Prepaid SIM/eSIM England: How to buy a 4G data SIM?
Roaming fees
Among other Brexit consequences, the UK’s departure from the EU ended the roaming agreement that allowed European subscribers to use their phone plans without extra charges.
French carriers have so far decided to keep roaming free (except Bouygues, which charges a very reasonable rate).
However, this decision is not set in stone, so make sure to check it hasn’t changed before you leave to avoid unpleasant surprises.
| Carrier | Roaming rates |
|---|---|
| SFR | Included |
| Free Mobile | Included |
| Orange | Included |
| Bouygues Telecom | €0.003 / MB (for plans with 20 GB or more) |
Buy a SIM card before you leave
If you don’t have a European phone plan, you can always buy a SIM card before you leave. You’ll receive the SIM at your home. When you arrive in England, just swap it into your smartphone for instant internet access.
With Holafly
Specialized company Holafly offers this service. Holafly doesn’t have a UK-only option, but they have a great deal covering 30 European countries, including the UK.
Click here to see Holafly’s offer covering England (and get a PROMO CODE!)
| Validity | Data allowance | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | Unlimited | 29 € |
| 10 days | Unlimited | 39 € |
| 15 days | Unlimited | 49 € |
| 20 days | Unlimited | 59 € |
| 30 days | Unlimited | 87 € |
| 60 days | Unlimited | 169 € |
| 90 days | Unlimited | 239 € |
On Amazon
You can also find a great deal on Amazon.
Carrier O2 offers a prepaid SIM with 7 GB of data for just €5.49! Plus unlimited calls and texts.
Buy an eSIM valid in the UK
Holafly also offers eSIMs, which are handy if your phone is compatible (read our detailed article on the subject).
See Holafly’s eSIM deals for the UK. Feel free to use the promo code NOMADBENTO
The prices are better than for physical SIMs, so don’t hesitate!
| Validity | Data | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | Unlimited | 19 € |
| 10 days | Unlimited | 34 € |
| 15 days | Unlimited | 47 € |
| 20 days | Unlimited | 57 € |
| 30 days | Unlimited | 69 € |
| 60 days | Unlimited | 87 € |
| 90 days | Unlimited | 99 € |
Buying a 4G SIM at the airport
If you arrive without a SIM card, it’s easy to buy one at the airport.
You can get one at the SIM Local store in the baggage claim hall or in the arrivals hall.
Or at WHSmith stores.
From vending machines.
Or at the “We Know London” tourist stand.
Buying a SIM card in town
If you’re in a hurry to leave the airport, you’ll easily find SIM cards in the city.
For example, at the following stores:
- Superdrug drugstores
- Boots drugstores
- WHSmith
- Carphone Warehouse
- …
