★★★★★5 out of 5Worked perfectly
Used this for a trip to the UK and it worked perfectly. Setup took a couple of minutes and I had a good connection everywhere I went. Really convenient and no issues at all.
eSIM for United Kingdom 
Viasimo's United Kingdom eSIM starts at $1.29 for 500 MB over 7 days, running on 3 and EE with 5G where available. Plans last 1 to 180 days, arrive by email in minutes and install from your phone's settings, with no app.
Works everywhere in United Kingdom
- Edinburgh
- England
- Glasgow
- Glastonbury
- London
- Manchester
- Northern Ireland
Select your planIn stock
Duration
Quantity
1
Unlimited data · 3 Days$6.99
Unlimited data · 3 Days ×1
$6.99
Does my phone take an eSIM? Check now
Dial *#06# on your phone. If you see an EID number, your phone takes an eSIM. Most phones sold since 2019 do.
Not sure it works on your phone? Check compatibilityWhich networks does the United Kingdom eSIM use?
Host networks: 3 / EE
Your eSIM picks one automatically; you do not choose or switch between them.
- Data
- 500 MB – 50 GB or unlimited
- Validity
- 1–180 days
- Speed
- 4G LTE / 5G
- Hotspot / tethering
- Supported on most devices
- Activation
- Starts when you first connect in your destination
- Speed management
- Roughly 2-3 GB per day at full speed, sometimes less depending on the local carrier, then reduced
- Top-ups
- Add more data from your account, before the plan expires
- Text messages (SMS)
- Data only: use an app for verification codes
- Unused validity
- 180 days before it must be installed
How much data do you need?
The allowances below are our sizing recommendations, not measurements. The plan beside each one is the cheapest option on this page that covers it.
| You are | Plan for | Cheapest plan that covers it |
|---|---|---|
| LightMaps, messaging and the occasional lookup | About 1 GB a week | $1.591 GB, 7 days |
| TypicalMaps, social, photos and some browsing | About 3 to 7 GB a week | $4.595 GB, 30 days |
| HeavyVideo streaming, video calls and uploads | 10 GB a week or more | $8.0010 GB, 30 days |
| Working or sharingTethering a laptop, calls and cloud sync | 20 GB a week or more | $13.99Unlimited, 7 days |
eSIM, local SIM or roaming?
Charged per day
Your carrier roaming
Queue and plastic
A SIM at the airport
$1.29
Viasimo, one bundle
Only the Viasimo figure is a price: it comes from today’s live catalog. The other two rows are directional, not quoted rates.
How Viasimo compares in United Kingdom
Each row puts one of our plans beside the closest plan Airalo and Holafly list for the same destination: the same data allowance and a similar number of days.
| Plan | Viasimo (USD) | Airalo (USD) | Holafly (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 GB · 30 days | $4.59 | $13.00 | No comparable plan |
| 10 GB · 30 days | $8.00 | $19.00 | No comparable plan |
| 20 GB · 30 days | $14.99 | $31.00 | No comparable plan |
| 50 GB · 30 days | $29.99 | $39.00 | No comparable plan |
| Unlimited · 7 days2 GB a day at full speed | $13.99 | $27.00 | $27.50 |
Competitor prices collected from their public websites on 23 September 2026. Prices change; check before buying. Competitor prices are in US dollars as each site lists them, not converted. Unlimited plans can carry different fair-use limits from one provider to another.
Sources: Airalo, United Kingdom (); Holafly, eSIM for the United Kingdom ()
About this eSIM
Unlimited runs at full speed up to a fair-use limit, then continues slower.
Before you travel to United Kingdom
Do I have to register a SIM here?
The UK has no SIM-registration requirement: the government considered one and decided against it, so a pay-as-you-go SIM needs no registration. A travel eSIM is simply the more convenient option, not a way around a rule.
Local SIM-registration rules apply to buying a SIM in the country. A travel eSIM is a foreign profile roaming onto the local network, so you are not registering anything locally and there is no counter to queue at.
