eSIMs: The Best Option for Mobile Data When Traveling to the United Kingdom

Welcome to Simbud, your guide to finding the best eSIM deals for the United Kingdom and Europe. Discover the benefits of eSIMs and explore top connectivity options in cities across the UK like London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and beyond.

Find the best prepaid eSIM data plans

Discover the ideal prepaid eSIM data plan for your journey to the United Kingdom. Use our straightforward tool to choose a plan that matches your length of stay and data requirements. Compare various options from multiple providers to ensure continuous connectivity throughout your travels.

Why Choose eSIM Over Local SIM When Traveling to the United Kingdom?

When planning your trip to the United Kingdom, opting for an eSIM offers several advantages:

Convenience: Activate digitally before your trip, avoiding the need to buy a physical SIM upon arrival.
Cost-Efficiency: Compare competitive pricing for data plans easily with Simbud.
Seamless Integration: Immediate connectivity upon arrival, with dual SIM capability for calls and data.

Choose eSIM for hassle-free connectivity in the United Kingdom with Simbud.

What factors when choosing an eSIM in the United Kingdom through Simbud?

Simbud offers a wide selection of providers and hundreds of eSIM options with varying prices and mobile data plans. This variety allows you to compare and choose the ideal eSIM plan tailored to your needs in the United Kingdom. Explore options that differ in coverage, data allowances, and additional services such as customer support, ensuring you find the perfect eSIM for uninterrupted connectivity during your travels.

How to activate an eSIM card

Connect to Wi-Fi

Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi.

Settings > Network & Mobile settings

Go to your network & mobile settings from your phone settings and follow the prompts to add a new data plan or network to your device.

Add a new plan or network

iPhone

Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan

Android

Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan

Scan the QR code

Scan the QR code provided by your carrier to complete the process.

To reassign eSIMs to a new device without getting a QR code from their carrier, iPhone users can use the eSIM Quick Transfer feature to reassign eSIMs to a new device following roughly the same steps.
Not all carriers support eSIM Quick Transfer, and you need to be using iOS 16 or later for it to work.

FAQs About Travel in the United Kingdom with eSIMs

What does eSIM stand for?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan without using a physical SIM card. It works by downloading a carrier profile directly onto your device, enabling you to connect to mobile networks seamlessly.

How do I check if my eSIM is activated?

Activation is easy. After purchasing an eSIM plan from a provider, you will receive a QR code. Scan this code with your device’s camera, and follow the on-screen instructions to download and activate the eSIM profile

Can I use an international eSIM from a different carrier on my phone?

Using an eSIM has a negligible impact on battery life. Modern devices are optimized to manage multiple SIM profiles efficiently, ensuring your battery performance remains strong.

Do I need to unlock my phone to use international SIM cards?

Yes, you need to unlock your phone to use an international eSIM or a physical SIM card from another country. Unlocking your phone allows you to use it with different carriers and networks, which you’ll need to do if you travel abroad.

Why should I use an eSIM when traveling to the United Kingdom?

Using an eSIM provides several benefits, such as the convenience of activating a plan instantly, avoiding the hassle of changing physical SIM cards, and often more competitive pricing for mobile data.

Can I use an eSIM alongside my regular SIM card?

Yes, most eSIM-compatible devices support dual SIM functionality. This allows you to use your regular SIM card and an eSIM simultaneously, giving you the flexibility to manage personal and travel data plans.

What happens if I run out of data on my eSIM plan?

If you run out of data, you can easily top up your plan or purchase an additional eSIM plan through your provider’s app or website. Many providers offer flexible options to ensure you stay connected.

Are there any specific eSIM plans recommended for travelers to United Kingdom?

Our widget helps you find the best prepaid eSIM data plans tailored to your travel needs. Filter by duration, data capacity, and provider to select the ideal plan for your trip.

Can I keep my local phone number while using an eSIM in the United Kingdom?

Yes, you can keep your local phone number active on your primary SIM card while using an eSIM for data in the United Kingdom. This way, you stay reachable on your regular number while benefiting from a local data plan.

Will using an eSIM affect my phone's battery life?

Using an eSIM has a negligible impact on battery life. Modern devices are optimized to manage multiple SIM profiles efficiently, ensuring your battery performance remains strong.

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Flexiroam

RedTeaGo

Airalo

Saily