eSIM UK
Best eSIM for London: 8 Providers, From $2.98
Feb
Written by Peter Moore – Tech Content Writer
Best eSIM for London: eSIM4
eSIM4 is our top London eSIM for 2026. Plans start at $2.98 for 1GB over 7 days on the EE network, with 5G where EE has it. That is the lowest paid starting price of the 8 providers on this page, before promo codes. You buy a UK plan, and it covers London and the rest of the UK.
Why We Chose eSIM4
- Price: From $2.98 for 1GB, up to 59% off the regular price.
- Network: EE, with 5G where EE has it.
- Setup: Your eSIM comes by email straight away. Install it at home and switch it on when you land.
- Minutes and texts: UK plans with minutes and texts on EE start at $3.98.
- Hotspot: Every plan lets you share data with a laptop.
- Full Features: 24/7 support and optional app for calls and SMS.
London eSIM Prices: 8 eSIM Providers Compared
London eSIM prices start at $2.98 with eSIM4 and $2.99 with GigSky. Next come aloSIM at $3.50, Holafly at $3.90, Airalo at $4.00, Saily at $4.49, Nomad at $4.50 and Jetpac at $6.50. These are UK plans in USD, and each one covers London.
| Rank | Provider | Rating | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ⭐ eSIM4 | 4.9/5 | $2.98 | Low Prices on EE |
| 2 | Saily | 4.6/5 | $4.49 | Security Features |
| 3 | Airalo | 4.5/5 | $4.00 | EE Network |
| 4 | Nomad | 4.5/5 | $4.50 | 5G Speeds |
| 5 | Jetpac | 4.4/5 | $6.50 | Lounge Perk on Delays |
| 6 | aloSIM | 4.3/5 | $3.50 | Hushed App Number |
| 7 | GigSky | 4.2/5 | $2.99 | Cruise Plans |
| 8 | Holafly | 4.0/5 | $3.90 | Unlimited Data |
Using an eSIM in London: Airports, Tube and Data Roaming
Your eSIM works across London once you switch it on. Free airport Wi-Fi helps if you still need to set it up.
Heathrow and Gatwick
Install your eSIM profile over Wi-Fi before your flight. Then switch it on in your phone settings when you land at Heathrow, Gatwick or another London airport. Heathrow has free Wi-Fi in all its terminals. Pick the Heathrow Wi-Fi network and register to use it (Heathrow). Gatwick has free, unlimited Wi-Fi at 50 Mbps, and you log on with an email address (Gatwick).
Mobile Signal on the Tube
Mobile signal on the Tube is still being rolled out. In June 2026, TfL said around 60% of its underground stations had 4G and 5G coverage. It plans to cover the whole network by the end of 2026 (TfL, June 2026). All four major UK networks take part, and EE, the network eSIM4 uses, is one of them. The whole Elizabeth line already has coverage (TfL connectivity page). Save your Google Maps areas offline before you go underground.
London or UK eSIM?
eSIM4 has no London-only plan. Its UK plan covers London and the rest of the country, so day trips to Oxford, Bath or Brighton need no extra plan.
EU Roaming After Brexit
EU free roaming does not cover the UK. The EU rules cover the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Moldova and Ukraine. The EU’s Your Europe site warns: “The cost of roaming (particularly data roaming) outside the EU/EEA can be expensive.” A travel eSIM avoids roaming charges from your home carrier.
Pick the Right eSIM Data Plan for Your London Trip
Pick by trip length and by how much video you watch. These are eSIM4 UK plans in USD.
| Your trip | eSIM4 plan | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend, maps and messages | 1GB, 7 days | $2.98 |
| Long weekend, light use | 2GB, 15 days | $5.98 |
| One week, normal use | 3GB, 30 days | $7.98 |
| Two weeks, normal use | 5GB, 30 days | $11.98 |
| A month, heavy use | 20GB, 30 days | $29.98 |
| Video calls, streaming or hotspot | Unlimited, 3 to 30 days | From $9.98 |
| You need to call UK numbers | 5GB, 50 minutes and 50 texts, 30 days | $13.98 |
Local UK eSIM or eSIM4?
A local UK eSIM is another option. EE, a UK network, sells a prepaid data-only eSIM to tourists online, with no UK address needed (EE, checked October 2026). Calls on it go through apps such as WhatsApp.
With eSIM4, there is no ID check, you set it up at home, and your eSIM arrives by email straight away. It runs on EE too, and it connects when you switch it on after you land. Unlike EE’s tourist eSIM, eSIM4 also sells UK plans with minutes and texts.
