Does EU roaming still apply in the UK?

No. Since Brexit on 1 January 2021 the UK is no longer part of the EU. That means EU roaming no longer applies there, and many German mobile providers charge extra fees for data use in the United Kingdom. With a Reisechip eSIM you avoid those costs entirely.

Does the eSIM also work in Scotland and Wales?

Yes. EE covers 99% of the UK's population, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Even in more remote regions such as the Scottish Highlands or Snowdonia in Wales, you generally have stable 4G reception.

Can I use the eSIM for city breaks in London and road trips across the UK?

Absolutely. Whether you stroll through London's Borough Market, take the train to Bath or tour the Lake District by car, the eSIM runs on the EE network and goes with you everywhere in the United Kingdom. You can look up navigation, train connections and accommodation at any time without trouble.

Do I need an adapter for British sockets?

Yes. The UK uses plug type G, the British three-pin plug, which is completely different from German plugs. You can buy a travel adapter in electronics shops or at the airport. Your eSIM, on the other hand, is ready to use before you leave.

How much data do you recommend for a week in London?

For a week in London with navigation, sightseeing research and social media, 3–5 GB is plenty. If you stream a lot, make video calls or explore the UK on a road trip, you are better off with a 10 GB plan or an unlimited plan.

How much does an eSIM for United Kingdom cost?

eSIM data plans for United Kingdom start at €0.99. You pay once for the data you choose — no contract, no monthly fee and no surprise roaming bill. Bigger data packs and longer validity cost more.

Which mobile networks does the eSIM use in United Kingdom?

In United Kingdom the eSIM connects automatically to local networks such as EE, Three UK, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, Three (VodafoneThree), on 4G/LTE and on 5G where it is available. Coverage in populated areas is around 99% of the population. Your phone always picks the strongest network nearby.

Will I keep my German phone number with an eSIM in United Kingdom?

Yes. Your German SIM and number stay active, and the travel eSIM runs alongside it as a data-only plan. You stay reachable on WhatsApp, iMessage or over Wi-Fi while browsing on the local network. Normal calls and texts still go through your German number, where roaming charges may apply.

Can I top up or extend my United Kingdom data plan?

Yes. When your data runs out or the plan expires, just buy another pack. The eSIM profile already on your phone stays in place, so there is nothing to reinstall and you stay online without a break.

Can I use the eSIM as a Wi-Fi hotspot in United Kingdom?

Yes. You can share the connection with a laptop, tablet or a travel companion through your phone's personal hotspot. Hotspot use comes out of the same data allowance, so choose a slightly larger pack if you plan to tether.

Should I install the eSIM before I leave or after I arrive?

Install it at home over Wi-Fi before you travel. The data plan switches on automatically when your phone joins a network in United Kingdom, so you are online the moment you land instead of hunting for airport Wi-Fi.

Will the eSIM work on my phone?

It works on any eSIM-capable phone, including iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later and Google Pixel 3 and later. The phone must also be unlocked (not tied to one network). To check yours, look for "Add eSIM" under Mobile Data or Connections in your settings.

eSIM plans for United Kingdom

Instant delivery

United Kingdom: your travel eSIM from €0.99 works as soon as you land and connects to EE, Three UK, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, Three (VodafoneThree) (4G/LTE where available), network coverage 99% of the population. Install it by QR code before you leave Germany — no roaming charges, no SIM swap.

Your selection

Select a plan

Payment methods

Instant email delivery
30-day refund on unused eSIMs
Support in English
Visa · Mastercard · Maestro · Apple Pay · PayPal

eSIM for United Kingdom at a glance

Price from: €0.99
Local networks: EE, Three UK, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, Three (VodafoneThree)
Technology: 4G/LTE & 5G
Network coverage: 99% of the population
Activation: QR code — install before you leave
Suggested data: 1–3 GB light use · 5 GB with social media · 10 GB+ streaming

All eSIM plans for United Kingdom

Data	Validity	Price
Unlimited	1 day	€0.99
Unlimited	3 days	€4.49
Unlimited	5 days	€6.99
Unlimited	7 days	€9.99
Unlimited	10 days	€13.99
Unlimited	15 days	€20.49
Unlimited	30 days	€40.99
1 GB	7 days	€1.99
2 GB	15 days	€2.49
3 GB	30 days	€3.49
5 GB	30 days	€4.99
10 GB	30 days	€8.49
20 GB	30 days	€14.49
50 GB	30 days	€31.49

The UK fascinates with a variety few other countries can match: the pulsing East End of London, the medieval lanes of Edinburgh, the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the lively music scene of Manchester. Since Brexit, though, EU roaming no longer applies here, and anyone surfing on a German SIM can quickly end up paying extra. With a Reisechip eSIM you are online on the fast EE network as soon as you land at Heathrow or Gatwick. Finding your way around the London Underground, searching for a restaurant in Edinburgh or booking a train on the spur of the moment all work smoothly, with no cost trap.

Flight time from Germany

about 1.5–2 hours

Time zone

UTC+0 (1 hour behind CET)

Best time to travel

June–September

Plug type

Type G (adapter needed)

Why get an eSIM for the UK?

Since Brexit the UK is no longer an EU member, and travellers from Germany feel it directly in their wallets. EU roaming does not apply here, so many German plans bill extra for every megabyte used in the United Kingdom. A Reisechip eSIM is the smart solution: you book your data plan before you leave and surf on the EE network, the largest and fastest mobile network in the UK. With 99% network coverage and nationwide 4G/5G, you are as reliably connected in London as in Cornwall, Wales or the Scottish Highlands. One practical point: the British type G plug is different from German plugs, so pack your adapter, but the eSIM is already installed and ready. Your German number stays active, so you do not miss any calls and you still save on data costs.

What is network coverage like in United Kingdom?

Network operator

+ Three UK

Technology

4G/LTE & 5G

Coverage

99% of the population

How do I install an eSIM for United Kingdom?

1
Buy a plan
Pick the data plan for United Kingdom that fits your trip and check out.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email with your QR code and scan it with your phone's camera while you are still in Germany.
3
Add the eSIM
Follow the steps on your phone to add the eSIM as a data plan. Your German SIM stays in place.
4
Go online
Switch on the eSIM when you land in United Kingdom and you are online straight away.

1
Buy a plan
Pick the data plan for United Kingdom that fits your trip and check out.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email with your QR code and scan it with your phone's camera while you are still in Germany.
3
Add the eSIM
Follow the steps on your phone to add the eSIM as a data plan. Your German SIM stays in place.
4
Go online
Switch on the eSIM when you land in United Kingdom and you are online straight away.

Which eSIM plan suits me?

Holiday

Away for 1–2 weeks? A 3–5 GB plan covers maps, photos and messages.

Business trip

For video calls and email on the go, choose at least 5 GB or an unlimited plan.

Backpacking

On longer trips, a 10 GB+ plan or a regional plan for several countries pays off.

Family

With several devices, pick a plan with hotspot support and enough data for everyone.

eSIM vs. local SIM vs. Wi-Fi hotspot — what works best for United Kingdom?

	eSIM	Local SIM card	Wi-Fi hotspot
Activation	Instant (QR code)	Buy on arrival	Pick-up or delivery
Setup	2 minutes	SIM swap needed	Extra device
Price	From €0.99	€5–30	€5–15 per day
Network	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE
Devices	1 smartphone	1 smartphone	Up to 5 devices
Flexibility	Top up any time	Fixed allowance	Daily rental
Best for	Most travellers	Long stays	Groups and families

eSIM for United Kingdom: frequently asked questions

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