If you just landed in London and your phone is buzzing with no signal, you’re not alone. Thousands of new residents, students, and visitors face the same problem every day. Getting a UK SIM card isn’t hard-but doing it right saves you money, avoids roaming charges, and keeps you connected when you need it most. This guide cuts through the noise. No fluff. Just what you actually need to know in 2026.
Which Networks Work Best in London?
The UK has four major mobile networks: EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three. They all cover London well, but their performance varies depending on where you are and what you use your phone for.
EE has the widest coverage in central London and most suburbs. If you’re commuting on the Tube, walking through Camden, or working in Canary Wharf, EE gives you the most consistent signal. Their 5G is also the most widespread in the city.
O2 is a close second. It’s reliable, often cheaper than EE, and has great customer service. Many Londoners stick with O2 because it’s easy to top up, and their app works smoothly.
Vodafone has solid coverage but sometimes drops signal in older buildings. It’s a good option if you want a balance between price and performance.
Three is the budget-friendly choice. It’s slower on 4G compared to the others, but their unlimited data plans are hard to beat. If you stream music, watch videos, or use WhatsApp nonstop, Three’s £15/month unlimited plan is worth considering.
eSIMs Are the New Normal in London
Forget picking up a plastic card at the airport. In 2026, most newcomers to London use eSIMs. They’re faster, cheaper, and easier to set up.
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. You don’t need to swap physical cards. Just scan a QR code or enter details in your settings, and you’re online in minutes.
Top eSIM providers for London in 2026:
- Airalo: Offers UK-only plans starting at £8 for 1GB. Good for short stays.
- Holafly: Unlimited data for £20/30 days. Works well for tourists and new residents.
- Ubigi: Lets you switch between UK and home country plans. Great if you travel often.
- Google Fi: If you’re coming from the US, Fi works in the UK with no extra cost. Data speeds are decent, but not the fastest.
Make sure your phone supports eSIM. iPhones from the XS model onward, Google Pixels from the 3 onward, and most recent Samsung Galaxy phones (S20 and later) all support it. Check your settings under ‘Cellular’ or ‘Mobile Data’ to see if you have an eSIM option.
Where to Buy a Physical SIM Card in London
If you prefer a physical SIM, here’s where to go:
- Mobile phone shops: EE, O2, and Vodafone stores are everywhere-especially in Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and near major train stations like King’s Cross and Waterloo.
- Supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda sell pay-as-you-go SIMs from O2 and Three. Prices start at £5 for 5GB.
- Newsagents: Many small shops near residential areas sell Three and Vodafone SIMs. Look for the ‘Pay As You Go’ sign.
- London airports: Heathrow and Gatwick have kiosks for EE and Vodafone. But don’t buy here unless you’re desperate-prices are 30% higher than in the city.
When buying a physical SIM, you’ll need:
- A valid passport or EU ID card
- Your UK address (even if it’s a temporary one like a hostel or Airbnb)
- £5-£20 in cash or card
Some shops will ask for proof of address. If you don’t have a utility bill yet, a rental agreement, a letter from your university, or even a booking confirmation for your accommodation usually works.
Best Deals for New Residents in 2026
Here are the top value-for-money plans right now:
| Provider | Plan Type | Data | Minutes | Texts | Price/month | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £15 | Heavy data users |
| EE | 5G Essential | 20GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £20 | Fastest 5G, reliable coverage |
| O2 | Refresh 15GB | 15GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £18 | Good balance of price and speed |
| Airalo | eSIM UK | 1GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £8 | Short stays, travelers |
| Holafly | eSIM Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £20 | 30-day stays, no contract |
Pro tip: If you’re on a tight budget, start with Three’s £15 unlimited plan. You can always switch later. Most plans are month-to-month, so no long-term lock-in.
What to Avoid
Here are the most common mistakes newcomers make:
- Buying a SIM at the airport: You’ll pay more for the same plan. Wait until you’re in the city.
- Using your home country’s roaming: Roaming charges in the UK can hit £10/day for data. That’s £300 a month.
