Getting a UK SIM card with data at London Gatwick Airport may be a popular choice among tourists landing at this airport. This way, you can easily navigate maps, order a cab, and keep in touch with your friends and family. This guide will help you find out how and where to buy a SIM card at London Gatwick Airport (LGW), and the best alternative to stay online while traveling in London, UK.
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There are some other ways to buy a UK SIM card like ordering online before your trip and buying once in London center. But, getting a prepaid SIM card at London Gatwick airport is one of the most convenient ways to stay connected during your trip to London.
Here are some pros and cons of each way:
Buy at Gatwick Airport:
Buy online before trip:
Buy in London center:
► Our recommendations:
To purchase a SIM card at Gatwick Airport, there are two main ways including ordering your SIM online before your trip and then picking it up at Gatwick Airport and getting a SIM card when you land at the airport.
Gatwick Airport is the second-largest airport in London, UK, with two terminals, including the North Terminal and the South Terminal. Both terminals offer the same UK prepaid SIM plans for tourists.
Unlike other international airports, there are no cellular network carrier stores at London Gatwick Airport. You may only purchase a UK SIM card at one of WHSmith shops – a convenience store or at a vending machine.
What to prepare: Unlocked phone to insert SIM, cash/ credit card, passport for ID proof
Cost: A bit more pricey than ordering online or buying in London center
Pros: No need to order in advance, quick connection after landing, support from staff
Cons: Shops are not always open late. If you arrive late at night, some stores are closed and you cannot buy a UK SIM card.
Location: At baggage claim in both the South and North Terminals.
Opening hours: Always open. The machines are accessible 24/7.
Plans: Offer SIM cards from EE, Three, Vodafone, and Lycamobile. Prices range from £20-45 GBP.
Important Note: Lycamobile works on the O2 UK networks (O2 is the second-largest mobile operator in the UK).
Location: In both terminals, located in the Arrival Hall areas. Cannot be missed.
Opening hours: Daily between 6am-10pm.
Plans: SIM cards from EE, Three, and Lebara Mobile. Prices range from £20-45 GBP. Plans provide UK or Europe coverage.
If landing at other UK airports, you can learn our guides on buying a SIM card at London Heathrow airport (LHR) and Manchester Airport (MAN).
No, SIM card shops at LGW Airport typically do not remain open past midnight. Although the airport operates 24/7, most shops and services, including SIM card kiosks, usually close between 10 PM and midnight.
As a result, if you arrive late at night, these stores may be closed, preventing you from purchasing a SIM card right away. It is advisable to plan ahead and explore alternative options, such as ordering a SIM card online in advance or using an eSIM if your phone is compatible.
Below are popular packages used by many tourists from Three
Good to know: £1 GBP = $1.28 and $1 USD = £0.78 GBP (January, 2024)
At Gatwick Airport, stores sell SIM cards from major UK cellular network operators, including EE, Three, and Vodafone. They also offer SIM cards from Lycamobile (works on the O2 network).
| Operator | Data | Calls & Texts | Price |
| EE (SIM Local store) | 30GB/ 30 days | Unlimited calls & texts in the UK | £25 |
| EE | 100GB/ 30 days | Unlimited calls & texts in the UK & 60 international minutes to selected countries | £30 |
| EE | Unlimited/ 30 days | Unlimited calls & texts in the UK & 180 international minutes | £50 |
| Three | 50GB/ 30 days | Unlimited calls & texts in the UK | £25 |
| Three | 100GB/ 30 days | Unlimited calls & texts in the UK | £30 |
| Three | Unlimited 30 days | Unlimited calls & texts in the UK | £45 |
| Lycamobile | 10GB/ 30 days | Unlimited calls & texts in the UK | £25 |
| Lycamobile | Unlimited/ 30 days | Unlimited calls & texts in the UK | £35 |
Now is the time to find out the key things needed to get a SIM card at London Gatwick Airport:
Pro Tips:
Getting a prepaid eSIM for the UK instead of a prepaid physical SIM card at London airport (Gatwick) for Internet access while visiting Longdon is a great option for several reasons:
eSIM providers like Gigago offer reliable service in many countries worldwide and provide UK eSIM plans with extensive coverage and value. For instance, Gigago offers 10GB of data over 30 days for only $30, which is cheaper than SIM cards sold at Gatwick airport.
Pro Tip: To download and activate eSIM plans, your cell phone must support eSIM technology.
You can easily get a SIM card for the UK at WHSmith store (at the Arrival Hall in both South and North Terminal) or vending machines (at baggage claim in both terminals).
The main networks available are EE, Three and Lycamobile. You can also sometimes find Vodafone or other MVNOs like Lebara.
The main payment methods accepted are cash in British pounds or major credit/debit cards like Visa and Mastercard.
To sum up, buying a SIM card at London Gatwick airport (LGW) is a great option for staying connected while traveling in London. Besides, you should consider better options that offer great value and price. For flexibility and budget-friendly data plans, getting an eSIM would be a wonderful choice.
With extensive coverage and fast data speed, Three let visitors access a secure and easy Internet connection. This guide will go over everything you need to know about Three SIM cards and eSIM: the best option, how to get and activate, and the finest alternatives.
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As one of the largest and most reliable networks in the UK, O2 provides fast data and calls throughout the country via their extensive network coverage
Getting a UK SIM card with cellular data is the most convenient and affordable way to stay connected
