Your Guide to Buying a UK eSIM

When it comes to amazing history and heritage, green walks, and live sports and music, you really can’t beat visiting the UK. Whether you’re just visiting London or are keen to explore the south coast, the Norfolk broads, the Pennines, Snowdonia, or the majestic mountains up in Scotland, you’re likely going to need a stack of mobile data to keep you connected during your travels.

After all, there’s plenty for you to see! That means you may well want to share photos and videos on social media, or at least to send some back to loved ones. What’s more, you might even want to keep in touch while you explore – meaning having access to calls and messages is a must!

But, when travelling to the UK from abroad, arranging for local SIM cards and network access really isn’t as straightforward as you might think. On top of that, buying a new SIM every time you travel is pretty time-consunming and wasteful!

That’s where UK eSIMs come in. SIMOVO’s fantastic UK coverage gives you access to the biggest and most reliable networks operating in Britain right now, and you won’t have to worry about swapping networks yourself. What’s more, eSIMs are massively popular because they’re cost-effective and always easy to set up.

So, here’s a quick guide on how to get started with your own eSIMs when you visit the UK in the future!

What are British eSIMs?

eSIMs you can use in the UK are downloadable, virtual SIMs that install to your smartphone, tablet, computer, or other device that allows you to roam. That is, to take your device abroad so you can connect to the internet on the move!

With SIMOVO, a simple eSIM download will allow you to access up to 5G mobile speeds, and you’ll switch from one network to another when coverage is available. That means you’ll be able to enjoy social media, calls, and messaging with the help of O2, Vodafone, 3, EE, and more.

SIMOVO’s UK eSIMs cover you for data for up to 180 days, so six consecutive months – great if you’re living with family or friends for a while, or are transferring abroad temporarily for business. You can choose how much data you need and how long for – just buy your eSIM, scan a QR code, and your phone or device is ready to go.

If you’re travelling further afield, you can also buy and install Europe or even global eSIMs for your devices, meaning you can keep travelling and never have to fret about making sure you have data.

What do UK eSIMs cover?

British eSIMs through SIMOVO will cover you for a set amount of data over a time period you determine. Unlimited eSIMs, meanwhile, give you access to even more data with a simple daily cap.

However, do remember that SIMOVO eSIMs cover you for data rather than traditional calls and texts. That means if you want to call someone, you’ll be covered if you’re connected via eSIM and use apps such as FaceTime or Zoom. For messages, it’s worth using apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage.

It’s also a good idea to make sure your usual network won’t charge you excessively for roaming – for example, say, if you keep your existing SIM in your phone.

Why should you buy a UK eSIM?

If you’ve ever travelled to Britain before, you might remember having to muddle around with physical SIMs just so you have access to local mobile data. Not only is finding the best network a pain, it’s also a waste of plastic!

On top of that, it’s always a hassle having to replace your existing SIM temporarily when you travel. Instead of retiring your usual number for a few days when you head abroad, you can keep your usual number in place and add an eSIM for data on top! That means you won’t have to tell everyone to ignore your usual number while you’re away.

SIMOVO’s packages also make it easier than ever before for you to manage your mobile data on the go. Instead of having to keep close track of your usage and even having to cut back on what you do online, you can load up an eSIM from our UK eSIMs page and relax knowing you’re covered.

And, if you run out of data, simply purchase a new eSIM! Remember, too, that all eSIMs have expiry dates – meaning if you extend your travels or head elsewhere, you’ll need to buy and install again.

While there are plenty of shops and stores that sell SIMs in the UK, it’s honestly much easier and cheaper to run an eSIM instead. Just check our list of accepted devices before you buy (chances are you’re covered)!

Setting up your eSIM

To start, make sure your phone or device is activated for roaming and for accepting eSIMs. This should be reasonably simple to do through your network and communications settings, but be aware that the location of these settings will vary from device to device.

Once you’re activated, and you’ve checked any potential roaming charges with your carrier or provider, you can go ahead and buy an eSIM from our store. We will then email you your QR code, which you can then scan to install your eSIM to your device.

We recommend you activate your eSIM before you land in the UK. Then, you’re ready to go, as you only start to use the data and time allocation when you first connect to a UK network.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will my eSIM expire?

UK eSIMs have different expiry dates. You can install a British eSIM that lasts for up to six months through SIMOVO! Once it’s expired, simply purchase and install a new one.

Can I call and text with SIMOVO?

Yes, but only through apps that use mobile data, such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Snapchat, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Messenger. You may be charged for traditional calls and texts through your usual carrier – so be careful!

I need help with my eSIM, who do I contact?

SIMOVO’s team of eSIM experts are always on hand to help. Just get in touch with us online and we’ll help to troubleshoot your eSIM whenever you need us.