Telus Customers: Using eSIM in the UK to Save Money

Telus customers can avoid the $15 daily Easy Roam fee by using a digital travel eSIM from MapleSim, which provides local data through UK networks like EE and Three. This allows you to maintain your Canadian phone number for essential security alerts and 2FA while paying a fraction of the cost for high-speed internet access across the United Kingdom. By switching your data source to a local eSIM, you can save hundreds of dollars on a typical two-week vacation to London, Edinburgh, or the English countryside.

The Cost of Roaming with Telus

For most Canadians on a Telus mobility plan, the default option for international travel is "Easy Roam." While convenient, it comes at a steep price: $15 per day for international destinations outside the US. If you are taking the family to London for ten days, you are looking at $150 per device, plus tax. For a family of four, that is $600 just to use the data you already pay for back home.

Even if you aren't actively browsing, background app refreshes, photo syncing, and software updates can trigger that $15 daily charge the moment your phone pings a UK tower. This is where a MapleSim eSIM becomes a game-changer. Instead of paying for a daily pass, you buy a fixed amount of data that suits your specific trip length and usage habits.

Why Choose an eSIM for the United Kingdom?

The UK has some of the most advanced mobile infrastructure in Europe. When you use a travel eSIM, you aren't just saving money; you are often getting better performance by connecting directly to local providers. MapleSim plans in the UK utilize the EE and Three (3) networks.

EE is consistently ranked as the top network in the UK for 5G availability and overall coverage, making it ideal for navigating the busy streets of London or the hills of the Peak District. Three offers a robust 4G network that provides excellent secondary coverage. Whether you are taking the train from King's Cross to Edinburgh or driving through the Cotswolds, you will have the reliable connection you need.

Coverage Realities: Cities vs. Rural Areas

In major hubs like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, you can expect 5G speeds on our EE-supported plans. However, the UK is famous for its historic stone buildings and narrow streets, which can sometimes interfere with indoor signals. If you are heading to the Scottish Highlands or rural Wales, coverage can become more intermittent. Having an eSIM that can toggle between major carriers ensures you stay connected where it matters most.

When you arrive, especially if you are landing at a major hub, having your data ready to go is a massive relief. You can read more about navigating your first few hours in our guide to Best eSIM for London Heathrow Airport Arrival.

How Much Data Do You Actually Need?

One of the biggest questions Canadian travelers ask is how much data they should buy. Because our UK plans are data-only and do not come with a local phone number, your usage will be focused on apps and web browsing.

• Light Users (1GB - 3GB): Best for those who primarily use data for occasional Google Maps lookups, checking emails, and sending WhatsApp messages.
• Average Users (5GB - 10GB): Ideal for a 10-14 day trip involving frequent social media posting, heavy use of navigation, and looking up restaurant reviews on the go.
• Heavy Users (20GB - 50GB): Necessary for travelers who need to join Zoom calls, stream music, or upload high-resolution video content to TikTok and Instagram.

To help you manage your data while sightseeing, we recommend checking out our article on Google Maps Offline vs Live Data in the UK. Using offline maps can significantly stretch your data plan, allowing you to opt for a smaller, more affordable eSIM package.

Comparison: Telus Easy Roam vs. MapleSim eSIM

Feature	Telus Easy Roam	MapleSim UK eSIM
Daily Cost	$15 CAD	Fraction of the cost
Data Network	Roaming Partner	EE (5G) / 3 (4G)
Phone Number	Your Telus Number	Data Only (No UK number)
2FA / Banking	Included	Works via your home SIM
Setup Time	Automatic (but expensive)	5 Minutes (Digital)
Flexibility	Uses home bucket	Dedicated UK bucket

Keeping Your Canadian Number for 2FA

The primary reason many Canadians hesitate to swap SIM cards is the need to stay reachable. You need your Canadian number for bank alerts, two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, and urgent texts from home.

The beauty of a modern smartphone is the ability to run two SIMs simultaneously. You can keep your Telus SIM active for incoming SMS (which is usually free to receive globally) while setting your MapleSim eSIM as the primary source for all "Cellular Data." This prevents the $15/day charge while ensuring you never miss a security code from your bank. Before you purchase, make sure to check if your device is a compatible phone for dual-SIM functionality.

Step-by-Step Installation for Telus Users

Setting up your eSIM is simple and can be done before you even leave Canada. This ensures that the moment your plane touches down at Gatwick or Heathrow, you have an active internet connection.

For iPhone Users:

1. Open Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.
3. Scan the QR code provided by MapleSim.
4. Label the new plan "UK Travel" or "Data."
5. Crucial: Set "Cellular Data" to your new eSIM, but keep "Default Voice Line" as your Telus Primary.
6. Turn off "Cellular Data Switching" to ensure your phone doesn't accidentally use Telus data.

For Android Users:

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Tap the + or SIMs.
3. Select Download a SIM instead?
4. Scan the QR code.
5. In your SIM settings, ensure the MapleSim eSIM is selected for Mobile Data.

For a more detailed walkthrough, you can view our guide on how to set up your travel eSIM.

Choosing the Right Plan

At MapleSim, we offer a variety of plans to fit every traveler. If you are a snowbird heading over for a long stay, our 50GB plan for 180 days offers incredible value. For a quick business trip to London, a 3GB or 5GB 30-day plan is usually plenty. We also offer daily passes for those who want a specific amount of high-speed data every 24 hours.

You can see plans here to find the one that matches your itinerary. If you find yourself running low while exploring the British Museum or wandering through Edinburgh Castle, don't worry—top-ups are available at any time through our website.

Using Apps Without a Local Number

Since our plans are data-only, you will not have a +44 UK phone number. For most modern travelers, this is not an issue. Apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Messenger work perfectly over a data connection. You can still call your family back in Canada or message a local tour guide as long as you have the app installed.

If you need to call a local UK landline (like a restaurant that doesn't take online bookings), we recommend using an app like Skype or Google Voice, which allows you to make international calls for a few cents per minute using your eSIM data. You can see plans for the UK to get started today.

The bottom line

Don't let Telus's $15-per-day roaming fees eat into your travel budget. By using a MapleSim eSIM, you get the best of both worlds: the high-speed reliability of the UK's top networks and the ability to keep your Canadian number active for emergencies. It is a simple, digital solution that ensures your money stays in your pocket—where it belongs.