[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1222},["ShallowReactive",2],{"result-blog-is-esim-available-in-uk-guide":3},{"_path":4,"_dir":5,"_draft":6,"_partial":6,"_locale":7,"title":8,"description":9,"dateiso":10,"image":11,"ogImage":11,"alt":12,"tags":13,"faqs":15,"published":40,"body":41,"_type":1215,"_id":1216,"_source":1217,"_file":1218,"_stem":1219,"_extension":1220,"sitemap":1221},"\u002Fblog\u002Fis-esim-available-in-uk-guide","blog",false,"","Is eSIM Available in UK? Networks, Plans & Costs","Is eSIM available in UK? Yes. EE, Vodafone, O2 & Three support it. Compare plans, activation, and travel vs business options for 2026.","2026-07-28T18:09:01Z","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fis-esim-available-in-uk-guide.avif","is esim available in uk",[14],"eSIM",[16,19,22,25,28,31,34,37],{"label":17,"content":18},"Is eSIM available in the UK?","Yes. EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three all support eSIM, along with a growing number of smaller providers. Availability depends on the specific plan type and activation route, so always confirm before ordering.",{"label":20,"content":21},"Which UK networks support eSIM?","All four major UK networks offer eSIM. Vodafone supports it across all SIM-only plans. EE offers it on pay monthly and SIM-only routes. O2 supports it on PAYG and contract plans. Three offers it through Three Your Way plans.",{"label":23,"content":24},"Can I get a UK eSIM with a phone number?","Yes, if the plan includes a UK mobile number. Full carrier plans and business eSIMs typically include a number, calls, and SMS. Most travel eSIMs are data-only and do not include a phone number.",{"label":26,"content":27},"Can tourists buy a UK eSIM before arriving?","Yes. Many travel eSIM providers allow purchase and installation before arrival. Some plans activate immediately upon download, while others activate only when the device connects to a UK network. Most provide data only.",{"label":29,"content":30},"Can businesses get eSIM in the UK?","Yes. UK business eSIMs are available from major networks and providers like GoSimless, which offers O2 and Vodafone plans on 30-day rolling terms with 5G and unlimited UK calls and SMS.",{"label":32,"content":33},"Does a UK eSIM work with WhatsApp?","Any eSIM with mobile data lets you use WhatsApp for messaging and calls over the internet. However, WhatsApp Business verification may require a number that can receive SMS or phone calls, which data-only travel eSIMs cannot provide.",{"label":35,"content":36},"How do I check if my phone supports eSIM?","Dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID appears, the device supports eSIM. Most recent iPhones (XS and later), Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy flagships are compatible.",{"label":38,"content":39},"Can I keep my number when switching to eSIM?","Usually yes. If switching providers, text PAC to 65075 to get your Porting Authorisation Code. The new provider must complete the switch within one working day.",true,{"type":42,"children":43,"toc":1194},"root",[44,52,59,64,76,81,87,100,105,151,156,161,166,175,181,186,336,349,362,367,373,378,388,398,408,418,423,430,435,544,549,554,560,565,570,575,580,586,591,596,601,624,629,642,648,653,664,684,817,822,828,833,853,873,878,884,889,933,938,950,956,961,974,980,985,996,1001,1006,1012,1017,1022,1034,1040,1045,1103,1108,1114,1119,1172,1183,1189],{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":47,"children":48},"element","p",{},[49],{"type":50,"value":51},"text","Yes, eSIM is available in the UK through all four major mobile networks and a growing number of smaller providers. The right option depends on whether you need a consumer plan, a business mobile line, or a travel data eSIM. Many travel eSIMs are data-only and do not include a UK phone number, which matters if you need calls, SMS, or WhatsApp Business verification. Always check plan type, device compatibility, and included features before buying.",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":54,"children":56},"h2",{"id":55},"what-is-an-esim",[57],{"type":50,"value":58},"What Is an eSIM?",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":60,"children":61},{},[62],{"type":50,"value":63},"An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into a compatible phone, tablet, watch, or laptop. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM card, the mobile plan downloads to the device as a digital profile, typically by scanning a QR code or using a carrier app.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":65,"children":66},{},[67,74],{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":69,"children":71},"a",{"href":70},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gsma.com\u002Fsolutions-and-impact\u002Ftechnologies\u002Fesim\u002F",[72],{"type":50,"value":73},"GSMA describes eSIM",{"type":50,"value":75}," as a SIM securely downloaded into an embedded secure element, with security protection equivalent to a removable SIM card. For users, the practical takeaway is simple: you can activate a mobile plan without waiting for physical post. Setup happens digitally, often within minutes.