Phone Plans in United Kingdom
Compare 4 mobile plans from 5 carriers
Mobile Network Overview in United Kingdom
Major Carriers
- EE5G/4G/3G/2G • 99% urban coverage
- O25G/4G/3G/2G • 98% urban coverage
- Vodafone5G/4G/3G/2G • 98% urban coverage
- Three5G/4G/3G • 97% urban coverage
- giffgaff5G/4G/3G/2G • 98% urban coverage
Network Information
- ✓ 4G/LTE coverage in major cities
- ✓ 5G available with select carriers
- ✓ Good coverage in tourist areas
- ✓ Free WiFi widely available
Compare All Phone Plans
| Plan Name | Carrier | Data | Minutes | Price | Tourist Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Essential Plan postpaid | EE | 150GB per month | Local: Unlimited Int'l: None | £35.00 per month | |
Pay As You Go prepaid | Three | 12GB per month | Local: Unlimited Int'l: None | £10.00 per month | |
Big Bundle Tourist tourist | O2 | 25GB per month | Local: Unlimited Int'l: 100 | £30.00 per month | |
Golden Goodybag prepaid | giffgaff | 100GB per month | Local: Unlimited Int'l: None | £35.00 per month |
Best Tourist SIM Cards
Pay As You Go
Three
- • No contract
- • Feel at Home roaming
- • 5G ready
Big Bundle Tourist
O2
- • EU roaming
- • Priority rewards
- • WiFi hotspots
Golden Goodybag
giffgaff
- • No contract
- • Community support
- • O2 network
Prepaid vs Postpaid: Which is Right for You?
Prepaid Plans
- No credit check required
- Perfect for tourists and short stays
- No contracts or commitments
- Control your spending
Best for: Tourists, students, temporary residents, budget-conscious users
Postpaid Plans
- Better data rates and allowances
- International roaming options
- Device financing available
- Requires credit check and ID
Best for: Long-term residents, business users, heavy data users
Where to Buy SIM Cards in United Kingdom
Airport Kiosks
Most convenient option for tourists. Available immediately upon arrival.
- ✓ Open 24/7 at major airports
- ✓ English-speaking staff
- ✓ Tourist plans available
- ✗ Slightly higher prices
Carrier Stores
Best selection and support. Located in shopping centers and city centers.
- ✓ Full range of plans
- ✓ Professional setup help
- ✓ Device options available
- ✗ May require queuing
Convenience Stores
Quick and easy for prepaid SIMs. Found everywhere in United Kingdom.
- ✓ No waiting times
- ✓ Basic prepaid options
- ✓ Extended hours
- ✗ Limited plan selection
Airport SIM Card Availability
Major International Airports
SIM cards are readily available at United Kingdom's main international airports. Look for carrier kiosks in the arrivals hall after clearing customs.
- Multiple carrier options available
- Tourist-specific packages
- Instant activation service
What You'll Need
- 1.Passport for registration
- 2.Unlocked phone (check before travel)
- 3.Cash or credit card
- 4.Address in United Kingdom (hotel is fine)
SIM Card Activation Guide
Step-by-Step Activation
- 1Purchase Your SIMChoose a plan that fits your needs and budget
- 2Register Your DetailsProvide passport and local address for registration
- 3Insert the SIM CardPower off your phone, insert SIM, then restart
- 4Configure SettingsFollow carrier instructions for APN settings if needed
Troubleshooting Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my phone number when visiting United Kingdom?
You cannot transfer your home country number to a United Kingdom SIM card. However, you can use apps like WhatsApp, which are linked to your original number, over data. Consider using call forwarding to a VoIP service if you need to receive calls on your regular number.
Do I need to unlock my phone before traveling?
Yes, your phone must be unlocked to use a United Kingdom SIM card. Contact your home carrier before traveling to unlock your device. Most carriers will unlock phones that are fully paid off. You can test if your phone is unlocked by trying a different carrier's SIM card.
How long does SIM card registration take?
Registration typically takes 5-15 minutes at the point of purchase. Some carriers activate instantly, while others may take up to 2 hours. Tourist SIMs at airports are usually activated immediately to ensure you have service right away.
Can I top up my prepaid SIM online?
Yes, most United Kingdom carriers offer online top-up services through their websites or mobile apps. You can also top up at convenience stores, carrier shops, or through ATMs. International credit cards are usually accepted for online top-ups.
What's the difference between tourist SIMs and regular prepaid SIMs?
Tourist SIMs are designed for short-term visitors with simplified registration, more data, shorter validity periods (7-30 days), and sometimes include international calling minutes. Regular prepaid SIMs require more documentation, have longer validity, and are better for extended stays.