The UK is a country with millennia of history, and whether you’re in its dense, exciting cities like London and Edinburgh or out in the countryside where the only limit to discover is your imagination, chances are good that you’ll need on-demand information to enhance your trip.
In other words, you’ll need to have a stable mobile connection. And, most probably, a way to make local calls in case something happens.
The good news? There are now more ways than ever to go about buying a SIM card in the UK, including one you can do before you even set foot on British soil.
Why WiFi Isn’t (Usually) Enough in the UK
I don’t mean to hammer home this point, but you really do need to get a UK SIM card. Well, unless you are comfortable depending upon WiFi (and, most probably, the kindness of strangers in the absence of that—but more on that in a second). In the 2020s, even if you aren’t a social media addict, it’s just so difficult to go about your business without having a reliable connection, especially when traveling abroad.
The good news is that you have your pick of ways to make sure this happens. Some travelers will bite the bullet today, and install a reliable eSIM for travel to the UK on their phones now so that they don’t need to worry about doing anything after they land in the UK. As for others? Well, I’ll outline the choices they have below, though I encourage you to be proactive.
Ways to Stay Connected in the UK
Download an eSIM prior to travel
Whether you use a company like Holafly (which I personally recommend) or do your own research and happen upon another provider, an eSIM is the best way to make sure you stay connected while exploring Britain. Provided that you have a compatible device (and most post-2020 cell phones are), you can simply install the eSIM’s code on your phone, which will allow you to connect to local networks the moment you land.
Buy a SIM card upon arrival
If you don’t have a phone that’s eSIM compatible, or simply can’t be bothered to install an eSIM, don’t worry your pretty little head! It’s still possible (and easy) to buy a physical SIM card upon arriving at a UK airport. Whether at Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchesters, you’ll find desks that sell SIMs from the UK’s top cell carriers, including brands like O2 and Vodafone (and maybe some you’ve never seen—avoid those!).
Roam on your home country’s carrier
These days, most mobile carriers in the US (or wherever you happen to be based) offer international data and calling packages at reasonable rates. Do note, however, that you should contact your carrier to verify rates. Also keep in mind that while these packages usually work well, support may be limited, especially if there’s a time zone difference between your home country and the UK.
Use a global mobile plan
Another alternative to an England and Scotland SIM card is to use a mobile plan with a global configuration. Within the US, Google Fi (which I personally use) is an example of this. However, many companies offer global SIM cards (and WiFi units, if you want to go that route) specifically oriented to travelers, regardless of whether you live in the US or somewhere else.
Do your best using WiFi
The first time I ever visited the UK, neither eSIMs nor even smartphones were a thing. I got by using research I did when my laptop was connected to the internet (usually via ethernet cable!), and the kindness of strangers. These days, thankfully, free WiFi is prevalent, which means that you can access maps, travel guides and other resources even without a SIM card. Word to the wise, however: You’ll still need to leverage strangers’ kindness, in this case!
Do the EU’s Roaming Laws Apply in the UK?
The UK left the EU in 2016, as anyone who was alive and not living under a rock during that year will know. I won’t go into the politics of Brexit here—this is not the place for such a discussion; I’m not British, anyway—other than to lament one of the worst effects of the split for travelers. Namely, the EU’s consumer-friendly mobile roaming laws do not apply to or within the UK.
That’s the bad news, if you’re coming from Europe either as a traveler or a resident, and don’t want to mess around with UK SIM cards. The good news? Well, as I’ve outlined above, you really do have your choice of options. I’m obviously partial to the eSIM one, as someone who likes to plan my trips as fully as possible before I depart, but you can do what you want in this regard.
Other FAQ About Buying a SIM Card in the UK
How can I get a SIM card in UK?
There are many different ways to get a UK SIM card these days, whether you download an eSIM prior to travel, buy a SIM card upon arrival at the airport or even wait until you get to your first destination and try to find a SIM card there. You may also simply roam on your home country’s network.
What is the best SIM card for tourists in the UK?
In my opinion, the best “SIM card” for tourists in the UK is a piece of code. I’m speaking, of course, about an eSIM, which is available through companies like Holafly, and is a virtual module you install in a matter of seconds by scanning a QR code. Alternatively, popular physical SIMs include those sold by companies like O2 and Vodafone.
How to get internet in the UK as a tourist?
The easiest way to stay connected to the internet as a tourist in the UK is to buy a UK SIM card, be that a virtual eSIM or a physical SIM card you pop inside your phone. Absent this, you may be able to use your home country cell plan while traveling in the UK, or simply make do with WiFi connections.
The Bottom Line
Buying a SIM card in the UK is easier than it’s ever been. Smart travelers (at least those with compatible devices) will install an eSIM before they travel, so that they can get connected the moment their plane lands in Manchester or Belfast. If you don’t go this route, of course, there are other options, whether you buy a physical British SIM card at the airport, or simply optimize your home country’s plan to make sure it will work when traveling in the UK. Need personalized help putting your UK trip together, whether you visit England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? Consider hiring me as your Travel Coach!