UK eSIM for visitors

Get the best eSIM for UK travel with instant activation on iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel. All on the UK’s best network. Plans start from £5.

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Why choose an eSIM with EE?

The UK’s No. 1

The UK’s No. 1

Rated the UK’s best mobile network for the 25th time by the impartial network data experts at RootMetrics.

Best for 5G

Best for 5G

We’ve got 5G in more places than any other network in the UK for a superfast connection wherever you are.

Best for major UK cities

Best for major UK cities

EE was awarded best network for major UK cities, including London, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Choose plan

After buying your eSIM, you'll have 90 days to start using it.

The best eSIM for UK travellers

a couple on holiday staying at a lodge sat using thier devices
Quick set-up, minimum fuss

An eSIM is a built-in digital data only SIM that connects your device to mobile networks without any physical card required. Before purchasing, check your device is eSIM compatible and choose a data package that matches your trip length.

woman travelling on plane journey
Get connected in minutes

Get connected straight away with prepaid set-up. No UK address needed and no roaming charges. Perfect for travellers, you can activate before you even land and choose a data package that fits your stay, giving you flexibility and peace of mind from the moment you arrive.

woman travelling at London underground
Reliable coverage across the entire UK

Enjoy fast 4G/5G speeds across major cities like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Glasgow, making an EE eSIM the best travel option for international visitors and peace of mind from the moment you arrive.

The UK's best network for a record 13 years in a row

Consistently giving the UK the edge, year after year.

Frequently asked questions

EE is the UK’s best mobile network, offering affordable eSIM data plans to those travelling into the UK, too. Travelling to the capital? There is WiFi available across London’s underground tube lines and stations, powered by Transport for London. Your device will automatically connect to the network when your WiFi is ‘on’, allowing you to have internet access while you travel around the big city.

An eSIM has the same functionality as your traditional SIM card, except it’s built in to your device. This means instead of a physical, plastic SIM card, you simply download and activate your eSIM digitally. A lot of new phones are built with eSIM capability, ready for you to connect.

To use an eSIM, you first need to check your phone is compatible. This can differ depending on the make and model.

Android

  • Dial *#06# and press call.
  • If you see an EID number, your phone is eSIM compatible.

For further information, we recommend visiting your phone manufacturer’s website.

iPhone

Models iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later are eSIM compatible, however this can be subject to where your phone was manufactured. eSIM on iPhone is not offered in mainland China.

For further information, we recommend checking Apple’s guidance.

Android
You won’t be able to send SMS messages, but will be able to use data-based messaging/calling apps such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

iPhone
You can send iMessages, but to make phone calls you will need to use data-based messaging/calling apps such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

Your current eSIM or a physical SIM does not need to be removed from your phone, and your EE data eSIM will work alongside it. You will be able to toggle between them on your phone.

A ‘locked’ phone means it’s tethered to a certain network wireless carrier. If it’s ‘locked’, you won’t be able to connect to the EE network.

An ‘unlocked’ phone will allow you to switch between multiple network providers.

You can check your phone’s lock status in your device settings, or by contacting your network carrier.

Yes. Even though it’s a data eSIM, you can still make emergency calls to 999 and 112.

Our eSIM data plans all have a default ‘Moderate’ content setting which blocks access to 18-rated content, and this cannot be changed. Should you need more strict parental controls, you will need to adjust your device settings.

You have 90 days from the day you purchase an EE Travel Data eSIM Plan to change your mind and cancel, as long as you haven't used your Data eSIM. If you have used your Data eSIM, you will only be entitled to a refund in certain circumstances, like if there's an issue with our services or network.

During your minimum term the monthly price for your plan will be as-per the prices above. After your minimum term, your plan price will increase on 1st March each year. 

Out of bundle charges will increase by 5% on 31st March each year. See ee.co.uk/prices-explained for details.

Other terms, prices, and products may also change during your contract, but we’ll tell you about important changes in advance.

Click here to view our short marketing terms, here for our price guides, or here to verify all our comparative advertising claims.