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.
Buying O2 SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists in 2024
When traveling to the UK, getting an O2 SIM card or eSIM is a smart option for tourists who need mobile access. 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. Read on to find out the best choice, where to buy, and how to activate O2 SIM cards and eSIM.
In this article
I. Overview about O2 UK – What you need to know
First, let us explore some key facts about O2 UK:
- Founded: 1985
- Headquarter: Reading, UK
- Full company name: Telefónica UK Limited, operates under the brand name O2
- Types of services: mobile phone services (call, text, and Internet), home broadband and fixed line services
- Coverage: O2 network covers all of the UK including cities, towns, and countryside. It works both outside and inside homes and buildings
- Number of users: 23.8 million users as of May 2023
- Distribution: hundreds of O2 stores, authorized repair shops and phone shops
- Customer support: 24/7 via email, phone call, and live chat
- Language: English
II. O2 Coverage in the UK
- O2 ranks third with broad 4G coverage across the UK – still not as far-reaching as EE and Three (the other two major networks in the UK);
- Tourists using the O2 network can connect to the Internet almost everywhere, including cities, towns, and remote areas;
- O2’s 5G network is quite extensive, covering most major cities and towns
III. O2 Speed in the UK
- Average download speed: 20.9Mbps (led by EE 40Mbps, Three 34.5Mbps, and Vodafone 27.9Mbps
- Average upload speed: 5.0Mbps
- Consistency: 62.8%
► The O2 network covers most places in the UK. Their 4G network also offers fast Internet speeds so tourists can seamlessly browse and stream on their phones nearly anywhere in the UK.
IV. Does O2 have eSIM in the UK?
Yes. O2 UK offers eSIM for tourists to the UK. It is a small chip which stores the data you needs to connect to the O2 network. It is like a traditional SIM card, except there is no need to insert an UK SIM into your phone’s SIM slot. It is already embedded into your mobile phone. Tourists can download an eSIM plan online 100% without a store visit or wait for delivery.
To get a UK eSIM, you can:
- Download an eSIM plan directly from O2’s website. Remember to prepare your passport for ID proof
- Purchase an eSIM from third-party provider. Online purchase, no identity check
Pro Tips:
- Confirm that your device supports eSIM. Check out the latest list of eSIM-embedded devices
- Select the UK eSIM plan that suits your needs and budget.
V. Top O2 SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
The table below shows some O2 SIM card options for tourists to the UK and prices accordingly.
Price | Offers | Benefits |
£10 GBP – $12.6 USD | 8GB data + unlimited minutes & texts | Free EU roaming (limit of 25GB) |
£15 GBP – $19 USD | 25GB data + unlimited minutes & texts | Free EU roaming (limit of 25GB); 50 international call minutes to 42 countries |
£20 GBP – $25 USD | 40GB data + unlimited minutes & texts | Free EU roaming (limit of 25GB); 50 international call minutes to 42 countries |
£30 GBP – $38 USD | 125GB data + unlimited minutes & texts | Free EU roaming (limit of 25GB); 250 international call minutes to 42 countries |
Note: Visit O2’s official website for more details on the offers and benefits of O2 SIM cards.
VI. Where to Purchase O2 SIM cards?
Now that you have selected your O2 SIM/eSIM. It is time to explore where to buy O2 SIM cards and eSIM.
1. Upon arrival at the UK airports
You can buy O2 SIM cards at:
- London Gatwick International Airport (LGW): SIM Card Vending Machine
- London Heathrow International Airport (LHR): Local SIM stores; SIM Card Vending Machine, and WHSmith convenience stores
2. O2 shops & authorized resellers
Hundreds of O2 stores and authorized repair shops and phone stores offer O2 SIM cards. These stores are widely located in cities and towns such as London, Manchester, etc. They provide tourists to the UK with a wide selection of O2 SIM plans at competitive prices.
VII. Where to Get O2 eSIM for the UK?
O2 eSIM for the UK can be purchased via:
- Online service on O2’s website
- My O2 app
- Get to the nearest O2 store
Pro Tips:
- Prepare your passport or driver’s license and GBP cash/ debit/credit card for purchase and SIM registration
- It is recommended to get to the city centers to buy O2 SIM cards for the best deals
- For instant Internet right when you reach the UK, get O2 SIM cards at the UK airports.
In addition to O2 SIM cards, tourists can buy SIM cards from other cellular network carriers such as Three, EE, and Vodafone for their trip to the UK.
- Three provides competitive SIM plans, especially for heavy data users and still delivers free EU roaming
- EE has SIM card plans at reasonable prices with good data and text/call allowances
- Vodafone plans provide generous data, calls, and texts, and offer value for money
Getting a UK eSIM from a third-party reseller is much easier than directly from O2. So which eSIM provider to choose? Gigago – a prestigious eSIM seller that provides affordable eSIM plans for more than 200 countries around the world – should be a top recommendation.
Gigago provides a variety of UK eSIM packages for travelers. The starter pack costs only $3.00 and provides 1GB of data used in 3 days. Other options range from $3.00 – $95.90 , depending on the data amount and trip length. Tourists choosing Gigago eSIM plans will have a smooth and secure Internet connection for the best UK travel experience.
VIII. FAQs about O2 SIM cards and eSIM
Can I use my O2 SIM card or eSIM with any unlocked phone?
Yes, as long as your phone is unlocked and supports the required network frequencies, you can pop in an O2 SIM card or scan the eSIM profile on most unlocked smartphones, tablets or hotspots.
Is it easy to set up an O2 SIM card or eSIM on my phone?
Setting up O2 SIM cards and eSIMs is quite straightforward. Just insert the SIM, turn your phone on and follow the prompts to activate service. eSIM setup involves scanning a QR code.
Can I keep my UK phone number after visiting on an O2 SIM/eSIM?
Unfortunately not, as O2 SIM cards and eSIMs are temporary. Your number expires when your plan ends.
IX. Conclusion
In summary, purchasing an O2 SIM card or eSIM is convenient for visitors to the UK. O2 SIM cards and eSIM offer affordable plans with suitable data, calling, and texting benefits, letting tourists easily stay connected without worrying about high roaming charges. It is best to choose a UK eSIM plan for convenience, flexibility, and affordability while exploring all the UK has to offer.