Touching down in the UK, many Singaporean travelers quickly realise that roaming charges aren’t cheap — and buying a SIM card at the airport can be both pricey and inconvenient. Whether you're planning to explore London, Edinburgh, or the countryside, staying connected is key. That’s where a UK eSIM comes in.
With the best eSIM for the UK, you can enjoy instant mobile data the moment you land. It’s a hassle-free way to access maps, book Ubers, and stay in touch on WhatsApp — all without hunting for a SIM card. Here’s everything you need to know about using an eSIM in the UK.
A brief introduction to eSIM
eSIM, also called embedded SIM, is a new revolutionary way to help you connect to mobile networks. Whether you go abroad for travelling or business, eSIM is integrated directly into your device. With eSIM, you will easily access local data plans without inserting a physical SIM card
eSIM is the future of connectivity, and also the ideal solution to maintain connectivity among multiple countries. If you want to go to the UK, UK eSIM is your best choice to get connected!
Must-have Apps for tourists in the UK
Travelling around the UK means managing train schedules, contactless payments, and local services that are sometimes different from what Singaporeans are used to. With many daily conveniences relying on apps — from booking attractions to finding food — it helps to download them before you go. These are the must-have apps to make your UK trip smooth, stress-free, and fun.
| Category | Recommended Apps |
| Payment apps | Apple Pay, Google Pay, Revolut, PayPal |
| Transport apps | Uber, Bolt, National Rail, Trainline |
| Map/navigation apps | Google Maps, Citymapper, TfL Go |
| Translation apps | Google Translate, Microsoft Translator |
| Food delivery/discovery | Deliveroo, UberEats, OpenTable |
| Attraction booking | Trip.com |
| Train booking | Trip.com |
| Communication apps | WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage |
💡 Pro tip for using Apps in the UK
In the UK, contactless payment is the norm — most people use Apple Pay or Google Pay everywhere from cafes to buses. For public transport in London, the TfL Go app helps plan routes, and you can tap in with your phone or card (no top-up needed). Download your travel apps before arrival and activate your eSIM once you land so you can start using all these services instantly.
✨Pro Tip: Remember to book your flights to London early for the best deals. Start planning your trip now!eSIM, SIM and WIFI? What are the differences?
Don’t know the differences among eSIM, SIM and WIFI? Here’s our summary!
| Feature | eSIM | SIM | WIFI |
| Form | No physical appearance, embedded in the device | Physical card, needs to insert into the device | Wireless |
| Activation | ActivationAs per the operator’s instruction, remotely | Manual insertion to activate on the device | Connect through routers |
| Compatibility | Not compatible with all devices, mostly with newer devices | Compatible with most devices (phones) | Need WIFI-enabled device |
| Mobility | Good for travellers to another country | Need mobile devices and physical card | Limited to the area covered by WIFI |
| Data Speed | Typically supports high-speed data | Typically supports high-speed data, but depends on the operator and network | Depends on WIFI router's capabilities |
In summary, eSIM, SIM and WIFI are all for connecting to mobile networks, and each one offers its own advantages and disadvantages, catering to your needs and preferences.
UK eSIM providers
Here we summarise some popule UK esim providers, with the popular data plans and the costs for your preference.
| Provider | Highlight | Popular Data plan | Price |
| Airalo | -Gobal coverage
-Flexible data options
-Easy activation and management via mobile app | -1GB/7Days
-2GB/15Days
-3GB/5GB/10GB/20GB/30Days | From S$6.80 |
| Nomad | -Gobal coverage
-Competitive rates
-Reliable coverage | -1GB/7Days
-3GB/5GB/10GB/20GB/30Days | From S$9.53 |
| Holafly | -Seamless connectivity
-Customised plans
-Competitive pricing | Unlimited data within the customised number of days | From S$8.74 |
| Roam | -Extensive coverage in the UK
-Reliable customer service
-Competitive rates
-Flexible data options | Flexible data and duration, from 1GB to 30 GB, 3 days to 30 days | From S$2.29 |
| Trip.com | -Flexible data plans
-24/7 customer support
-Competitive pricing
-High speed 4G/5G data | Flexible data package, from 500MB to 100GB, 1 to 90 days | From S$1.1 |
Which phones are UK eSIM compatible with?
Mobile phones vary from country to country. Please first check your phone to see if the phone supports UK eSIM.
👀Note:
- To check, dial *#06# and press the call button. If your phone is eSIM compatible, you should be able to view your device's eSIM identification number (EID). Device version: iOS 12.1/Andoid 10 and beyond.
- All phones from China (include some models from Hong Kong and Macau) don't support eSIM.
Check the compatible models below. 👇
Compatible iPhone models
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR
- iPhone SE 3 (2022), iPhone SE 2 (2020)
Note: iPhone from mainland China and iPhone devices from Hong Kong and Macau (except for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS) don't support eSIM.
Compatible Samsung models
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S23+, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra,. Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
Compatible Google models
- Google Pixel Fold, Google Pixel 8, Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Google Pixel 7, Google Pixel 7a, Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6a, Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 5a
- Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a, 4XL
- Google Pixel 3, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL, Google Pixel 3 XL
Compatible other phone models
How to use a UK eSIM on the device?
Step 1: Choose the best eSIM plan
Step 2: Select the data package
Step 3: Receive your booking confirmation
Open the eSIM activation email, and the eSIM activation QR code will be displayed in this email.
Step 4: Add your eSIM
Click Settings on your mobile phone and open Cellular (iOS) or SIM Card Management (Android).
Click to add a Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android), and then agree to download Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android).
