Buying a London SIM card in 2025: Everything you need to know

Where to buy a tourist SIM card in London

Staying connected is essential when visiting London. You can easily buy a prepaid SIM card for London (or a tourist SIM card, if you prefer) at airports, phone stores, and even supermarkets.

London airports

When you land at any of London’s main airports — Heathrow, Gatwick, or Stansted — picking up a prepaid SIM card is quick and easy. Each airport offers SIM card stores or vending machines in the arrivals area.

If you’re planning to purchase a SIM card at London’s Heathrow Airport, look for SIM Local stores. They carry providers like EE and Three, with 11 stores across four terminals. They're open from 06:00 to 22:00.

If you're arriving at Gatwick Airport and need a SIM card to get around London, SIM Local has two dedicated kiosks in baggage reclaim, open from 06:00 to 19:00, located in both terminals. You can also pick up a SIM at any Change Group kiosk open from 05:00 to 22:00.

Stansted Airport offers SIM card vending machines throughout the arrivals area, where you can pick up SIM cards. Shops like WHSmith at the airport also sell a variety of SIM cards, so you can get connected right away.

Keep in mind that SIM cards at the airport can cost more than those purchased in central London or online. However, the convenience of quick setup may be worth the extra cost if you prefer to stay connected from the moment you arrive.

Mobile carrier stores in central London

If you prefer to buy a prepaid SIM card in the city, you’ll find plenty of phone stores in central London. Major providers like EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three have shops along Oxford Street, Regent Street, and in both Westfield shopping centers. These locations make it easy to compare plans and find the best fit for your trip.

Vodafone has many stores offering a variety of options, while EE is ideal for travelers, with plans that include plenty of data. Shopping at these stores instead of at the airport often means better deals. Plus, store staff can assist you in choosing a plan and setting up your phone.

Electronics retailers and supermarkets

If you prefer a more flexible option, check out electronics retailers and supermarkets. Stores like Currys PC World, Argos, Tesco, Sainsbury's, WHSmith, and ASDA sell SIM cards from various providers, which allows you to compare plans and prices.

Tesco Mobile, which uses O2’s network, offers prepaid plans that you can start using right away. Carphone Warehouse also has many locations with a wide selection of prepaid SIM cards for London, and its helpful staff can guide you to the right plan.

How much is a SIM card in London?

The cost of a prepaid SIM card in London usually refers to the plan, not the card itself. Short-term, no-obligation plans from providers like Vodafone, Three, O2, and EE typically range from GBP 10 to GBP 35, depending on how much data you need.

The price doesn’t vary based on the city where you buy the SIM card. However, SIM cards purchased at airports (across the UK, not just in London) tend to be more expensive. Below is a table showcasing some of the current pay-as-you-go SIM deals from top providers (as of April 16, 2025).

*Offer ends June 24, 2025

These plans are great for short visits (up to 30 days). They give you plenty of data and features like unlimited calls and texts during your stay.

Do smaller SIM card providers offer cheaper plans?

You can often save money by going with smaller providers like GiffGaff, Lebara, Talkmobile, iD Mobile, SMARTY, and Voxi. These smaller providers, called MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators), usually offer great value on prepaid SIM cards for London.

Even though their prices are often lower, MVNOs use the same networks as the big providers — like O2, Vodafone, or Three — so you still get reliable coverage. So if you don’t need extras like in-store support or premium add-ons, these smaller brands can be a smart way to stay connected without overspending.

These smaller companies don’t tie you to a contract, so they’re perfect for travelers who want flexibility and a good deal.

eSIM — a popular alternative for London travelers

eSIM technology is gradually replacing traditional SIMs — because who has time for swapping out physical SIM cards? Certainly not visitors to London, who have so much to do and see. With an eSIM, you can activate a phone plan without needing a physical card. Connect to the internet as soon as you arrive in London, manage your plans effortlessly, and skip the trip to the store.

Saily is a trusted eSIM provider that will keep you connected in over 200 destinations, including London. Purchase an eSIM for the United Kingdom online before your trip, activate it, and enjoy a seamless connection when you arrive in the British capital.

How to get and set up the Saily eSIM data plan

Setting up the Saily eSIM data plan for the UK is quick and easy. First, check if your phone supports eSIMs. Then, visit the Saily website, choose a plan that fits your stay and data needs, and make your purchase.

Once you’ve completed that, you’ll receive an email with a QR code. Scan the code to install your eSIM. The installation process requires an internet connection, so make sure you’re connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network. 

Since you can install your eSIM before traveling, we recommend doing it while connected to a secure internet network, like your home Wi-Fi. Just make sure to set it up right before your trip to avoid wasting those valuable GBs before you even reach your destination.

After you install the eSIM on your device and leave for your destination within 30 days, the data plan will activate automatically as soon as you arrive. You will no longer have to rely on unsecured Wi-Fi networks to go online.

What to know about SIM card network coverage and data speeds in London

When it comes to getting a local SIM card in London, all the major providers offer solid performance, but some of them have standout features. EE is known for its fast and reliable 4G speeds, making it a great option for general use. Three dominates the SIM card scene with the fastest 5G speeds, perfect for heavy data users, streaming, or gaming. If you want the fastest 5G experience, Three is your best bet for a prepaid SIM card in London.

Vodafone provides good 5G network coverage and speeds, though it may not match Three’s top performance. It’s still a solid choice for those looking for reliable connectivity. O2 also covers 5G, but its speeds are slower than its competitors’. Despite this, O2 remains a dependable option for general coverage throughout the city.

No matter which provider you choose, getting a prepaid SIM card in London will keep you connected and give you fast data speeds to help you explore the city.

Should you get a prepaid SIM card for London?

Whether you should get a prepaid SIM card for London depends on your needs, how long you’ll stay, and whether your phone supports eSIMs. If it does (most modern smartphones do), and you’re staying for less than 30 days and just need data, consider using Saily.

If you need more than just data (such as calls and messages) and plan to stay for one month to a year, a pay-as-you-go SIM card from one of the top UK providers might be a better choice.

So if you’re planning to visit London during the best times — such as spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) — a local SIM card or eSIM will help you navigate the city and make the most of your trip.