Choose Your eSIM4 UK Plan →What Travel eSIM Providers Offer in London
Each card shows one provider’s UK network, plans, setup steps and full price table. Prices are in USD, and every plan covers London.
eSIM4
Low Prices on EE
eSIM4 is our top pick for London. It runs on EE, a major UK network, with 5G where EE has it. Plans go from 1GB to unlimited data, and every plan allows hotspot use.
Coverage
eSIM4 uses the EE network in London and across the UK.
Data Plans
Pick 1GB to 20GB for 7 to 30 days, or unlimited data for 3 to 30 days. Unlimited plans give full speed for the first 3GB each day, then about 1 Mbps until midnight local time. eSIM4 also sells UK plans with minutes and texts (see the calls section).
Activation Process
eSIM4 emails your QR code straight away, with no ID check. Scan it at home to install the eSIM. When you land at Heathrow or Gatwick, turn on the eSIM line and data roaming. Your plan starts when you activate it.
Price
Plans start at $2.98 for 1GB over 7 days. Sale prices are up to 59% below the regular price. If you do not activate a plan, you can get a refund within 30 days.
eSIM4 Pricing Plans
| Data / Type | Duration | Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $7.20 $2.98 | SAVE 59% |
| 2 GB | 15 Days | $12.60 $5.98 | SAVE 53% |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $16.20 $7.98 | SAVE 51% |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $23.40 $11.98 | SAVE 49% |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $34.20 $17.98 | SAVE 47% |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $55.80 $29.98 | SAVE 46% |
| Unlimited | 3 Days | $20.70 $9.98 | SAVE 52% |
| Unlimited | 5 Days | $33.30 $16.98 | SAVE 49% |
| Unlimited | 7 Days | $48.60 $25.98 | SAVE 47% |
| Unlimited | 10 Days | $62.10 $32.98 | SAVE 47% |
| Unlimited | 15 Days | $86.40 $46.98 | SAVE 46% |
| Unlimited | 30 Days | $124.20 $67.98 | SAVE 45% |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low entry price ($2.98 for 1GB)
- EE network with 5G
- Instant QR delivery
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Device must be unlocked
- Voice calls need a plan with minutes or the app
Saily
Security Features
Saily comes from Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. Every plan includes an ad blocker and web protection. UK plans start at $4.49 for 1GB over 7 days.
Coverage
Saily does not publish its network for the UK.
Activation Process
A saily.com order sends your QR code by email straight away. Ordered in Saily’s app instead? The eSIM sits in your profile, ready to install. Do this at home, and switch on the Saily line in your SIM settings. The plan kicks in by itself when you reach London. Top-ups in the app go onto this same eSIM.
Price
The 1GB plan for 7 days costs $4.49. Unlimited data starts at $18.99 for 5 days.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $4.49 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $8.99 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $12.99 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $18.99 |
| Unlimited | 15 Days | $48.99 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made by Nord Security, the NordVPN company
- Extra web protection
- Sleek app
Cons
- No phone number included
- Higher starting price than eSIM4
Airalo
EE Network
Airalo connects to the EE network in the UK. It also sells UK plans with calls and texts, from $5.00 for 1GB over 3 days.
Coverage
With EE as its partner network, Airalo offers 5G.
Activation Process
Airalo needs an account, whether you buy on its website or in its app. An installation PDF is attached to your delivery email. Install as early as you like on a stable connection, since installing early usually costs no plan days. In London, pick the eSIM as your data line, then set Data Roaming on or off as the app tells you.
Price
Plans start at $4.00 for 1GB over 3 days.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 3 Days | $4.00 |
| 5 GB | 15 Days | $12.50 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $13.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $19.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $31.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- EE network with 5G
- Easy top-up via app
- Plans up to 50GB
Cons
- Slightly higher price per GB
- Calls only on pricier data + calls plans
Nomad
5G Speeds
Nomad offers 5G in the UK, and each plan shows which of its three networks it uses.
Coverage
Nomad uses Vodafone, Hutchison 3G and EE in the UK.
Activation Process
No Nomad account? Guest checkout works on its website and in its app. Installation steps arrive by email after purchase, and the app can install the eSIM for you. Do it before your flight to London. Your plan’s validity begins when the eSIM first joins a supported UK network, with data roaming switched on.
Price
Plans start at $4.50 for 1GB over 7 days. Unlimited data starts at $11.00 for 3 days.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $4.50 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $9.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $17.50 |
| Unlimited | 3 Days | $11.00 |
| Unlimited | 10 Days | $33.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Multiple UK networks (Vodafone, Hutchison 3G, EE)
- 5G where available
- Data add-ons available
Cons
- Data-only (no phone number)
Jetpac
Lounge access perks
Jetpac’s UK plans start at $6.50 for 3GB over 1 day, and they are data only. Its SmartDelay service gives you airport lounge access if a flight you registered is delayed.
