Question 1

Does EU roaming work in the United Kingdom after Brexit?

Accepted Answer

No. After Brexit the UK is no longer part of the EU/EEA, so the EU “roam like at home” rules no longer apply. Some carriers have reintroduced roaming charges for the UK, so a fixed-price eSIM is often the better choice.

Question 2

Which network is best for tourists in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

EE has the widest coverage and the fastest 5G. Vodafone, O2 and Three are also reliable networks for tourists in the major cities.

Question 3

Does eSIM work across the whole United Kingdom (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)?

Accepted Answer

Yes — coverage is excellent in cities and along main roads throughout the country. In remote areas (the Scottish Highlands, rural spots) the signal can weaken, but that’s down to general infrastructure, not the eSIM.

Question 4

Can you make calls with an eSIM in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

A SimAbove eSIM provides mobile data only, without voice calls or SMS. For calls you can use internet apps (WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime) or keep your usual physical SIM active.

Question 5

Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most newer phones support Dual SIM, so you can keep your home number for calls and SMS while using cheaper data via the eSIM.

Question 6

How much data do I need for a week’s trip to the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

For a week of average use (maps, messaging, social media, occasional browsing) 5–8 GB is usually enough, especially if you connect to hotel or café Wi-Fi most of the time. If you’ll often watch videos, use navigation all day or work remotely, choose 10–15 GB with a small buffer.

Question 7

When is the best time to activate the eSIM — before the flight or on arrival?

Accepted Answer

Install the eSIM profile at home on Wi-Fi, and activate the data plan just before you leave or as soon as you land in the UK. Remember that activation also needs a brief internet connection (Wi-Fi).

Question 8

Does my phone support eSIM? How can I check?

Accepted Answer

Dial *#06# — if, besides the usual IMEI number, you also see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. You can also check in settings: iPhone – Settings – Cellular/Mobile Data – Add eSIM, Android – Settings – Network & Internet – SIM cards – Add eSIM.

United Kingdom eSIM

SimAbove eSIM for the United Kingdom: buy online

Fast mobile data across the UK

How much data do you need?

Why choose eSIM?

Get the best possible signal thanks to multi-network coverage

24/7

How it works?

Purchase your data plan

Install the eSIM on your device

Manage your eSIM

Top-up your eSIM

FAQ