To enjoy your trip in the UK fully, you will need a way to access the Internet to navigate maps, find great restaurants, order a cab, and keep in touch with your loved ones via chat apps. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about how to get mobile internet in the UK: the best alternatives, the pros and cons, and the most up-to-date prices.
In this article
There are 5 main mobile internet providers in the United Kingdom, including EE Mobile, Three (3), O2, Vodafone, and Virgin Mobile.
Virgin Mobile UK does not offer prepaid SIM cards (also called pay-as-you-go SIM cards) for the UK. The other providers offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists.
Besides these major mobile internet providers, there are many other local SIM cards available in smaller shops which are called MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators)
However, tourists on short trips in the UK SHOULD NOT use these SIM cards. If still want it, you can consider Lebara or Lycamobile SIM cards because sometimes they have good prepaid deals.
Below we introduce about the coverage and speed of top 4 major mobile internet providers in the UK:
The UK features great mobile internet coverage with widespread 4G and 5G availability.
▶ Our Recommendation:
For reliable 4G/ 5G connectivity nationally across varied locations including remote rural areas, EE is a good option for tourists to the UK. Three and O2 are also good alternatives with broad coverage and high-speed 4G/LTE networks.
According to the Speedtest Global Index in January 2024, the UK ranks 49th in the world for mobile internet speeds.
▶ Our recommendation:
Tourists should select unlimited data plans from major carriers like EE, Three, O2, etc. that have leading 5G networks. This to enjoy the highest speeds available.
Tourists can select the most suitable way to get mobile internet in the UK from these options: SIM card, eSIM, international roaming, pocket Wifi, and free Wifi.
| Option | How it works | Cost | Where to buy | Pros | Cons |
| UK SIM card | Insert SIM in unlocked phone, connect to local network | Affordable | Airport shops, carrier stores | Easy setup, reliable speeds, affordable rates | Need unlocked phone, registration |
| UK eSIM | Purchase and activate online, connect without physical SIM | No buying a new SIM | Online retailers | No store visit, instant use, flexible plans | eSIM-supported phone required, higher cost than physical SIM card |
| Roaming with the UK operators | Utilize existing SIM abroad, high rates for data | Expensive, depending on your domestic provider and plan | Via home operator | Extremely expensive roaming fees | Extremly expensive roaming fees |
| Public Wifi | Free Wifi at cafes, hotels, restaurants, etc | Free | Accessible at certain places | Convenient | Limited availability, security concerns |
| Pocket Wifi | Rental device for internet access anywhere | Quite costly | Airports, rental shops | Cover all locations, portable access for multiple devices | Daily/ weekly cost, device to carry |
▶ Our recommendation:
If you are a moderate data user and prioritize flexibility and affordability, you may buy a physical UK SIM card or a UK eSIM. But, it is recommended to check if your cell phone is unlocked before purchasing a UK SIM card.
In case your smartphone supports eSIM technology, an eSIM from GIGAGO will be the best choice.
Pro Tip: For a quick check whether or not you can use an eSIM for the UK on your current phone, you can refer our latest list of eSIM-supported phones.
Good to know: GBP 1 = USD 1.28 and USD 1 = GBP 0.78 (as of January 2024)
The mobile internet rates in the UK vary depending on factors like the mobile internet option, the provider, and the plan chosen.
People visiting the UK have a few options to use mobile internet and each has a specific rate: UK SIM card, UK eSIM, Portable WiFi or Pocket WiFi.
The table below shows the internet tariffs of different mobile internet options in the UK, helping you choose the best one for your needs: Prepaid UK SIM card, UK eSIM, Roaming with the UK operators, Public Wifi, UK Pocket Wifi.
| Option | Rate (USD) |
| Prepaid UK SIM card | For EE: around $15 for 1GB of data For Three: around $20 for 12GB of data For Vodafone UK: $15 for 1GB of data O2: $15 for 1GB of data |
| UK eSIM | 3-10GB or daily 300MB, valid for 7-30 days with $5-$136.9 |
| Roaming with the UK operators | £3-8 per 1GB data, depends on your plan and carrier at home |
| Public Wifi | Free |
| Pocket Wifi | £20-50 per week |
▶ Our recommendations:
A data SIM card for the UK has become a popular option among tourists exploring this stunning country. It provides travelers to the UK with great data plans at reasonable rates.
| Operator | Cost | Data |
| EE | £10 – $13 | 5GB data + 500 minutes + unlimited texts |
| EE | £20 – $25 | 70 GB data + unlimited calls/texts |
| EE | £30 | 100 GB data + unlimited calls/texts |
| Three | £10 – $13 | 10 GB data + unlimited minutes/texts |
| Three | £35 | Unlimited data + unlimited minutes/texts |
| O2 | £15 | 20 GB data + unlimited calls/texts |
| O2 | £30 | 100 GB data + unlimited calls/sms – no free EU Roaming included |
| Vodafone | £15 | 20 GB data + unlimited minutes/texts |
| Vodafone | £30 | 100 GB data + unlimited minutes/texts |
Note: The data plans and rates shown in the above table are just several of the many UK SIM card options available for travelers. The package information is subject to change over time.
Pro Tip: Only purchase an eSIM plan if your mobile phone is compatible with eSIM.
Using a UK eSIM is the most convenient and budget-friendly way for tourists to access the mobile Internet in the UK. It comes with a range of benefits, including no store visit, online download and activation, multiple profiles, etc.
There are two ways for purchasing an eSIM for the UK: buy it from the main carriers or buy it from reputable UK eSIM providers.
Main mobile network operators in the UK like EE, Three, Vodafone, etc…, provide prepaid eSIM packages for tourists. eSIM is very convenient but availability depends on your device.
Tourists to the UK can also buy an eSIM from prestigious eSIM suppliers like Gigago. Gigago eSIM is an excellent alternative that comes with many benefits:
For the UK, Gigago delivers a wide range of data plan options, starting from 1GB for 3 days with $3.50 . What is great about Gigago’s UK eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.50 – $125.98 . 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
EE has the most extensive 4G/5G network coverage across the country. Three and O2 also boast wide coverage in the UK.
Yes, most UK carriers offer eSIM profiles for travelers which can be activated online on eSIM-compatible devices for fast internet access.
No, major airports and chain stores Wifis are typically free to use without signing up after agreeing to terms of use.
To wrap up, there are many ways for tourists to have mobile internet in the UK such as UK physical SIM card, UK eSIM, international roaming, pocket Wifi, and free Wifi. Among these options, physical SIM card and eSIM are considered the best options thanks to convenience, great value, and affordability. For hassle-free setup, eSIM profiles are ideal as long as your phone supports the technology.
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.
There are several great options for getting mobile data, calls, and text during your stay and the two handy choice are Vodafone SIM cards and eSIM. Both allow access to Vodafone’s fast and reliable network coverage. This guide will outline how tourists can set up Vodafone SIM for use, the best options, and how and where to buy.
Renting a pocket Wifi in the UK is one of the ways for tourists to navigate the destinations, use travel apps, and keep in touch with their loved ones.
This guide will provide an overview of EE SIM cards and eSIM to help you get online while visiting the UK.
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