The Best Prepaid SIM Cards in the UK in 2024

These days, it’s almost impossible to imagine visiting a foreign country without mobile connection. You may need to call a rideshare, find your hotel on maps, connect to the internet when away from Wi-Fi, or translate signs in a foreign language.

However, using international roaming with your home carrier to get data could cost hundreds of dollars. This is why prepaid eSIM cards are the fastest growing option for international tourists who own an eSIM-compatible device.

In this guide, you’ll find the 5 best prepaid SIM and eSIM options available for tourists in the United Kingdom in 2024, including their pricing and data plans. Let’s get going!

Where to Buy Physical Prepaid SIM Cards For the United Kingdom

The UK provides a convenient experience for tourists to purchase prepaid SIM cards, widely available in airports, convenience stores, and mobile phone shops. The market is competitive, offering numerous options for visitors.

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1. British Airports

Tourists landing at Heathrow or Gatwick can find prepaid SIM cards from EE, O2, and Vodafone. Kiosks and shops situated within the airport sell cards starting at roughly 10 GBP, inclusive of an initial data allotment.

2. Network Provider Retail Stores in the UK

EE, O2, and Vodafone have a strong retail presence across the UK, offering prepaid SIM cards that cater well to tourists' needs.

3. Online

You could also consider having a physical prepaid SIM card shipped to your house before you travel by shopping on online sites (like Amazon). You’ll often find small SIM card providers that partner with the large British networks (like EE or O2) to connect your phone to mobile data. You could even consider buying a portable Wi-Fi hotspot device.

Shopping online requires a little travel pre-planning but allows you to search around for better prices and data plans that meet your needs.

The easiest online option, and the one that we highly recommend, is to purchase an eSIM. These digital SIMs can be instantly activated straight from your smartphone from apps like Airalo and Holafly, which then give you seamless access to data in your travel destination.

Registration Process For Prepaid SIM Cards in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, no registration is necessary, and you don't need to show your passport to the issuer. 

It's worth noting that an increasing number of countries are requiring registration from mobile phone users for security reasons, where purchasing a prepaid SIM card requires consumers to provide proof of identity.

For the countries that have these Know-Your-Customer (KYC) laws, registration will also apply to eSIMs. However, eSIMs do have the benefit of digital registration as opposed to the hassle of an in-person process. If your eSIM is data only (no local phone number), then you may be able to get connected without registering your info.

Cheap Physical Prepaid SIM Card Options For UK Travel

Here are some of the most popular options for plastic SIM cards for tourists in UK:

1. EE

EE provides excellent coverage, including a WiFi signal at every London Underground station, which is crucial since there's no phone signal underground. However, EE does not allow prepaid customers to access their 5G network, limiting them to 4G/LTE speeds.

EE's prepaid SIM card deals, all valid for 30 days, include: £10 for 5 GB of data + 500 minutes + unlimited SMS, £15 for 15 GB, £20 for 70 GB, and £30 for 100 GB, all with unlimited calls/SMS in the UK. Note: Data roaming in the EU is not included.

2. O2

O2 provides four prepaid SIM card options in the UK; the SIM card is free with a top-up required for one of the pay-as-you-go plans, all valid for 30 days.

For £10, get 7 GB of data with unlimited calls and SMS, up to 100 GB for £30. Free EU roaming is included in the first three packages.

Best Digital Prepaid e-SIMs For Tourists in the United Kingdom

Want to ditch physical plastic SIM cards? You can conveniently download and active the following international eSIMs from your smartphone instead.

3. Airalo

Airalo is an excellent eSIM provider for international travel. For the UK, they offer eSIMs from 1GB for 7 days at $5 up to 20GB for 30 days at $36, and other plans in between. It was super easy for us to set up in the app and purchase instantly.

More info: Read our Airalo review or visit their website.

4. Holafly

Holafly offers unlimited data volume packages for international travel. Holafly's data packages for the UK cost between $6 and $139 once off and are valid from 1 to 90 days, offering peace of mind that you'll never run out of data.

Although Holafly offers unlimited data in most countries, including the UK, if you're a globetrotter, it's worth keeping in mind that Holafly offers limited data plans to some other destinations. Be sure to check their website or app before traveling to a new country to confirm whether Holafly's unlimited packages apply.

More info: Read our Holafly review or visit their website.

5. Yesim

Yesim, a Swiss-based eSIM service, offers flexible plans for 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB. The pricing of these eSIMs for the United Kingdom range from $9.90 to $30.80.

The 3GB plan is good for 7 days while the 5GB one is good for 15 days. The 15GB and 30GB plans both last for 30 days.

Largest Mobile Network Operators in the United Kingdom

eSIMs are great because they connect to the best network available wherever you are. Your phone might connect to EE or O2, depending on your location, at no extra cost. In contrast, if you buy a SIM card directly from one British telecom provider, then your phone will only access that provider's network.

In the United Kingdom, expect to see these names as you connect to data on your travels:

1. Vodafone: Known for its strong international roaming options and broadband services.
2. O2: Offers appealing loyalty rewards and flexible custom plans.
3. EE: Superior 5G network and extensive coverage.