EE SIM Cards and eSIM 2024: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Olivia Brown

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Latest update: September 2024

If you want to stay connected while on your UK trip, EE SIM cards and eSIM are excellent options to consider. They let you get local mobile data plans for your mobile device so you can access secure and smooth Internet. This guide will provide an overview of EE SIM cards and eSIM to help you get online while visiting the UK. We will compare the different options to help you choose which is best for your travel needs.

I. Overview about EE – What you need to know

EE (formerly Everything Everywhere) is the UK’s second-largest mobile network provider. Here are some facts about EE UK you may need to know:

• Founded: 2010 
• Headquarter: London
• Full company name: EE Limited
• Types of services: mobile phone networks, broadband Internet, fixed-line, and digital television
• Coverage: 99% of the UK population with 4G mobile internet signal 
• Number of users: 21.7 million users as of 2022
• Distribution: 700 EE stores; pop-up shops and cabins in shopping centers and many other locations in the UK; store-within-a-store outlets via a partnership with Sainsbury’s
• Customer support: 24/7 via phone call, live chat & email
• Language: English

II. EE Coverage in the UK

• EE ranks second position with widespread 4G/5G coverage in the UK (Three UK ranks first);
• EE’s 4G network reaches about 95% of the population and 80% of the geographic land mass;
• Visitors using EE network can access the Internet nearly everywhere, including cities, towns, and remote areas;
• EE’s 5G network is very extensive but prepaid users cannot access EE’s 5G network.

III. EE Speed in the UK

• Average download speed: 40Mbps – the fastest download speed
• Average upload speed: 9.3Mbps – the fastest upload speed
• Consistency: 72.7% – the most consistent network

► Choosing EE is a smart choice for maintaining connectivity during your UK trip. EE’s extensive 4G/5G networks, fastest data speeds, and consistency allow tourists to stream music, share photos, get directions, and much more while on the go. 

IV. Does EE have eSIM in the UK?

Sure. EE UK provides eSIM to tourists. It is simply an embedded SIM that stores the cellular data needed to access the EE network. An EE eSIM is already built into your cell phone. Plus, it allows you to have multiple different lines on a device that you can easily switch between.

• No physical SIM card
• No store visit
• Easy online download and activation
• Dual SIM feature

To purchase a UK eSIM, you may:

• Download directly from EE’s website. ID check is required.
• Buy from a third-party reseller. No identity check, online purchase.

V. Top EE SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

The table below shows some EE SIM card options for tourists to the UK and prices accordingly.

VI. Where to Purchase EE SIM cards?

Now is the time to figure out where to purchase EE SIM cards and eSIM.

1. Upon arrival at the UK airports

Travelers may buy EE SIM cards at:

• London Gatwick International Airport: WHSmith convenience store and SIM Card Vending Machine
• London Heathrow International Airport: Local SIM stores; WHSmith convenience stores, and SIM Card Vending Machine 
• Manchester International Airport: Spar Shop, WHSmith convenience store, and SIM Card Vending Machine

2. EE stores & authorized dealers

EE SIM cards are available at around 700 EE stores; pop-up shops and cabins in shopping centers and many other locations in the UK. EE also has store-within-a-store outlets via a partnership with Sainsbury’s. These stores are located in most cities and towns in Manchester, London, etc. and offer a wide range of EE SIM plan options at budget-friendly rates. 

VII. Where to Purchase EE eSIM for the UK?

Tourists to the UK may get EE eSIM via the following channels:

• Online service on EE’s official website
• My EE app
• Commute to the nearest EE shop

Tourists to the UK have other options to get mobile services from carriers like Three, Vodafone, and O2.

• Three offers good deals, especially if you use a lot of data. Some plans also include free roaming around Europe;
• O2 plans are rather cheap and some allow free EU roaming, too;
• Vodafone plans get you a good amount of data, calls, and texts;
• Gigago eSIM: Going with Gigago is handy as you can easily change plans if needed. Plus, their UK eSIM options are pretty affordable and flexible. Though UK eSIM by Gigago does not use EE mobile network carrier, but the coverage and speed is still great for most tourists.
• For UK, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s UK eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.00 – $95.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in the UK, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. FAQs about EE SIM cards and eSIM

IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, this guide has provided useful information for tourists on how EE SIM cards and eSIM can help then stay connected while visiting the UK. They allow tourists to conveniently access EE’s high-speed 4G/5G network without worry of high roaming charges. eSIM for the UK is an excellent choice for those who prioritize flexibility without needing a physical SIM.