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":77,"children":78},{},[79],{"type":50,"value":80},"An eSIM can support calls, texts, and data, but only if the plan includes them. This sounds obvious. Yet it trips up a surprising number of buyers, particularly those purchasing travel eSIMs for the UK.",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":82,"children":84},{"id":83},"yes-esim-is-available-in-the-uk",[85],{"type":50,"value":86},"Yes, eSIM Is Available in the UK",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":88,"children":89},{},[90,92,98],{"type":50,"value":91},"eSIM is available in the UK through the four main mobile networks (EE, Vodafone, O2, Three) and a growing list of smaller providers. ",{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":93,"children":95},{"href":94},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.moneysavingexpert.com\u002Fmobiles\u002Fwhat-is-an-esim\u002F?source=FBORG-BILLS",[96],{"type":50,"value":97},"MoneySavingExpert’s 2026 guide",{"type":50,"value":99}," confirms all four major carriers support eSIM, while noting that availability is not always straightforward.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":101,"children":102},{},[103],{"type":50,"value":104},"\"Available\" does not mean \"identical across every plan\". Several factors determine whether you can actually get one:",{"type":45,"tag":106,"props":107,"children":108},"ul",{},[109,121,131,141],{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":111,"children":112},"li",{},[113,119],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":115,"children":116},"strong",{},[117],{"type":50,"value":118},"Plan type.",{"type":50,"value":120}," Some PAYG routes still require a physical SIM first, or a conversion step after activation.",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":122,"children":123},{},[124,129],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":125,"children":126},{},[127],{"type":50,"value":128},"Provider.",{"type":50,"value":130}," Major networks support eSIM broadly. Smaller MVNOs vary.",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":132,"children":133},{},[134,139],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":135,"children":136},{},[137],{"type":50,"value":138},"Use case.",{"type":50,"value":140}," Consumer plans, business plans, and travel eSIMs are three different products with different features and limitations.",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":142,"children":143},{},[144,149],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":145,"children":146},{},[147],{"type":50,"value":148},"Device.",{"type":50,"value":150}," The phone must be eSIM-compatible and network-unlocked.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":152,"children":153},{},[154],{"type":50,"value":155},"Practitioners on Reddit and mobile forums confirm this friction. One EE Community thread shows a user trying to convert a physical SIM to eSIM, only to discover the route depended on plan type and that PAYG was not supported in that context. The pattern is consistent: people know eSIM exists, but the activation path is not always obvious.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":157,"children":158},{},[159],{"type":50,"value":160},"The bottom line: eSIM is widely available in the UK, but confirm the exact plan and activation process before committing.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":162,"children":163},{},[164],{"type":50,"value":165},"For businesses that want a UK eSIM on O2 or Vodafone with no long-term contract, GoSimless offers 30-day rolling plans with 5G, unlimited UK calls and SMS, and QR activation.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":167,"children":168},{},[169],{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":170,"children":172},{"href":171},"\u002Fesim",[173],{"type":50,"value":174},"Explore GoSimless business eSIM plans",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":176,"children":178},{"id":177},"which-uk-networks-support-esim",[179],{"type":50,"value":180},"Which UK Networks Support eSIM?",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":182,"children":183},{},[184],{"type":50,"value":185},"All four major UK networks offer eSIM, though each handles eligibility and activation differently.",{"type":45,"tag":187,"props":188,"children":189},"table",{},[190,219],{"type":45,"tag":191,"props":192,"children":193},"thead",{},[194],{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":196,"children":197},"tr",{},[198,204,209,214],{"type":45,"tag":199,"props":200,"children":201},"th",{},[202],{"type":50,"value":203},"Network",{"type":45,"tag":199,"props":205,"children":206},{},[207],{"type":50,"value":208},"eSIM Available?",{"type":45,"tag":199,"props":210,"children":211},{},[212],{"type":50,"value":213},"Plan Types",{"type":45,"tag":199,"props":215,"children":216},{},[217],{"type":50,"value":218},"Notes",{"type":45,"tag":220,"props":221,"children":222},"tbody",{},[223,247,269,291,313],{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":224,"children":225},{},[226,232,237,242],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":228,"children":229},"td",{},[230],{"type":50,"value":231},"Vodafone",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":233,"children":234},{},[235],{"type":50,"value":236},"Yes",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":238,"children":239},{},[240],{"type":50,"value":241},"All