- Choosing a plan without checking coverage: If you live in a basement flat or a high-rise in East London, signal can be weak. Check network maps before you commit.
- Forgetting to unlock your phone: If your phone is locked to a carrier back home (like AT&T or Verizon), it won’t work with a UK SIM. Call your old provider and ask them to unlock it-most will do it for free after 6 months.
How to Set Up Your SIM or eSIM
Once you’ve got your SIM or eSIM code, here’s how to activate it:
- Turn off your phone.
- Insert the physical SIM (if using one) or note down the eSIM QR code.
- Turn your phone back on.
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan (for eSIM) or wait for automatic setup (for physical SIM).
- Follow the prompts. You’ll usually get a text with activation steps.
- Test your connection: Open WhatsApp or Google Maps. If it loads, you’re good.
If it doesn’t work after 10 minutes, restart your phone. If it still doesn’t work, call the provider’s UK customer service number. Most have free lines for new customers.
What About Calling and Texting?
All UK plans include unlimited calls and texts to UK numbers. That means you can call your landlord, your university, or your new friends without extra cost.
International calls? Most plans charge extra. If you call home often, use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype over Wi-Fi. They’re free. Or get a plan with international minutes-Three offers 100 free minutes to the US and Canada on their unlimited plan.
Can I Keep My Old Number?
Yes, but only if you’re switching networks in the UK. If you’re moving from another country, you can’t keep your foreign number on a UK SIM.
But here’s what you can do: Use your old number for WhatsApp, Telegram, or Google Voice. Then use your new UK number for everything else-banks, deliveries, Uber, your landlord. That way, you stay reachable without paying roaming fees.
What If I Need Help?
Most UK providers have 24/7 customer service. You can call, chat online, or visit a store. EE and O2 have the most convenient locations in central London.
Need help right away? Call 150 from your new UK phone (free). Or visit:
- EE: 100 Oxford Street, London W1D 1HT
- O2: 250 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7AJ
- Three: 110-112 Oxford Street, London W1D 4AR
Bring your ID and your phone. Staff are used to helping newcomers. No need to be nervous.
Final Tip: Get Connected Fast
Your first day in London is overwhelming. Don’t waste time hunting for a SIM. Before you fly:
- Check if your phone supports eSIM.
- Download the Airalo or Holafly app.
- Buy a 1GB or 5GB UK eSIM plan before you land.
- Connect to airport Wi-Fi, activate the eSIM, and you’ll have data the moment you step out.
That’s it. No waiting. No confusion. Just a working phone and the confidence to navigate your new city.
Can I use my US or EU phone in the UK?
Yes, as long as your phone is unlocked. Most modern phones from the US (iPhone, Pixel, Samsung) and EU work fine in the UK. Just make sure it supports 4G/5G bands used in the UK (Band 3, 7, 20, 28). If you’re unsure, check your phone’s specs online or ask your current provider to confirm.
Do I need a UK address to get a SIM card?
Technically, yes-but you don’t need a utility bill. A temporary address like your Airbnb, hostel, or university accommodation is enough. Many shops accept a booking confirmation or a letter from your employer or school. If you’re refused, try a different store or go with an eSIM, which doesn’t require proof of address.
Is eSIM better than a physical SIM?
For most newcomers, yes. eSIMs are faster, easier to set up, and don’t require a trip to a store. You can buy and activate them before you land. Physical SIMs are still useful if your phone doesn’t support eSIM, or if you prefer having a backup card. But unless you’re on an older phone, eSIM is the smarter choice.
Can I use a UK SIM card outside London?
Absolutely. UK networks cover the whole country. EE, O2, and Vodafone have strong signals even in rural areas. Three is weaker in some remote parts, but still works fine in towns and cities like Manchester, Birmingham, or Brighton. Your UK SIM works anywhere in the UK-no extra charge.
How long does it take to activate a UK SIM?
Usually under 10 minutes. Physical SIMs often activate automatically when you turn your phone on. eSIMs take 2-5 minutes after scanning the QR code. If it’s not working after 15 minutes, restart your phone. If it still doesn’t work, contact customer service-most will fix it within an hour.