Touching down in the UK, many Singaporean travellers quickly realise that roaming charges can be expensive and picking up a SIM card at the airport is often inconvenient and overpriced.
If you’re heading to London, Edinburgh, or exploring the British countryside, staying connected from the start is essential. That’s exactly where a UK eSIM comes in.
This guide is designed for travellers from Singapore who want a simple, cost-effective way to stay online in the UK.
What Is a UK eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM embedded into your phone that you can activate without a physical card.
It allows you to download a data profile or scan a QR code to start using local mobile data instantly.
For travellers, this means:
| Benefit | Why It Matters for Travellers |
|---|---|
No queues at airport kiosks | Save time after landing and skip long lines at SIM counters |
No lost or tiny SIM cards | No physical SIM to misplace or swap during your trip |
Home SIM stays active | Continue receiving calls and SMS on your regular number |
Instant internet access on arrival | Use maps, ride-hailing, and messages the moment you land |
Why Use an eSIM in the UK?
Here’s why an eSIM for the UK is often better than a traditional SIM or roaming plan:
| Feature | What It Means for Your UK Trip |
|---|---|
🔹 Instant Connectivity | Buy and activate your eSIM before landing so you’re online immediately for airport pickups, maps, and ride-hailing apps. |
🔹 No Physical SIM Swaps | Keep your existing SIM active while your UK eSIM handles data, perfect for receiving calls or SMS from home. |
🔹 Flexible Data Plans | Choose plans ranging from a few days to a month, including options for light users, heavy users, or UK eSIM unlimited data needs. |
🔹 Wide Coverage | Leading eSIM providers connect to major UK networks, delivering reliable data in London, other cities, and even rural areas. |
Download your travel apps before arrival and activate your eSIM once you land so you can start using all these services instantly.
Best eSIM for UK: Top Options
Here’s a quick comparison of the top UK eSIM plans you might consider:
| eSIM Provider | Data Allowance | Validity (Days) | Price (S$) | Network Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Airalo | 3GB / 5GB / 10GB | 7 / 14 / 30 | $10 / $15 / $25 | Strong city + good rural |
Holafly (Unlimited) | Unlimited | 7 / 14 / 30 | $28 / $45 / $70 | Excellent nationwide |
SimOptions | 5GB / 10GB / 20GB | 7 / 14 / 30 | $18 / $30 / $50 | UK + multi-country Europe |
Ubigi | 3GB / 8GB / 15GB | 7 / 14 / 30 | $12 / $22 / $35 | Reliable UK network |
Truphone | 5GB / 10GB | 14 / 30 | $25 / $40 | Premium coverage & support |
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 |
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.
Check the compatible models below. 👇
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.
UK eSIM Unlimited Data
If you plan to stream videos, upload photos, use navigation constantly, or work remotely, an eSIM UK unlimited data plan (like those offered by Holafly and some plans from other providers) might be worth it.
These plans ensure you never run out of data or worry about overages, perfect for heavy internet usage while exploring.
eSIM UK vs Traditional SIM & Roaming
Feature | UK eSIM | Physical SIM | Roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
Setup before arrival | ✅ | ❌ | Varies |
Keep your home SIM | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
No roaming charges | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Instant activation | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
Multi-country option | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ |
Tips for Using Your UK eSIM
📌 Final Thoughts
A UK eSIM is one of the smartest travel accessories you can add to your itinerary.
With easy setup, flexible plans, and reliable coverage, it takes the stress out of staying connected, whether you’re wandering London’s museums, hiking in the Lake District, or relaxing on Brighton Beach.
If you want seamless data without physical SIM swaps, choosing the best eSIM for the UK ensures you’re always online, informed, and ready to explore.
FAQ about using UK eSIM
Can I use a UK eSIM with any device?
No, not all devices support eSIM technology. Before purchasing the UK eSIM, make sure your device is compatible.Do I need the Internet to activate a UK eSIM?
Yes, the activation requires networks. We recommend that you’re connected to WIFI when activating.Can I keep my existing phone number with a UK eSIM?
Yes, you can keep your existing phone number when using a UK eSIM.