SIM-only plans",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":243,"children":244},{},[245],{"type":50,"value":246},"30-day, 12-month, 24-month pay monthly plus PAYG Plus",{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":248,"children":249},{},[250,255,259,264],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":251,"children":252},{},[253],{"type":50,"value":254},"EE",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":256,"children":257},{},[258],{"type":50,"value":236},{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":260,"children":261},{},[262],{"type":50,"value":263},"Pay monthly, SIM-only",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":265,"children":266},{},[267],{"type":50,"value":268},"QR code or EE app activation; travel eSIM for visitors",{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":270,"children":271},{},[272,277,281,286],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":273,"children":274},{},[275],{"type":50,"value":276},"O2",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":278,"children":279},{},[280],{"type":50,"value":236},{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":282,"children":283},{},[284],{"type":50,"value":285},"PAYG and contract",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":287,"children":288},{},[289],{"type":50,"value":290},"5G, unlimited UK minutes\u002Ftexts on listed bundles, EU roaming",{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":292,"children":293},{},[294,299,303,308],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":295,"children":296},{},[297],{"type":50,"value":298},"Three",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":300,"children":301},{},[302],{"type":50,"value":236},{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":304,"children":305},{},[306],{"type":50,"value":307},"Three Your Way plans",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":309,"children":310},{},[311],{"type":50,"value":312},"5G, QR code and iPhone seamless activation",{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":314,"children":315},{},[316,321,326,331],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":317,"children":318},{},[319],{"type":50,"value":320},"Smaller MVNOs",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":322,"children":323},{},[324],{"type":50,"value":325},"Varies",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":327,"children":328},{},[329],{"type":50,"value":330},"Check provider",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":332,"children":333},{},[334],{"type":50,"value":335},"Not all plan types support eSIM",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":337,"children":338},{},[339,341,347],{"type":50,"value":340},"Vodafone states that ",{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":342,"children":344},{"href":343},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.vodafone.co.uk\u002Fsim-only\u002Fesim?tabDeepLinkId=learn",[345],{"type":50,"value":346},"all its SIM-only plans",{"type":50,"value":348}," are available as eSIM, with pay-monthly options across multiple contract lengths and a Pay as you go Plus rolling plan.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":350,"children":351},{},[352,354,360],{"type":50,"value":353},"EE says customers can download an eSIM through the ",{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":355,"children":357},{"href":356},"https:\u002F\u002Fee.co.uk\u002Fhelp\u002Fmobile\u002Fgetting-started\u002Fdownload-and-use-an-ee-esim",[358],{"type":50,"value":359},"EE app or a QR code",{"type":50,"value":361}," and offers a dedicated UK travel eSIM for visitors. O2 lists PAYG offers as available in both physical SIM and eSIM formats, with 5G and Europe Zone roaming on rolling plans. Three supports eSIM through its Three Your Way plans using QR code activation.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":363,"children":364},{},[365],{"type":50,"value":366},"MoneySavingExpert warns that some providers and PAYG routes can still be awkward, so never assume every tariff at every carrier offers a smooth eSIM path.",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":368,"children":370},{"id":369},"is-esim-available-for-uk-businesses",[371],{"type":50,"value":372},"Is eSIM Available for UK Businesses?",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":374,"children":375},{},[376],{"type":50,"value":377},"Yes. UK business eSIMs are available from major networks and specialist providers, and they solve real operational problems.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":379,"children":380},{},[381,386],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":382,"children":383},{},[384],{"type":50,"value":385},"BYOD (bring your own device).",{"type":50,"value":387}," Employees keep their personal SIM and add a company eSIM on the same phone. Business comparison sites consistently identify this as one of the strongest eSIM use cases because it avoids issuing second handsets while keeping work and personal lines separate.