Coverage
Jetpac’s help centre lists EE, Three and O2 for the UK, covering packs bought after 12 September 2024. That network table was last updated in January 2025, so it may have changed since. Data roaming must be on for the eSIM to latch onto one of them in London.
Activation Process
Set up the Jetpac eSIM before you fly, from its app, the emailed QR code or manual codes. Keep it switched off until you land, so the pack lasts your whole London stay. Then select Jetpac for mobile data and leave Allow Mobile Data Switching off. Topping up later adds data to this same eSIM.
Price
Plans start at $6.50 for 3GB over 1 day. Unlimited data starts at $14.00 for 3 days.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 4 Days | $7.00 |
| 3 GB | 7 Days | $9.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $12.00 |
| Unlimited | 3-30 Days | From $14.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free lounge access on flight delays
- App-based management
Cons
- Data-only (no voice/SMS)
- Its $6.50 plan lasts only 1 day
aloSIM
Hushed App Number
aloSIM includes a Hushed app phone number with its UK plans. Data runs on EE and Three.
Coverage
aloSIM’s UK destination page names EE and Three as its current networks, so your London data can use either one. Both run national mobile networks across the UK. You can see the same list in aloSIM’s app, under eSIM features.
Activation Process
You can pay on alosim.com without the app, or buy inside it. Installation runs through the app, and you can finish it days before you fly. Your package only activates, and starts its countdown, once you are on a supported UK network. On travel day, leave Allow Cellular Data Switching off and confirm the APN shows alosim.
Price
aloSIM’s UK plans start at $3.50 for 1GB over 1 day. Its 3GB, 30-day plan costs $9.00, which is $1.02 more than eSIM4.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $4.50 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $9.00 |
| 5 GB | 15 Days | $9.50 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $13.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $20.00 |
| Unlimited | 10 Days | $35.00 |
GigSky
Cruise Plans
GigSky sells UK data plans and cruise plans, for trips where London is one stop.
Coverage
GigSky does not publish which UK network carries its London plans. Its help centre names no operators for any country, and its app lists covered countries rather than carriers. Once connected, your phone’s mobile settings show the network in use.
Activation Process
GigSky’s mobile app, or its web app at app.gigsky.com, takes your order. Setup happens in the mobile app, which installs the eSIM straight onto your phone. For most plans, nothing counts down until you connect to a supported UK network. Once you land, select GigSky for mobile data with data roaming on, and confirm its APN is gigsky.
Price
GigSky’s UK plans start at $2.99 for 1GB over 7 days, one cent more than eSIM4.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $2.99 |
| 3 GB | 15 Days | $5.99 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $8.29 |
Holafly
Unlimited Data
Holafly sells unlimited data only, by the day. Its UK plan lets you share 1GB of data per day by hotspot, and it has no phone number.
Coverage
Holafly’s UK country page lists five networks: Orange, T-Mobile, Three (H3G), Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone. One Holafly UK plan works across London and the rest of the country. For the eSIM to join those networks, data roaming must be on for its line.
Activation Process
No login is required before buying on esim.holafly.com, and your QR code is emailed right after payment. Holafly’s app can install the eSIM with one button instead. On iPhones with iOS 16.4 or later, the plan may start during installation. Otherwise, it starts in London once you turn the line and its data roaming on.
Price
Every Holafly UK plan is unlimited data, sold by the number of days from 1 to 90. A single day costs $3.90. A week is $27.50, which is $1.52 more than eSIM4’s 7-day unlimited plan. 10 days cost $37.50, and 30 days cost $76.50 against $67.98 at eSIM4.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | 1 Day | $3.90 |
| Unlimited | 3 Days | $11.90 |
| Unlimited | 5 Days | $20.50 |
| Unlimited | 7 Days | $27.50 |
| Unlimited | 10 Days | $37.50 |
| Unlimited | 15 Days | $51.50 |
| Unlimited | 30 Days | $76.50 |
Final Pick to Stay Connected in London
Our final pick to stay connected in London is eSIM4. Take 1GB for $2.98 for a weekend, or 3GB for $7.98 for a week, both on EE. Pick a plan with minutes if you need to call UK numbers.