Checked 23 September 2026 against gsma.com , privacyinternational.org . Rules change — verify anything that affects your trip.
Important to know
- This is a data-only eSIM. It carries no calls or SMS on its own number.
- Your existing number stays on your primary SIM, so calls and verification texts keep working.
- Your phone must support eSIM, and some carrier-locked phones cannot install one.
- Signal varies with location, terrain, congestion and your handset. Dense urban areas are consistently better served than remote ones.
- 5G only works where the host network has deployed it and your phone supports it. Everywhere else it falls back to 4G LTE.
- The eSIM selects a host network automatically. You cannot pick or switch between them.
- Unlimited plans run at full speed up to a fair-use limit, then continue at a reduced speed. Read the fair usage policy
What travellers say about United Kingdom
5.0 out of 5 from 3 reviews
★★★★★5 out of 5Très pratique pour Londres
Je l’ai utilisé pour mon voyage au Royaume-Uni et franchement tout s’est très bien passé. Installation super rapide et la connexion était nickel pendant tout le séjour. Très pratique
★★★★★5 out of 5Hat super funktioniert
Für meine Reise nach Großbritannien hat die eSIM echt super funktioniert. Einrichtung war total einfach und das Internet war schnell und stabil. Hatte überhaupt keine Probleme damit.
Frequently asked questions
Does an eSIM work in United Kingdom?
Yes. Your United Kingdom eSIM connects automatically the moment you arrive, with no roaming fees and nothing to set up at the airport. The host networks it can use are 3, EE. Coverage runs on 4G LTE and 5G where the network has rolled it out, and falls back to 4G elsewhere.
Do I get 5G in United Kingdom?
Yes, where it has been deployed. 5G runs on 3, EE in United Kingdom, and your eSIM uses it automatically on a 5G-capable phone, dropping back to 4G LTE outside covered areas. No country is covered everywhere, so 5G availability varies by location.
Do I need an ETA to visit the UK?
Most visitors who don't need a visa do, including travellers from Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia. A UK ETA costs £20, covers stays of up to six months in the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, and is needed by every traveller, including children. Apply only on the official GOV.UK website. British and Irish citizens are exempt.
Will my old phone work in the UK after the 3G switch-off?
For data on your eSIM, your phone needs 4G or 5G, as EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 have all switched 3G off. For calls on your home SIM, your phone and home operator need to support VoLTE roaming in the UK. If they don't, calls may fail even with signal, so check with your home operator before you travel.
What happened to the Three network in the UK?
Three UK merged with Vodafone UK on 31 May 2025 to form VodafoneThree, with around 28 million customers between them. Three still operates as a separate brand while the networks are combined. Your eSIM can use 3 or EE, and your phone chooses automatically.
Is there wifi on the London Underground?
There's free Virgin Media wifi at almost every Tube station, covering more than 97% of the network, but not in the tunnels between stations. Visitors may need to register on the Virgin Media portal first. With mobile data on your eSIM, you can usually skip the wifi, but download your route before you go underground.
How much data do I need for 7 days in United Kingdom?
For 7 days in United Kingdom, Viasimo sells 500 MB for $1.29, 1 GB for $1.59, and unlimited data for $13.99. Our sizing recommendation, not a measurement: maps, messaging and the occasional lookup, about 1 GB a week; maps, social, photos and some browsing, about 3 to 7 GB a week. The data calculator on this site works it out from how you actually use your phone.
Installing, keeping your number, topping up and hotspot work the same everywhere: see how it works →
United Kingdom: what to know before you land
In the UK your eSIM connects to EE or 3 on 4G and 5G. The mobile market has changed a lot recently. Three merged with Vodafone's UK business in 2025, and every major network has now switched off 3G, which matters if you're travelling with an older handset. Most visitors also need a £20 Electronic Travel Authorisation before they fly.
