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.
Why choose an eSIM with EE?
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
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
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
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.
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.
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 mobile network 25 times and counting
RootMetrics reports show EE has been named the UK’s best network for the 25th time and counting.
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.
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.
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.
Data allowance for use in the UK (excluding Jersey, Guernsey & Isle of Man). The EE Travel Data eSIM Plan is a data-only plan for mobile internet use only, and voice and text services will not be available. To make calls and send texts, you’ll need a separate SIM or eSIM plan. 4G phone required for 4G speeds, and 5G phone required for 5G speeds. Personal, non-commercial use only. Subject to availability. Plan does not renew. Plan will be terminated if it is not activated and used within 90 days of purchase.
Unlimited data plans: If you regularly tether 12 or more devices, we will consider this non-personal use and have the right to de-prioritise your mobile traffic. We will consider usage above 600GB/month to be non-personal use and have the right to apply traffic management controls to deprioritise your mobile traffic or terminate your plan.
Content lock: The default parental control setting of the EE Travel Data eSIM is locked to Moderate and cannot be changed, and the eSIM will not have access to 18-rated content in accordance with BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) guidelines or to pornography sites on the EE Network.
THE UK'S MOST RELIABLE NETWORK:
Based on the RootMetrics® UK RootScore® Report: H2 2024. Tested at locations across the UK with the best commercially available smartphones on 4 national mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. The RootMetrics award is not an endorsement of EE. Visit ee.co.uk/claims for more details.