After the download is successful, close the primary card if you already have.
Step 5: Scan the QR code to activate your eSIM
iOS: QR code Installation
- Choose 'Use QR code' then scan the code.
- Tap 'Activate eSIM' then 'Continue'.
- Select a label or input a custom label for subsequent use.
- Select your eSIM as the default network for 'Cellular Data', do not turn on 'Allow Cellular Data Switching'.
- Choose the eSIM, enable 'Turn On This Line', and turn on ‘Data Roaming’.
- If your eSIM connects to an incorrect network, go to 'Network Selection' and select the correct network.
iOS: Manual Installation
- Choose 'Use QR code' then tap 'Enter Details Manually' at the bottom, Enter 'SM-DP+ Address' and 'Activation Code', then click 'Next'.
- Tap 'Activate eSIM' then 'Continue'.
- Select a label or input a custom label for subsequent use.
- Select your eSIM as the default network for 'Cellular Data', do not turn on 'Allow Cellular Data Switching'.
- Choose the eSIM, enable 'Turn On This Line', and turn on ‘Data Roaming’.
- If your eSIM connects to an incorrect network, go to 'Network Selection' and select the correct network.
Android: Step 1 Installation
QR code Installation
- Go to 'Settings', tap 'Network & internet', then tap + next to SIMs.
- Tap 'Download a SIM instead?', then tap 'Next' in the following page.
- When you see 'Scan QR code from network', use your phone to scan the QR code, then tap 'Download'.
- When screen shows “Download Complete”, tap 'Settings'.
Manual Installation
- Go to 'Settings', tap 'Network & internet', then tap + next to SIMs.
- Tap 'Download a SIM instead?', then tap 'Next' in the following page.
- Tap 'Need help?', then tap 'Enter it manually'.
- Enter the code for Android, tap 'Continue' then tap 'Download'.
- When screen shows “Download Complete”, tap 'Settings'.
Android: Step 2 Setting up data access
- Choose the eSIM from SIMs.
- Turn on 'Use Sim' and select 'Yes'.
- Turn on 'Mobile data'.
- Turn on 'Roaming' then select 'OK'.
- If your eSIM connects to an incorrect network, tap 'SIMs' then tap 'Automatically select network' in the next page to select the correct network manually.
You can now connect to the Internet and enjoy the convenience of eSIM as per your selected plan.
👀Note: If there are problems such as activation failure, please contact Customer Service without deleting the eSIM.（*Please do not delete eSIM once eSIM is successfully installed, or the package might be invalid and you will need to purchase another eSIM.）
👍Pro Tip: For a comfortable stay, explore our curated list of London hotels, perfect for every budget and style.3 Tips when choosing UK eSIM
Coverage
eSIM coverage may vary from different operators. Find the coverage, especially if you plan to travel extensively to a remote area, and check your device compatibility that meets your needs most.
Plans and pricing
eSIM plans may vary from different operators. Find the plans that meet your needs most, including data package, validity periods, etc. Compare plans from multiple providers to find the best one. Choose 1GB per day if you are a light user. We recommend choosing 2GB per day if you regularly use data for videos and navigation.
Customer support
Choosing a provider that offers reliable support can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when setting up and using your UK eSIM. Look for providers that offer transparent pricing, straightforward activation processes, and responsive customer service channels.
3 Advantages you need to know about UK eSIM
Convenient
With eSIM, there’s no need to swap SIM cards when travelling or switching networks. Instead, you can easily get connected to local data directly from your device. Wherever you’re going, eSIM helps you surf the Internet smoothly.
Flexible
eSIM can be remotely activated by network operators, making it more flexible than SIM card. You can quickly onboard and choose the most suitable plans according to your needs, for example, the data package, the days, and the operator.
Available
UK eSIM is compatible with a large number of devices to ensure you can connect to the network. And eSIM is supported by multiple operators worldwide, making travellers enjoy connectivity not only in the UK but also in other countries where eSIM are available.
🔥Pro Tip: Looking for the ultimate travel experience? Don’t miss out on the top things to do in UK for tips, top attractions, and local insights.3 Disadvantages you need to consider about UK eSIM
Talked about the advantages, there are also some disadvantages you need to consider if you want to purchase one UK eSIM.
Data-only plan
Most eSIM is designed in the data-only plan. If you want to make a phone call. This kind of plan is not suitable for you. While if you rely on data-intensive activities such as social media, and browsing, eSIM is still your best choice.
Compatibility issues
Although no physical SIM card is required if you use eSIM, eSIM may not be compatible with some old devices. You need to check whether your device supports eSIM.
Setup procedures
It may be complicated to activate eSIM, because you need to follow the specific instructions from the operator. Configuring eSIM profiles and settings may require multiple steps compared to traditional SIM card.
Despite these disadvantages, the benefits of eSIM still adapt to most users and brings many benefits.
Choose UK eSIM on Trip.com
Trip.com is a one-stop travel service provider with a huge selection of hotels, flights, and attractions across the globe. Here’s why you should choose Trip.com.
Multiple choices for you
Having multiple choices allows you to compare different eSIM products that can offer you the most suitable services and benefits. Trip.com has a large number of eSIM options to meet your needs.
Transparent pricing
Trip.com ensures the pricing and plans are clear and transparent, with no unexpected charges. Based on your package options and budget, you can choose your exclusive and customised plan.
Prompt response from the support team
Trip.com always prioritises your satisfaction and offers prompt customer support, which ensures that any issues you confront. Let us minimise disruptions to your connectivity and provide timely assistance whenever needed.