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":389,"children":390},{},[391,396],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":392,"children":393},{},[394],{"type":50,"value":395},"Fast onboarding.",{"type":50,"value":397}," New staff activate a work line via QR code in minutes. No waiting for SIM delivery, no logistics headaches.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":399,"children":400},{},[401,406],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":402,"children":403},{},[404],{"type":50,"value":405},"Separate billing.",{"type":50,"value":407}," Work calls, texts, and data sit on a dedicated plan, simplifying expense tracking and tax records.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":409,"children":410},{},[411,416],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":412,"children":413},{},[414],{"type":50,"value":415},"Flexible terms.",{"type":50,"value":417}," Many business eSIM plans run month to month, which suits contractors, project teams, or businesses that do not want 24-month commitments.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":419,"children":420},{},[421],{"type":50,"value":422},"EE has a dedicated business eSIM page. Vodafone confirms eSIM is available to Vodafone Business customers. O2 Business offers SIM-only tariffs with rolling 30-day flexibility, unlimited UK calls and texts, spend caps, and European roaming.",{"type":45,"tag":424,"props":425,"children":427},"h3",{"id":426},"gosimless-uk-business-esim-plans",[428],{"type":50,"value":429},"GoSimless UK Business eSIM Plans",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":431,"children":432},{},[433],{"type":50,"value":434},"GoSimless offers UK business eSIM plans on both O2 and Vodafone with 30-day rolling terms, 5G support, unlimited UK calls and SMS, and QR activation. Current pricing:",{"type":45,"tag":187,"props":436,"children":437},{},[438,458],{"type":45,"tag":191,"props":439,"children":440},{},[441],{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":442,"children":443},{},[444,448,453],{"type":45,"tag":199,"props":445,"children":446},{},[447],{"type":50,"value":203},{"type":45,"tag":199,"props":449,"children":450},{},[451],{"type":50,"value":452},"Data",{"type":45,"tag":199,"props":454,"children":455},{},[456],{"type":50,"value":457},"Monthly Price",{"type":45,"tag":220,"props":459,"children":460},{},[461,478,495,512,528],{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":462,"children":463},{},[464,468,473],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":465,"children":466},{},[467],{"type":50,"value":276},{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":469,"children":470},{},[471],{"type":50,"value":472},"20 GB",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":474,"children":475},{},[476],{"type":50,"value":477},"£14.50",{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":479,"children":480},{},[481,485,490],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":482,"children":483},{},[484],{"type":50,"value":276},{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":486,"children":487},{},[488],{"type":50,"value":489},"50 GB",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":491,"children":492},{},[493],{"type":50,"value":494},"£16.50",{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":496,"children":497},{},[498,502,507],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":499,"children":500},{},[501],{"type":50,"value":276},{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":503,"children":504},{},[505],{"type":50,"value":506},"Unlimited",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":508,"children":509},{},[510],{"type":50,"value":511},"£19.50",{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":513,"children":514},{},[515,519,524],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":516,"children":517},{},[518],{"type":50,"value":231},{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":520,"children":521},{},[522],{"type":50,"value":523},"24 GB",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":525,"children":526},{},[527],{"type":50,"value":511},{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":529,"children":530},{},[531,535,539],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":532,"children":533},{},[534],{"type":50,"value":231},{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":536,"children":537},{},[538],{"type":50,"value":506},{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":540,"children":541},{},[542],{"type":50,"value":543},"£24.50",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":545,"children":546},{},[547],{"type":50,"value":548},"O2 plans include EU roaming as standard. Vodafone Unlimited includes EU roaming up to 25 GB plus 29 extra roaming destinations. All plans are cancel-anytime with no credit checks.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":550,"children":551},{},[552],{"type":50,"value":553},"Having plans on two networks gives businesses a practical advantage: they can choose based on which network provides better coverage at their office, warehouse, or key staff locations.",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":555,"children":557},{"id":556},"can-visitors-get-a-uk-esim",[558],{"type":50,"value":559},"Can Visitors Get a UK eSIM?",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":561,"children":562},{},[563],{"type":50,"value":564},"Yes. Visitors travelling to the UK can buy a travel eSIM, often before landing. EE offers a UK travel eSIM for visitors, and numerous third-party providers sell UK data plans that activate upon arrival or immediately after installation.