Spark roaming in United Kingdom: costs, data, and how to save
A plain-English guide to the Spark international roaming packs, what you'll pay, and a cheaper alternative if you want one.
How Spark roaming works in United Kingdom
A plain-English explainer of Spark's Spark international roaming packs — so you know exactly what you're paying for before you fly.
Spark sells two different roaming products. For trips to Australia, the Australia Daily Roaming Pack is $8 per 24 hours with 1GB at top speed, and auto-activates on first use. For everywhere else (including United Kingdom if you're not in Australia), the Spark Roaming Pack is $30 for 14 days with 2GB of data plus 300 minutes and 300 texts, and you need to add it to your account in the Spark app before you fly.
| Cost for ~1GB of data per day | $15.00 NZD per day in United Kingdom — based on Spark's published rates |
|---|---|
| Daily data allowance | Australia: 1GB per 24-hour pack at full speed. Other destinations (Spark Roaming Pack): 2GB total over 14 days. |
| Calls & texts | Australia pack: unlimited calls and texts to/from Australian and NZ numbers while the pack is active. Other destinations: 300 minutes and 300 texts to/from United Kingdom and NZ over the 14-day window. |
| Hotspot / tethering | Allowed on both packs, but every MB tethered counts against the pack's data allowance. |
| What happens after the daily allowance | Australia pack: after 1GB the speed is throttled for the rest of the 24-hour window. Other destinations: after 2GB you're charged per MB at Spark's out-of-pack rates, which add up fast. |
| Countries covered alongside United Kingdom | The United Kingdom is in Spark’s primary roaming zone alongside Australia, the US, and most of Europe. |
| How to activate or deactivate | Australia: the Daily Roaming Pack auto-activates the first time you use mobile data, calls, or texts in Australia. Other destinations: you must add the Spark Roaming Pack to your account in the Spark app or via *376 before you fly — it won't auto-activate. |
You could save big by using a KiwiSim eSIM when roaming in United Kingdom, compared to using your Spark SIM.
KiwiSim vs Spark — cost over a trip
Cumulative NZD cost in United Kingdom from day 1 to day 30, based on getting around 1GB of data per day from each provider at their published rates. Prices accurate as at 21 May 2026.
Daily Unlimited Plan
1GB of full-speed data every day, then unlimited data at standard speed. Resets every 24 hours.
- 1GB at top 5G speed daily, then unlimited at standard speed
- Hotspot & tethering enabled — share with any device
- Connects to O2, 3, etc.
- Activate when you land — no rush
How long is your trip?
Fixed Data Plans
Get a fixed amount of data that can be used across your entire trip as you need it.
KiwiSim vs Spark — feature comparison
A side-by-side look at how KiwiSim and Spark stack up for travel to United Kingdom.
| KiwiSim | Spark |
|---|---|
| How data is sold | |
| Unlimited daily plan — pay by the number of days you need | Australia: $8/day pack with 1GB. Other destinations: $30 for 14 days with 2GB + 300 minutes + 300 texts. |
| When the allowance runs out | |
| Continues at reduced speed for the rest of the day — still browsable. Resets every 24h. | Throttled or charged per-MB depending on the pack — heavy use becomes impractical |
| Hotspot / tethering | |
| Networks used in United Kingdom | |
| T-Mobile UK & Vodafone 5G/4G | EE partner network |
| Activation method | |
| Scan QR code, install in 2 minutes | Australia pack auto-activates on first use; other destinations need you to add the pack in the Spark app before you fly |
| Keeps your NZ number for calls/texts | |
| Yes — runs alongside your NZ SIM | Yes — it is your NZ SIM |
| Customer support | |
| 24/7 chat & email | NZ business hours phone + app |
| If you cross into another country | |
| Install a new eSIM for that country | Continues working — billed at that country's rate |
| Feature | KiwiSim | Spark |
|---|---|---|
| How data is sold | Unlimited daily plan — pay by the number of days you need | Australia: $8/day pack with 1GB. Other destinations: $30 for 14 days with 2GB + 300 minutes + 300 texts. |
| When the allowance runs out | Continues at reduced speed for the rest of the day — still browsable. Resets every 24h. | Throttled or charged per-MB depending on the pack — heavy use becomes impractical |
| Hotspot / tethering | ||
| Networks used in United Kingdom | T-Mobile UK & Vodafone 5G/4G | EE partner network |
| Activation method | Scan QR code, install in 2 minutes | Australia pack auto-activates on first use; other destinations need you to add the pack in the Spark app before you fly |
| Keeps your NZ number for calls/texts | Yes — runs alongside your NZ SIM | Yes — it is your NZ SIM |
| Customer support | 24/7 chat & email | NZ business hours phone + app |
| If you cross into another country | Install a new eSIM for that country | Continues working — billed at that country's rate |
Spark roaming is the no-thinking option — your existing SIM just works. KiwiSim takes a couple of minutes to install but pays for itself fast, especially on trips longer than 2-3 days.
Why KiwiSim?
Built by Kiwis, for Kiwis travelling the world.
Locally Owned & Operated
Know you're in good hands with our kiwi team
Global 5G/4G Network
Enjoy fast and reliable coverage in over 200 locations worldwide
Simple to Setup
Get globally connected in a matter of minutes, all online
Hotspot/Tethering Enabled
Share your data connection with phone, tablet, or friends - all included
Keep your NZ Number
Our data-only SIMs give you the full flexibility of still receiving calls to your NZ number
Compatible with most phones
Majority of modern phones are compatible with eSIMs - use our device checker to double-check
Regional Plans
Tripping around? Have a look at some regional plans that include United Kingdom for better value.
Spark roaming in United Kingdom — FAQ
The questions Kiwis ask before they travel — answered honestly.
Other roaming comparisons for United Kingdom
Compare your other NZ carrier options for travel to United Kingdom.
