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The short answer
The best eSIM for United Kingdom is the one that fits your trip and your networks. For two weeks of photos, maps and social, NUM picks 5 GB for 30 days at $4.39, as of 3 Nov 2026.
| Plans from | $1.09 on 3 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Networks on local plans | EE, 3 4G |
| A week | 3 GB, 15 days, $2.99 |
| Two weeks | 5 GB, 30 days, $4.39 |
| A month | 10 GB, 31 days, $6.29 (regional plan, 31 countries) |
| Longer | 20 GB, 90 days, $20.29 (regional plan, 34 countries) |
| Phone number | None, data only |
| Payment | Apple Pay, Google Pay or card |
A regional plan may list fewer networks here than a local plan. If you need a particular network, check that plan’s network list in the shop before you pay.
Coverage in United Kingdom: what to know
Opensignal's January 2026 report: EE led download and upload speeds and 5G coverage, while Three won time connected and 5G speeds. O2 won overall coverage experience. Both networks on our plans do well, EE generally ahead.
Checked 3 Nov 2026. Source: insights.opensignal.com. Coverage changes, so check your route before you rely on it.
Which United Kingdom eSIM for your trip
- A week$2.993 GB · 15 days
- Two weeks$4.395 GB · 30 days
- A month$6.2910 GB · 31 days
- Longer$20.2920 GB · 90 days
The shop’s pick for each trip length on 3 Nov 2026, for photos, maps and social. Prices in US dollars; the shop always shows today’s price.
United Kingdom data plans, cheapest first
| Data | Valid for | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | EE 5G, 3 4G | $1.09 |
| 2 GB | 15 days | EE 5G, 3 4G | $1.99 |
| 3 GB | 15 days | EE 5G, 3 4G | $2.99 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | EE 5G, 3 4G | $3.19 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | EE 5G, 3 4G | $4.39 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | EE 5G, 3 4G | $6.39 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | EE 5G, 3 4G | $10.49 |
| 50 GB | 30 days | EE 5G, 3 4G | $19.89 |
16 plans in the shop on 3 Nov 2026; the 8 cheapest are shown. See every plan and today’s prices.
How it works
- Pick your trip. Tell the shop how long you’re away and how you use your phone; it picks the plan.
- Pay in seconds. Apple Pay, Google Pay or a card. Then open NUM and join free: your install code is waiting in the chat.
- Install at home, switch on when you land. One tap on iPhone or Android, or scan the QR from another screen. Tell us your landing day and we text you the switch-on steps that morning.
United Kingdom eSIM by city
United Kingdom coverage, place by place
| London | Opensignal's 2023 study found London had the highest 5G availability of any UK region, though 5G improved on 4G speeds less than elsewhere. |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh | Opensignal's 2023 city comparison put Edinburgh's average 4G download speed, 27 Mbps, weakest of the cities studied, so expect somewhat slower data than elsewhere. |
| Manchester | Opensignal's 2023 data for the North West region around Manchester showed top-tier 5G download speeds, roughly 150 Mbps, and strong 5G availability. |
| Scottish Highlands | A travel blog says hills and glens hamper signal in the Highlands, and cites Vodafone and EE as better served; check coverage maps. |
| Lake District | A report on UK mast upgrades says many sites sit in national parks like the Lake District and now carry 4G, improving coverage for hikers. |
| Cornwall | Cornwall Council says coverage has improved but parts still have poor signal, and it commissioned a county-wide road survey to map patchy areas. |
From network data, travel guides and traveler reports, checked 3 Nov 2026. Signal changes, so treat these as a guide.
Online as you land in United Kingdom
Switch it on as the plane lands at any of these and you’re online walking off:
- Ingliston, Edinburgh (EDI)
- London (LGW)
- London (LHR)
- Manchester, Greater Manchester (MAN)
- Aberdeen (ABZ)
- Belfast (BFS)
- Birmingham, West Midlands (BHX)
- Bristol (BRS)
- Cardiff (CWL)
- Nottingham, Leicestershire (EMA)
- Glasgow (GLA)
- Leeds, West Yorkshire (LBA)
- Liverpool (LPL)
- Luton, Luton (LTN)
- Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear (NCL)
- Prestwick, South Ayrshire (PIK)
Planning United Kingdom
Questions people ask
What is the best eSIM for United Kingdom?
The one that fits your trip and runs on the United Kingdom’s main networks (EE, 3 4G). For a week most people need about 3 GB; for two weeks about 5 GB; for a month of social and video, 10 GB or more. NUM lists 16 plans here and picks one for your trip and how you use your phone.
How much does an eSIM for United Kingdom cost?
On 3 Nov 2026, plans started at $1.09 and went up to $78.99 for the biggest. The shop always shows today’s price, and the price on the pay button is the price you pay.
Which network works well in United Kingdom?
Opensignal's January 2026 report: EE led download and upload speeds and 5G coverage, while Three won time connected and 5G speeds. O2 won overall coverage experience. Both networks on our plans do well, EE generally ahead.
Why does my eSIM show another carrier’s name?
Many travel eSIMs are issued by one carrier and roam on local networks, so your phone can show the issuing carrier’s name while your data runs on a local network. Keep data roaming on for the eSIM.
Will it work on my phone?
Dial *#06# on the phone you’re taking. If you see an EID number, it takes an eSIM. Every iPhone from the XR and XS on does, and the SE from 2020, as do Google Pixel 3 and later and Samsung Galaxy S20 and later. The phone must be carrier-unlocked. Not sure? Text PHONE and your model and we’ll check.
When do I install it?
At home, on wifi, before you fly. Then switch it on when you land. Tell us your landing day and we text you the switch-on steps that morning.
Does it come with a phone number?
No. It’s a data-only eSIM. WhatsApp, LINE, iMessage and FaceTime all work over it, and your home number can stay on for calls and codes.
What if it doesn’t work?
If we can’t issue your eSIM, we refund you in full. If it won’t install or connect, text us and we help you get connected.
An eSIM with a concierge inside.
Text NUM a table for tonight, a driver at 6 am or a pharmacy that’s open now. Any language, any hour, on the data you just bought.
Get my United Kingdom eSIM