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":566,"children":567},{},[568],{"type":50,"value":569},"There is an important catch. Most travel eSIMs are data-only. They provide internet access for maps, email, ride-hailing apps, and messaging, but they do not include a UK phone number, outbound SMS, or traditional voice calls.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":571,"children":572},{},[573],{"type":50,"value":574},"MoneySavingExpert notes that international eSIMs generally do not include calls or texts. Reddit travel discussions consistently confirm this confusion. One user searching for a UK number discovered that a suggested eSIM supported incoming SMS only and could not send texts except through WhatsApp. Another thread cautioned that data-only eSIMs work for internet access but leave users without a local number for banking verification, OTPs, or customer calls.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":576,"children":577},{},[578],{"type":50,"value":579},"If you are visiting and only need internet, a data-only travel eSIM works. If you need a UK phone number, calls, SMS, or WhatsApp Business verification, check the plan details carefully, or consider a different type of product entirely.",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":581,"children":583},{"id":582},"does-a-uk-esim-include-a-uk-phone-number",[584],{"type":50,"value":585},"Does a UK eSIM Include a UK Phone Number?",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":587,"children":588},{},[589],{"type":50,"value":590},"Not always. This is the single biggest point of confusion around eSIM availability in the UK, and most guides either gloss over it or bury it.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":592,"children":593},{},[594],{"type":50,"value":595},"A full UK mobile eSIM plan (from a carrier or business provider) typically includes a UK mobile number, calls, SMS, and data. A travel eSIM often provides data only. No number. No calls. No SMS.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":597,"children":598},{},[599],{"type":50,"value":600},"This distinction matters for anyone who needs:",{"type":45,"tag":106,"props":602,"children":603},{},[604,609,614,619],{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":605,"children":606},{},[607],{"type":50,"value":608},"A UK number for WhatsApp Business verification",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":610,"children":611},{},[612],{"type":50,"value":613},"Inbound SMS for OTP codes or two-factor authentication",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":615,"children":616},{},[617],{"type":50,"value":618},"Outbound calls to UK customers or suppliers",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":620,"children":621},{},[622],{"type":50,"value":623},"SMS records for business compliance",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":625,"children":626},{},[627],{"type":50,"value":628},"A data-only eSIM simply cannot handle these. If what you actually need is a UK number for WhatsApp Business, customer messaging, or verification codes, a virtual number may be a better fit than a travel eSIM.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":630,"children":631},{},[632,634,640],{"type":50,"value":633},"GoSimless provides ",{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":635,"children":637},{"href":636},"\u002Fwhatsapp-number",[638],{"type":50,"value":639},"virtual numbers for WhatsApp Business",{"type":50,"value":641}," and other chat apps, with unlimited SMS-to-email, optional call forwarding, searchable logs, CSV export, and management through an online portal.",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":643,"children":645},{"id":644},"esim-vs-virtual-number-which-do-you-need",[646],{"type":50,"value":647},"eSIM vs Virtual Number: Which Do You Need?",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":649,"children":650},{},[651],{"type":50,"value":652},"Most guides treat \"UK eSIM\" as if it is one product. It is not. And many business buyers searching for a UK eSIM actually need a virtual number, or both.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":654,"children":655},{},[656,658,662],{"type":50,"value":657},"An ",{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":659,"children":660},{},[661],{"type":50,"value":14},{"type":50,"value":663}," is a mobile plan installed digitally on a device. It gives the phone network connectivity: data, and calls or SMS if the plan includes them.