We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.
I’ll explain more about the eSIM for UK that I recommend below and why this option is the best UK sim card for visitors. Furthermore, esim in UK is the best sim card for London if this is your only stop in the United Kingdom.
Many travellers stop briefly in the UK to explore London in one day or on their way to visit some of the cheapest countries in Europe.
This article will define why the best eSIM for UK has the convenience, affordability and reliability you require when considering options for buying a sim card in the UK.
eSIM for UK travel is a great option, and the digital UK sim card plans start from just $5 for 1GB of data. And, it takes less than five minutes to download an e sim card for the UK.
Gone are the days of wasting your holiday time trying to get connected after arriving in a new country. Choose Airalo, the best eSIM for UK travel and beyond. No matter where you’re travelling, I recommend eSIM for all international travel.
There are multiple reasons why the best eSIM for UK is Airalo. Let’s get to why these digital UK sim data plans are your cheapest and most convenient option to stay connected on your upcoming trip.
An eSIM is a digital or virtual version of your physical SIM card. An eSIM allows you to trigger a cellular plan from a local carrier (UK esim providers in this case) without using a material SIM.
I understand that this all can sound a little techy, but this new technology is a godsend for buying a sim card in the UK without the hassle.
Your phone or device already has a microchip that allows you (or your newly purchased UK eSIM data package) to install multiple eSIM profiles. It’s equal to having multiple material SIM cards with phone numbers and data plans simultaneously packed into your phone.
Buying a SIM card in the UK is so easy with the introduction of eSIM. The best UK sim card for visitors is the one that ticks all the essential boxes.
A few years ago, the best SIM card for the UK would have been difficult to answer, as so many big companies compete in this space. And, of course, they’re all still out there.
We can thank technology for revolutionising how we stay connected in 2023 and beyond. The best SIM card for the UK is eSIM.
Now you can ditch the traditional SIM card and connect with eSIM in the UK. It’s the future, and I promise that it will only make your travelling life so much easier.
There are 6 x eSIM data packs to choose from. All data packs are well-suited for your trip to the United Kingdom. As I mentioned, this is the best sim card for London for a short stay, as the data packs are super affordable!
The trick to selecting from the range of e sim card plans for UK is down to you. You must choose the best eSIM for your individual needs. The best eSIM depends on how long you plan to spend in the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, consider how much data you will likely use to get the best value from your eSIM for UK.
If you’re in the UK very briefly, or even for a stopover – I’d recommend the 1GB for $5 data pack. Quick, cheap and easy, with enough data for checking the essentials online.
If you regularly use wifi during your travels (hotels and cafes usually offer these free of charge), you should go with the smaller plan ($10 for 3GB of data, valid for 30 days).
Yet, if you’re usually dependent on phone coverage for your data, you may require a plan that contains more data. I’d recommend either this $15 for 5GB eSIM or the 10GB eSIM for $22.50. Both data packs have 30 days of validity.
The largest e sim for UK data plan is 20GB for $36, valid for 30 days.
CHOOSE FROM 6 x ESIM DATA PACKAGES FOR THE UK:
Suppose you’re visiting the UK as part of an extended trip that may include nearby European countries. In that case, a Regional eSIM may be what you need instead.
These Regional eSIM Data packs for Europe will save you tons of money and seamlessly connect you to 39+ European countries (plus the UK) as you travel.
You should check out the range of Airalo Global eSIMs too. If you’re planning to travel the world, it’s the best choice in terms of price and convenience.
If you’re heading to Europe, why not consider seeing the highlights on a group tour? We recommend Expat Explore. They offer a variety of coach tours in Europe to suit everyone. Let your fantastic crew take care of all the details; your only task is to turn up and have an amazing time.
Check out the great range of tours with Expat Explore. If you find the perfect trip for you, use our promo code VERYHUNGRYNOMADS at checkout for an additional 5% off your trip!
Join our Nomads Newsletter!
Receive our best tips on how to travel in every country!
Sign up now, and we’ll send you our FREE eBook, “How to Travel Like a Boss!“
Absolutely! But before buying an eSIM for the UK, remember to double-check that your device is compatible.
You can check if it’s compatible here. Most phones and devices will support eSIM, but a small handful does not.
Once you have checked that your device is compatible with eSIM for UK, you can go ahead.
Download the Airalo App, purchase your selected data package and follow the steps to activate the eSIM for the UK just before your arrival.
Before arriving in the UK, switch from your home mobile provider to the UK eSIM provider.
Once your UK eSIM is activated, it’s best to turn off data for all apps that you don’t use daily, and those apps that use a lot of data:
Netflix, Instagram, and TikTok will eat through your data quickly. Try to leave social media scrolling when you get connected to Wi-Fi at your hotel or cafe.
Your data will survive considerably longer.
A bonus about buying an e sim for UK is that you can easily top up your eSIM with more data whenever you’ve reached your limit.
In addition, Airalo automatically sends you an alert to let you know when your data has almost gone.
If you travel to the UK, of course, you can purchase a local SIM card at any major airport or phone store/provider.
This option allows you to make calls and send text messages within the UK. It also gives you access to local calling rates and data.
However, I believe purchasing an eSIM card for the UK is a much better option than buying a local SIM in the UK:
You can download a UK eSIM before your departure from home instead of purchasing one in the UK. If you’ve got a prepaid eSIM activated upon arrival, you can get online as soon as you touch down in the UK! So avoid the crowds, exit the arrivals hall and go and explore right away!
RELATED POST – The perfect itinerary for one day in London
SAVE cash when you buy an eSIM for UK or any other Airalo eSIMs covering 190+ countries. Use my referral code: NOMAD15 to get 15% off your first purchase!
If you’re an existing Airalo User, use code NOMAD10 to get 10% off your next purchase.
We have so many tips to help you travel more!
These 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you stretch your hard-earned dollars further.
Read our top 6 travel hacks to save money and the 20 best travel apps to make travel easier!
For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies. And, if history is your thing, these 30 amazing historical places worldwide will fascinate you!
We have many tips to save money for travel and consider these 20 jobs that PAY YOU to travel the world to help you travel longer.
If you become a trusted housesitter, you can also get FREE accommodation worldwide. Read more about how this works.
Check out our ultimate packing list for travellers, and remember to pack travel insurance! We recommend these two travel insurance companies for excellent coverage.
Our 12 essential tips for safe travel in any country are worth a read.
You’ll need to stay connected while travelling the world. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries, or consider a Global eSIM if you travel to multiple countries or regions. This eSIM connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM.
The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.
If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour.
Check our Group Tours first for any upcoming trips you may be interested to join, or view these deals on worldwide group tours with Tourradar.
Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.
✈️ Flights: We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.
🏨 Accommodation: Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation. We use Vrbo to book apartments and long-term stays.
🏥 Travel Insurance: We recommend Heymondo (Get 5% off Heymondo) & SafetyWing
🚌 Transportation: Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.
🚘 Car Rental: We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.
👫 Group Tours: We now offer Group Trips; check them out here. Alternatively, we recommend G Adventures OR Tourradar.
📸 Day Tours & Trips: GetYourGuide & Viator are the only two platforms you need.
📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks, and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)
🎒 Luggage: Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack or Samsonite Luggage Range.
🛄 What to Pack: Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good power bank. To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers.
🐶 Become a House Sitter: Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.
💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE & Revolut are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.
📶 Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)
✅ Check out our Travel Gear and Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!
