Product info
London eSIM plans
| Unlimited data · 5 days | $15.99 | Buy eSIM |
| Ohayu recommendsUnlimited data · 10 days | $27.99 | Buy eSIM |
| Unlimited data · 15 days | $37.99 | Buy eSIM |
| Unlimited data · 30 days | $48.99 | Buy eSIM |
| 3GB prepaid eSIM · 14 days | $8.49$2.83 / GB | Buy eSIM |
| 5GB prepaid eSIM · 30 days | $11.99$2.40 / GB | Buy eSIM |
| 10GB prepaid eSIM · 30 days | $18.49$1.85 / GB | Buy eSIM |
| 15GB prepaid eSIM · 60 days | $23.99$1.60 / GB | Buy eSIM |
| 20GB prepaid eSIM · 90 days | $29.49$1.47 / GB | Buy eSIM |
| 50GB prepaid eSIM · 90 days | $74.99$1.50 / GB | Buy eSIM |
You can install your eSIM before the trip and activate it when you arrive in United Kingdom. Validity starts after eSIM activation.
Plan details
How much mobile data you need
What's the best eSIM for London?
London weekend – 3 GB
Enough for the Tube app, Maps, and posts from Borough Market.
A week in the UK – 10 GB
Maps, restaurant hunting, social posts. Covers London and day trips.
London + Edinburgh – 20 GB
Take the train north. One eSIM covers all of the UK.
Remote work – Unlimited
Hotspot for your laptop, video calls from the City or Soho.
Coverage and network
Honest about coverage
United Kingdom mobile networks
The UK ranks 59th globally for mobile download speed at 76 Mbps - below most of continental Europe. France is 143 Mbps (rank 31), Spain 93 Mbps (rank 52). London is 107 Mbps download (rank 86 among cities), above the national median, below European capitals. (Speedtest by Ookla, June 2026)
Speedtest Global Index · Mobile · London · June 2026
Download
106.69 Mbps
Upload
10.87 Mbps
Latency
24 ms
Global rank
#86 of 98
Real London conditions
- The Tube underground sections: The Elizabeth line and some central Zone 1 stations now have 4G coverage, but most of the Underground's deep-level tube lines have no signal between stations. Overground, DLR, and Elizabeth line surface sections all have coverage.
- Event venues & large crowds: During major events at venues like Wembley, the O2 Arena, or Hyde Park concerts, network congestion can cause noticeable slowdowns. Checking directions and buying tickets before you're in the crowd is a sensible habit.
- Outer boroughs & parks: Coverage is consistent across central London and most inner boroughs. Large parks like Richmond Park and some outer London areas can have weaker signal in lower-density zones, though this rarely affects typical tourist routes.
One eSIM, all of the UK
This plan isn't London-only - it covers the entire United Kingdom. Catch a train to Edinburgh, explore the Cotswolds, or visit Cardiff without switching plans or buying a new SIM.
How to install eSIM
Connected in 3 steps
- 01
Buy before you fly
Choose your data plan before your trip.
- 02
Download & install
Log in to your account, tap your eSIM, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- 03
Land & activate
Activate when you arrive in United Kingdom. Turn on roaming for the eSIM and it connects to a local network.
Before you buy, make sure your phone supports eSIM — see Ohayu compatible devices list or dial *#06#. It's a free request to your phone's settings. If you see the EID number — your phone is eSIM-compatible.
Arriving in London
Free Wi-Fi in London
Skipped the install at home? All three main London airports have free Wi-Fi in the terminals.
Side by side
London eSIM Comparison
Indicative comparison based on publicly listed UK plans as of May 6th, 2026. Competitor pricing and policies change - check their sites for current terms.
Frequently asked questions
Where to buy a SIM card in London?
At Heathrow (LHR) all four terminals have WHSmith and Boots shops selling EE, O2, Vodafone and GiffGaff SIMs (open until around 22:00), plus SIM vending machines that run 24/7. Sim Local kiosks are in T2 and T5. Gatwick has WHSmith in both North and South terminals plus vending machines. Stansted is the problem - barely any SIM retail, just Lebara and Lycamobile at a couple of shops, no vending machines. If you're flying into Stansted, get a travel eSIM like Ohayu before your flight - after landing it can connect you to supported networks like EE, O2 or Vodafone.
Do I need to show ID to buy a SIM card in London?
Good news - UK law only requires ID for contract mobile users. Prepaid SIM cards (pay-as-you-go) do not require registration, so you can buy EE, O2, Vodafone, or GiffGaff SIMs at WHSmith, Boots, or airport vending machines after landing without showing any ID. The main downside is price - local SIM cards in the UK cost around £10-15 ($13-20) per month.
UK travel eSIMs are often cheaper and easier, with data-only plans suited to short trips. Ohayu, for example, starts from $9 for 3 GB and can be installed before departure without an ID check.
Why isn't my eSIM working in London?
Older Tube lines still have dead sections between stations. Beyond that, confirm your phone is drawing data from the Ohayu line with roaming switched on, then toggle Airplane mode. If it stays offline, chat and support@ohayu.com are open 24/7.