- Emergency
- 999 or 112
- Plugs
- G 230V
- Currency
- Pound sterling (GBP)
Main airports
- LHR London Heathrow Airport
- LGW London Gatwick Airport
- MAN Manchester Airport
- EDI Edinburgh Airport
Apps worth having TfL GoCitymapperTrainlineUberWhatsApp
Three and Vodafone: what the 2025 merger means
The UK used to have four big mobile networks: EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. On 31 May 2025, Vodafone UK and Three UK completed their merger into a new company, VodafoneThree. Together they have around 28 million customers. Vodafone has promised £11 billion of investment over ten years, and the competition regulator approved the deal in December 2024 on condition of commitments on 5G rollout and price protection.
For now, Three continues as a separate brand, and from April 2026 shops started selling both brands under one roof. Behind the scenes the two networks are being combined, so the coverage you get on 3 may continue to improve as more sites are shared.
Your eSIM can connect to EE or 3. EE is BT's mobile network. Your phone picks the stronger signal, and you don't need to choose. If you see a different network name in the list when you search manually, don't select it, as your plan may not work on it. Leave network selection on automatic unless you're troubleshooting.
The UK's 3G switch-off and what it means for older phones
All of the UK's main networks have retired 3G to free up airwaves for 4G and 5G. According to Wikipedia's list of 3G shutdowns, EE completed its switch-off in February 2024, Vodafone in February 2024, Three in November 2025 and O2 in February 2026.
Your eSIM works on 4G and 5G, so the switch-off doesn't affect your data. It can affect an older phone in two ways:
- Very old handsets that only support 3G for data won't get a connection at all.
- Calls on your home SIM need your phone and home operator to support voice over 4G (VoLTE) while roaming in the UK. If they don't, your phone may show signal but fail to make calls. Check with your home operator before you travel if you rely on calls.
In London, the Underground's free station wifi, provided by Virgin Media, covers more than 97% of the network and is available at almost every station, but not in the tunnels. Visitors may need to register on the Virgin Media portal to use it. With mobile data on your eSIM you can usually skip that step, but keep journey details downloaded in case you lose signal between stations.
Researched October 2026 · 5 sources
- en.wikipedia.org VodafoneThree – Wikipedia
- gov.uk Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – GOV.UK
- en.wikipedia.org 3G – Wikipedia
- tfl.gov.uk Station WiFi – Transport for London
- worldstandards.eu Plug, socket & voltage by country – WorldStandards
Seven days in the United Kingdom: London, Bath, York and Edinburgh
A first-time rail week through England and into Scotland: two days in London, a day trip to Georgian Bath and its Roman Baths, two days in medieval York, then two in Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, all linked by fast trains.
When to go May to September brings the longest days and mildest weather, with Edinburgh busiest during the August festivals; spring and autumn are quieter, and winter days are short, especially in Scotland.
-
Day 1 London
London: Westminster to the South Bank
From Heathrow, the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express reach central London in 15–40 minutes. Tap in with a contactless card or phone.
Start at Westminster Abbey and walk past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to Westminster Bridge. Follow the Thames along the South Bank past the London Eye to Tate Modern, then cross the Millennium Bridge to St Paul's Cathedral. If you still have energy, continue east to the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels, or save it for tomorrow morning.
Signal Your eSIM connects to EE or 3, with strong 5G across central London. On the Underground, around 60% of below-ground stations and a growing share of tunnels had coverage by mid-2026, so expect some gaps.
-
Day 2 London
London: museums and Camden
The Northern line links central London with Camden Town.
Spend the morning at the British Museum for the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures, entry free with a booked slot recommended. Walk through Covent Garden to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. In the afternoon take the Tube to Camden for its market and the Regent's Canal, then walk the towpath towards Little Venice or up Primrose Hill for the skyline view.
Signal Strong 5G above ground. Tube coverage varies by line: the Northern line was among those due to be largely covered in its tunnels by the end of summer 2026.
-
Day 3 London
Day trip to Bath
About 1 hour 20 minutes by direct train from London Paddington to Bath Spa.