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":665,"children":666},{},[667,669,674,676,682],{"type":50,"value":668},"A ",{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":670,"children":671},{},[672],{"type":50,"value":673},"virtual number",{"type":50,"value":675}," is a cloud-managed phone number. It can receive SMS, support call forwarding, and integrate with business workflows, all without needing a SIM slot or mobile data plan on a specific device. For a deeper comparison, see ",{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":677,"children":679},{"href":678},"\u002Fblog\u002Fesims-vs-virtual-numbers-key-differences",[680],{"type":50,"value":681},"eSIMs vs virtual numbers",{"type":50,"value":683},".",{"type":45,"tag":187,"props":685,"children":686},{},[687,708],{"type":45,"tag":191,"props":688,"children":689},{},[690],{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":691,"children":692},{},[693,698,703],{"type":45,"tag":199,"props":694,"children":695},{},[696],{"type":50,"value":697},"What you need",{"type":45,"tag":199,"props":699,"children":700},{},[701],{"type":50,"value":702},"Better option",{"type":45,"tag":199,"props":704,"children":705},{},[706],{"type":50,"value":707},"Why",{"type":45,"tag":220,"props":709,"children":710},{},[711,728,745,763,781,799],{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":712,"children":713},{},[714,719,723],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":715,"children":716},{},[717],{"type":50,"value":718},"Mobile data on a phone",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":720,"children":721},{},[722],{"type":50,"value":14},{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":724,"children":725},{},[726],{"type":50,"value":727},"Network connectivity without a plastic SIM",{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":729,"children":730},{},[731,736,740],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":732,"children":733},{},[734],{"type":50,"value":735},"Second mobile line on one device",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":737,"children":738},{},[739],{"type":50,"value":14},{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":741,"children":742},{},[743],{"type":50,"value":744},"Personal and work lines on dual-SIM phones",{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":746,"children":747},{},[748,753,758],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":749,"children":750},{},[751],{"type":50,"value":752},"UK number for WhatsApp Business",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":754,"children":755},{},[756],{"type":50,"value":757},"Virtual number or SMS-capable eSIM",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":759,"children":760},{},[761],{"type":50,"value":762},"Travel eSIMs are often data-only",{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":764,"children":765},{},[766,771,776],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":767,"children":768},{},[769],{"type":50,"value":770},"Business SMS logged to email",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":772,"children":773},{},[774],{"type":50,"value":775},"Virtual number",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":777,"children":778},{},[779],{"type":50,"value":780},"Better for records and team visibility",{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":782,"children":783},{},[784,789,794],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":785,"children":786},{},[787],{"type":50,"value":788},"Staff BYOD lines",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":790,"children":791},{},[792],{"type":50,"value":793},"Business eSIM",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":795,"children":796},{},[797],{"type":50,"value":798},"Clean separation of work and personal use",{"type":45,"tag":195,"props":800,"children":801},{},[802,807,812],{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":803,"children":804},{},[805],{"type":50,"value":806},"Temporary visitor internet",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":808,"children":809},{},[810],{"type":50,"value":811},"Travel eSIM",{"type":45,"tag":227,"props":813,"children":814},{},[815],{"type":50,"value":816},"Quick and affordable, usually data-only",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":818,"children":819},{},[820],{"type":50,"value":821},"Some businesses need both: an eSIM for staff mobile connectivity and a virtual number for WhatsApp Business verification, SMS-to-email, and call forwarding with features like call whisper.",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":823,"children":825},{"id":824},"how-to-check-if-your-phone-supports-esim",[826],{"type":50,"value":827},"How to Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":829,"children":830},{},[831],{"type":50,"value":832},"Before buying any UK eSIM, confirm your device is compatible. EE recommends dialling *#06# on your phone. If the screen displays an EID (eSIM Identifier), the device supports eSIM.