone and want quick setup
• Are visiting multiple countries and need regional coverage 

Ultimately, the difference comes down to convenience vs control. Three UK offers integrated ease for casual travelers, while Simify gives you more oversight, flexibility, and potentially faster speeds abroad.

Final Thoughts

Both Three UK Roaming and Simify serve the same purpose: keeping you connected while traveling internationally. The right choice depends on your habits, destination, and device. If you’re traveling to familiar Three zones and want simplicity, their built-in roaming is an easy win. But if you want faster speeds, better control over your data usage, or plan to travel across several countries, Simify offers a modern, no-fuss solution with global reach.

As travel becomes more spontaneous and digital, the ability to adapt quickly and stay online without stress is more important than ever. Fortunately, both options make that possible — just in different ways.

Before you take off make sure to check with local government of the travel status.

FAQ