Take a morning train from Paddington to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city of honey-coloured Georgian terraces. Visit the Roman Baths, then Bath Abbey next door. Walk up to the Circus and the sweeping Royal Crescent, and look into the Assembly Rooms. Return along the river past Pulteney Bridge before catching the train back to London in the evening.
Signal Generally good on the Great Western main line, with occasional short drops in cuttings. Bath's compact centre has reliable 4G and 5G.
-
Day 4 York
Train to York: the Minster and walls
About 2 hours by LNER from London King's Cross to York.
Take the train north from King's Cross to York. Visit York Minster, one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, and climb the central tower if you're comfortable with steep steps. Walk the medieval city walls, which run for most of the way around the centre, and enter the Shambles, a narrow lane of overhanging timber-framed buildings.
Signal Good coverage on most of the East Coast Main Line and throughout York's centre.
-
Day 5 York
York: museums and the Viking city
Visit the National Railway Museum beside the station, with its royal carriages and the record-breaking Mallard. Then head to the Jorvik Viking Centre, built on the site of Viking-era excavations at Coppergate. In the afternoon see Clifford's Tower, the remains of a medieval castle on a mound, and walk the riverside back towards the Minster for evensong.
Signal Strong 4G and 5G across York. Book Jorvik in advance; timed tickets are sold online.
-
Day 6 Edinburgh
Edinburgh: the Old Town
About 2 hours 30 minutes by LNER or CrossCountry from York to Edinburgh Waverley.
Take the train north along the coast to Edinburgh, whose Old and New Towns are a UNESCO site. Visit Edinburgh Castle on its volcanic rock, then walk down the Royal Mile past St Giles' Cathedral and the closes leading off it. At the bottom, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament building.
Signal Coverage is good along most of the line, with some short dips on the Northumberland coast near Berwick. Edinburgh's centre has strong 5G.
-
Day 7 Edinburgh
Arthur's Seat and the New Town
The Edinburgh tram reaches the airport in about 30 minutes.
Climb Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park early for views over the city and the Firth of Forth. Afterwards walk through the Georgian streets of the New Town and Princes Street Gardens, and visit the Scottish National Gallery at the Mound. Take the tram from Princes Street to Edinburgh Airport for your flight.
Signal Good signal on Arthur's Seat and across the New Town. Check your flight and boarding pass before boarding the tram.
Staying connected on this route
- Apply for your UK ETA only through GOV.UK before you fly.
- The UK has switched off 3G: older phones need 4G to get data and VoLTE support for home-SIM calls.
- Expect gaps on some Tube lines while the tunnel coverage rollout finishes; download maps and tickets before going underground.
- Book train tickets in advance in an operator's app; advance fares are cheaper and tickets open offline.
Itinerary sources · 4
- ispreview.co.uk London Underground set to complete 4G and 5G mobile build by end of 2026 – ISPreview
- tfl.gov.uk Station wifi – Transport for London
- gov.uk Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – GOV.UK
- en.wikipedia.org VodafoneThree – Wikipedia
Information and verification
Each block below says what was checked and when. Anything we cannot date, we do not claim.
- Prices and plans
- Every price and allowance on this page is read from the live catalog, not typed in.
- Host networks
- The operator list comes from the network partner that carries this eSIM.
- Local rules
- SIM registration and device rules, checked against the sources below.Source: gsma.com, privacyinternational.org
Transparent pricing
United Kingdom eSIM prices
| Data | Price | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | $6.99 | $2.33/day |
| Data | Price | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | $10.99 | $2.20/day |
| Data | Price | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | $18.99 | $1.90/day |
| Data | Price | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | $97.99 | $1.63/day |
| Data | Price | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | $149.99 | $1.67/day |
Going to more than one country?
Regional plans that also cover United Kingdom
Destinations
Popular eSIM destinations
Travel guides
Read before you go
Sep 21, 2026 | 7 minute read
Sep 21, 2026 | 8 minute read