Get eSIM4 for London →Calls and Texts: WhatsApp, Yabb or eSIM Plans With Minutes
Most travel eSIMs are data only. You can still call and text over data, or pick an eSIM4 UK plan with minutes and texts.
eSIM4 UK Plans With Minutes and Texts
These plans run on EE and include data, minutes and texts. Prices are in USD. The store also sells 3-, 7- and 15-day versions of several plans.
| Data / Type | Duration | Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB + 10 Mins + 10 SMS | 7 Days | $9.00 $3.98 | SAVE 56% |
| 2 GB + 20 Mins + 20 SMS | 15 Days | $14.40 $6.98 | SAVE 52% |
| 3 GB + 30 Mins + 30 SMS | 7 Days | $21.60 $10.98 | SAVE 49% |
| 5 GB + 50 Mins + 50 SMS | 30 Days | $27.90 $13.98 | SAVE 50% |
| 10 GB + 100 Mins + 100 SMS | 30 Days | $42.30 $21.98 | SAVE 48% |
| 20 GB + 200 Mins + 200 SMS | 30 Days | $69.30 $36.98 | SAVE 47% |
| 50 GB + 500 Mins + 500 SMS | 30 Days | $97.20 $52.98 | SAVE 45% |
Calls Over Data: WhatsApp and Yabb
WhatsApp and FaceTime calls work over any eSIM data plan, if the other person has the same app. To call a hotel or restaurant on a landline, use the Yabb app. Yabb calls and texts real phone numbers around the world over your eSIM data, and the other person needs no app.
- Pay as you go with credits.
- Get a virtual number to send and receive texts.
How to Buy and Activate Your eSIM for London
Buy and install your eSIM at home, then activate it when you land in London.
- Check your phone: It must be unlocked and support eSIM technology. Apple lists the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later (Apple). Many Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models support eSIM too. On Android, dial *#06#. If an EID number shows, your phone supports eSIM (EE). Our EID guide explains more.
- Buy: Buy your UK eSIM plan before you fly. eSIM4 emails it to you straight away.
- Install: Connect to Wi-Fi. On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Data (or Cellular), then Add eSIM, and scan the code. On Android, open the SIM menu in Settings.
- Activate: When you land at Heathrow, Gatwick or St Pancras, turn on the eSIM line. Turn on data roaming for that line. Your plan starts when you activate it.
- Home SIM: Turn off roaming on your home SIM, so your home carrier cannot charge you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which eSIM is best for London?
eSIM4 is the eSIM we rate best for London. Plans start at $2.98 for 1GB over 7 days on EE, with 5G where EE has it.
Is there a London-only eSIM?
No, there is no London-only eSIM at eSIM4. You buy a UK plan, and it covers London and the rest of the UK, including day trips to Oxford, Bath or Cambridge.
Does my eSIM work on the London Underground?
Your eSIM works in many London Underground stations, and coverage is still growing. In June 2026, TfL said around 60% of underground Tube stations had 4G and 5G coverage, with the whole network due by the end of 2026. EE, the network eSIM4 uses, takes part.
Can I use my eSIM at Heathrow?
Yes, you can use your eSIM at Heathrow as soon as you land. Turn on the eSIM line and roaming for it. If you still need to install it, use Heathrow’s free Wi-Fi first.
Does EU free roaming work in London?
No, EU free roaming does not cover London or the rest of the UK. It covers the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Moldova and Ukraine. Check your home carrier’s roaming charges, or use a travel eSIM.
Will my London eSIM work in Paris?
Your London eSIM from eSIM4 is a UK plan, sold for use in the UK. For Paris or other international travel, see our Paris and Europe eSIM guides.
Can I make calls with a London eSIM?
Yes, you can make calls with a London eSIM if your plan has minutes. eSIM4’s UK plans with minutes and texts start at $3.98 for 1GB, 10 minutes and 10 texts. On a data plan, call with WhatsApp or the Yabb app.
Can I get a UK phone number?
eSIM4’s data plans do not include a UK phone number. To call and text UK numbers, pick an eSIM4 UK plan with minutes and texts, from $3.98, or use the Yabb app over your data. Yabb also sells virtual numbers for sending and receiving texts.
How much data do I need for a week in London?
For a week in London, we suggest 3GB of data for maps, messages and some social media. eSIM4’s 3GB plan costs $7.98 and lasts 30 days. Pick unlimited if you stream video or share a hotspot.
Can I share my eSIM data with a laptop?
Yes, you can share your eSIM data with a laptop, because every eSIM4 plan allows hotspot use.
Are there any disadvantages to eSIMs?
eSIMs have a few limits. Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM, and you need Wi-Fi or data to install one. Most travel eSIMs are also data only, so eSIM4 sells UK plans with minutes and texts too.
Do I need a physical SIM card in the UK?
No, you do not need a physical SIM card if your phone supports eSIM. You install the plan from a QR code, and your home SIM stays in the phone.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number?
Yes, you keep your WhatsApp number. WhatsApp stays on your home number and uses your eSIM data for messages and calls.
Where can I buy an eSIM in London?
You can get a prepaid eSIM online from eSIM4, with no shop visit. eSIM4 emails your eSIM straight away, so you can buy it before you fly to London.
Does my iPhone support eSIM?
Your iPhone supports eSIM if it is an iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or later, according to Apple. It must also be unlocked to use another provider’s eSIM.
