United Kingdom eSIM guide: local networks, airport SIM costs & setup

Why roaming and airport SIMs cost more in United Kingdom

Since Brexit, several EU and international operators have reintroduced daily UK surcharges or lower fair-use caps, and non-European visitors pay full international roaming rates.

Airport vending machines and shops at Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW) and Stansted (STN) charge double the high-street price for prepaid SIM packs.

With a prepaid United Kingdom eSIM from 4.49 € incl. VAT (custom & group plans — price negotiable), you receive the QR code and iPhone direct-install link right after payment.

Local networks, 4G/5G speed & coverage in United Kingdom

5G and 4G LTE across London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Cardiff, Belfast and the national rail network.

Our United Kingdom plans connect to EE · 3 with 5G / 4G LTE speeds where available. Personal hotspot (tethering) is enabled so you can share data with a laptop or a travel companion’s phone.

• Partner networks: EE · 3 (5G / 4G LTE)
• Main arrival airports covered: LHR, LGW, STN, LTN, MAN, EDI
• Hotspot / tethering included at no extra cost
• Top up more data onto the same eSIM anytime via My eSIM

How much data do you need for United Kingdom?

For a 1-to-2-week trip, 3 GB (15 days, from 4.49 € incl. VAT; custom & group plans — price negotiable) covers daily Google Maps navigation, ride-hailing apps, restaurant lookups, boarding passes and WhatsApp calls.

If you work remotely, upload travel videos or share a hotspot between two phones, pick the 10 GB plan (30 days, from 10.99 € incl. VAT; custom & group plans — price negotiable).

• Google Maps + transit + ride apps: ~150 MB per day
• WhatsApp messages, voice notes & 20 min voice calls: ~80 MB per day
• Social media browsing & photo uploads: ~300–500 MB per day

4-step setup on iPhone and Android before you fly

Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM by dialling *#06# — if an EID number appears on screen, your phone has an eSIM chip.

Install the profile over home Wi-Fi the day before departure. Keep the travel eSIM line switched off until you land, then enable it for Mobile Data with Data Roaming turned on for the travel eSIM (and Data Roaming turned off on your home SIM).