Working remotely on your travels? Discover the handy, hassle-free eSIM keeping you connected wherever your working day may take you
For those lucky enough to benefit from location independence, the ability to pack up your laptop and hit the road has unlocked a unique opportunity to get your day's work done whilst revelling in the beauty of undiscovered gems on your doorstep - or in other parts of the world.
Before the pandemic, around 12% of UK workers did some work from home, with only 4.7% working mainly from home in 2019. When the first lockdown was announced in March 2020, this jumped to 46.6% of people working from home by April 2020, with 86% citing the pandemic as the reason. As of December 2024, approximately 14% of workers in Great Britain work from home exclusively, with a further 26% hybrid working, representing a lasting shift in working patterns.
But for workers ready to take their remote careers global, the promise of "work from anywhere" can come with an unexpected cost: international connectivity that can quickly become prohibitively expensive.
When one in four Brits experienced unexpected roaming charges averaging £262 in 2022, it became clear that the end of EU roaming protections had fundamentally changed international connectivity costs. What many remote workers assumed would be straightforward "European coverage" has turned into expensive daily charges that can quickly eliminate the financial benefits of location independence.
This new reality reflects a broader challenge, according to Yesim, an eSIM provider offering a simple but effective solution to combat the high cost of roaming.
(Image: Stock Image)
Before Brexit, UK residents benefited from "roam like at home" policies that allowed surcharge-free mobile use across the EU. Since January 1, 2021, UK mobile operators are no longer obligated to provide surcharge-free roaming in the EU, and temporary protections including a £45 monthly cap on involuntary data charges expired in June 2022.
For remote workers spending extended periods abroad, these daily charges can add up quickly. Spending a month working remotely in Barcelona now may cost up to £74 - before making a single business call, or downloading a client file.
Regular remote workers spending 20 days per month in various European cities may face charges of up to £49 per month in roaming charges on some major networks. Extended assignments spanning several months can result in connectivity costs exceeding £220 on traditional roaming plans, significantly impacting project profitability.
These scenarios illustrate why many remote workers are exploring alternatives that deliver affordability, hassle-free solutions to staying connected abroad. Yesim is proud to offer a wide variety of flexible plans and useful features for remote workers travelling overseas, with coverage in more than 200 destinations.
Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs are digital profiles downloaded directly to compatible devices, offering several advantages for remote workers:
Instant activation: set up before you fly, connect immediately upon landing.
Dual SIM capability: keep your UK number active whilst connected to local data.
Transparency: fixed pricing, with no surprise charges.
Flexibility: easy to top up or switch plans whilst abroad.
Yesim partners with a range of mobile operators worldwide, and offers SwitchLess Networks technology that automatically connects to the best available 5G, 4G or LTE network - crucial for maintaining reliable business communications.**
(Image: Stock Image)
Remote workers handle sensitive information daily, making connectivity security paramount. Public Wi-Fi networks in co-working spaces and hotels present significant security risks, making mobile data connections the safer choice for business communications.
Quality eSIM providers recognise this need, with some offering integrated VPN services that encrypt all traffic automatically. Yesim provides free VPN for iOS users who have an active data plan, which is particularly valuable for professionals handling client data, financial information or strategic business documents while working from various international locations.
Remote work has opened unprecedented opportunities for UK professionals to work globally while maintaining local connections. With proper planning and the right connectivity solutions, international mobile costs needn't limit your professional ambitions or impact your profitability.
Yesim's technology works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone XS and newer (including SE 2nd generation), Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, as well as most flagship Android devices, from 2019 onwards. You can check your phone's settings under 'Sim Manager' - if you see 'add eSIM' or 'mobile plan' options, you're good to go.
For answers to the most frequently asked questions, or to find out more about Yesim and all it has to offer, visit the website or download the app via the App Store, or via Google Play.
*Roaming charges and internet speeds may vary depending on factors such as availability and the destination. Yesim may not be available in some destinations. All prices were accurate at the time of writing.
**Applies to available mobile operators with 5G.
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