United Kingdom eSIM — instant install
A UK eSIM gets you online the moment you clear Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester — ready for Citymapper, contactless Tube journey planning, and National Rail apps. Since Brexit, many EU plans no longer include the UK, so a dedicated UK eSIM is usually the cleaner choice for a London-focused trip.
Why a travel eSIM for United Kingdom
- 5G in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow
- Runs on EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three partner networks
- From RM15 for a long weekend in London
- Covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Coverage & specs
- Networks
- Available networks vary by plan. Check the selected plan details for its supported network.
- Speed
- 4G / 5G where supported
- Refund guarantee
- 100% refund when 0 MB is used — full terms
Coverage is dense across England and the central belt of Scotland.
Total vs Daily vs Unlimited
Which plan type fits your trip.
Good for different United Kingdom trips
London city breaks and West End theatre trips
Maps, ride-hailing and social all day — a small Total plan is plenty.
Scotland road trips and North Coast 500 drives
Long travel days online — steady data between cities.
University visits and student open days
Long travel days online — steady data between cities.
Business travel to the City and Canary Wharf
Email, calls and laptop hotspot. Pick a bigger Total plan.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my phone is compatible with a UK eSIM?
Your phone must be carrier-unlocked and support eSIM technology, which includes most iPhones released from 2018 onward and recent Android devices. You can verify compatibility by dialing *#06# to check if an EID number appears on your screen. Ensure your home carrier has fully unlocked your device before you travel to the UK.
How much data do I need for my trip to the UK?
For general navigation on Google Maps, messaging, and web browsing, 1 GB to 2 GB per day is typically enough for most travelers. If you plan to stream video, upload HD photos, or use your phone as a hotspot, opt for 3 GB to 5 GB per day or an unlimited plan. A 10 GB to 20 GB package generally covers a 10-to-14-day holiday across the UK comfortably.
When should I install my UK eSIM?
We recommend installing your eSIM a day before your flight or at your home airport while connected to stable Wi-Fi. Keep the eSIM line turned off until you land at UK airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester. Upon arrival, turn the eSIM data line on to immediately connect to local UK networks.
Will WhatsApp, Instagram, and iMessage still work in the UK?
all your social media and messaging apps including WhatsApp, Instagram, and iMessage will work normally. WhatsApp and iMessage retain your original phone number, so your contacts can message you without any changes. You will be able to make data-based calls and send media seamlessly across the UK.
Does the UK eSIM include a local phone number?
Most travel eSIMs for the UK are data-only and do not come with a local +44 phone number or traditional SMS services. You can still make voice and video calls using internet apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype. If you need to contact local UK businesses, internet-based calling apps or web booking forms work reliably.
What should I do if my UK eSIM does not connect upon arrival?
First, ensure that Data Roaming is turned ON specifically for your eSIM profile in your cellular settings. Next, check that your eSIM is selected as the primary source for Cellular Data and toggle Airplane Mode on and off to reset the connection. If issues persist, manually select a major UK network such as EE, Vodafone, or O2 in your network settings.
Is a UK eSIM cheaper than international roaming with my home carrier?
using a UK eSIM is usually significantly cheaper than daily international roaming passes, which often charge $10 to $15 per day. Travel eSIMs provide local UK data rates upfront with no unexpected overage charges or hidden fees. This allows you to stay connected on fast 4G or 5G networks across the UK at a fraction of standard roaming costs.