Does eSIM work in United Kingdom?
Yes. All UK networks support eSIM. Excellent coverage in London and major cities; travel eSIMs work across the EU in many cases.
Major carriers supporting eSIM
- EE
- Vodafone UK
- O2
- Three
Popular eSIM plan types in United Kingdom
Data plans 5–50 GB for 7–30 days; many include EU roaming.
How to get an eSIM for United Kingdom
- Buy before you fly (recommended). Choose a travel eSIM provider, pick a data bundle for United Kingdom (or an Asia/Europe/global pack), and pay online. You'll get a QR code by email within minutes.
- Install on Wi-Fi. On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. On Android: Settings → Network → SIMs → Download a SIM. Scan the QR code at home so it's ready when you land.
- Activate on arrival. Turn on the new plan, enable Data Roaming, and your phone will connect to EE (or a partner network).
- Top up if needed. Most providers let you add more data from their app without buying a new eSIM.
Reminder: travel eSIMs are almost always data-only — standard voice calls/SMS don't work, but WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal, Telegram etc. all do.
Compare United Kingdom eSIM plans
See real-time prices from 20+ providers. Filter by data amount, duration, hotspot support and 5G.
Good to know
- Make sure your phone supports eSIM — check your phone if you haven't already.
- Your phone must be unlocked (carrier-locked phones, especially some US Samsung models, can't add third-party eSIMs).
- You don't need to remove your physical SIM — keep it active for incoming calls/texts while using the eSIM for data.