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":834,"children":835},{},[836,838,844,846,852],{"type":50,"value":837},"Most recent iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung flagships are compatible. ",{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":839,"children":841},{"href":840},"https:\u002F\u002Fsupport.apple.com\u002Fen-us\u002F118227",[842],{"type":50,"value":843},"Apple confirms",{"type":50,"value":845}," that supported iPhones can store eight or more eSIMs and use two active eSIMs simultaneously. iPhone 13 and later models support dual SIM with two eSIMs, so you can run personal and business lines without a physical SIM at all. To understand how this works in practice, see ",{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":847,"children":849},{"href":848},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-many-esims-can-your-phone-hold",[850],{"type":50,"value":851},"how many eSIMs your phone can hold",{"type":50,"value":683},{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":854,"children":855},{},[856,858,864,866,872],{"type":50,"value":857},"For step-by-step setup instructions, see the ",{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":859,"children":861},{"href":860},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-set-up-an-esim-on-iphone",[862],{"type":50,"value":863},"iPhone eSIM setup guide",{"type":50,"value":865}," or the ",{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":867,"children":869},{"href":868},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-set-up-an-esim-on-android",[870],{"type":50,"value":871},"Android eSIM setup guide",{"type":50,"value":683},{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":874,"children":875},{},[876],{"type":50,"value":877},"Your phone must also be network-unlocked. A device locked to one carrier may reject an eSIM from a different provider.",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":879,"children":881},{"id":880},"how-to-activate-an-esim-in-the-uk",[882],{"type":50,"value":883},"How to Activate an eSIM in the UK",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":885,"children":886},{},[887],{"type":50,"value":888},"Activation is straightforward when you follow the right steps. But Reddit and forum discussions show users frequently hit snags when they skip one. Here is the process:",{"type":45,"tag":890,"props":891,"children":892},"ol",{},[893,898,903,908,913,918,923,928],{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":894,"children":895},{},[896],{"type":50,"value":897},"Confirm your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":899,"children":900},{},[901],{"type":50,"value":902},"Choose a plan that explicitly offers eSIM activation (not all plan types do).",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":904,"children":905},{},[906],{"type":50,"value":907},"Connect to stable Wi-Fi.",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":909,"children":910},{},[911],{"type":50,"value":912},"Scan the QR code provided by your carrier or provider, or use their app to download the profile.",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":914,"children":915},{},[916],{"type":50,"value":917},"Label the new line clearly: \"Personal,\" \"Business,\" or \"Travel.\"",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":919,"children":920},{},[921],{"type":50,"value":922},"Set the correct default line for data, calls, and SMS.",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":924,"children":925},{},[926],{"type":50,"value":927},"Test data, an inbound call, an outbound call, and SMS.",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":929,"children":930},{},[931],{"type":50,"value":932},"If using a travel eSIM alongside a home SIM, set the travel eSIM as the data default and switch roaming off for the home SIM to avoid unexpected charges.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":934,"children":935},{},[936],{"type":50,"value":937},"MoneySavingExpert specifically warns users to configure these defaults correctly. Setting the wrong line as the data default is one of the most common mistakes, and it can result in roaming charges on your home SIM while abroad.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":939,"children":940},{},[941,943,949],{"type":50,"value":942},"For a detailed walkthrough, see ",{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":944,"children":946},{"href":945},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-get-activate-an-esim-easily",[947],{"type":50,"value":948},"how to get and activate an eSIM",{"type":50,"value":683},{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":951,"children":953},{"id":952},"can-you-keep-your-number-when-switching-to-esim",[954],{"type":50,"value":955},"Can You Keep Your Number When Switching to eSIM?",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":957,"children":958},{},[959],{"type":50,"value":960},"Yes, in most cases. If you are moving from a physical SIM to eSIM with the same provider, it is usually treated as a SIM swap handled through the provider’s app or customer service.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":962,"children":963},{},[964,966,972],{"type":50,"value":965},"If you are switching to a different provider and want to keep your existing number, you need a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code). ",{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":967,"children":969},{"href":968},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ofcom.org.uk\u002Fphones-and-broadband\u002Fswitching-provider\u002Fswitching-mobile-phone-provider",[970],{"type":50,"value":971},"Ofcom says",{"type":50,"value":973}," you can request one by texting PAC to 65075. Your current provider must respond within one minute, and the new provider must complete the switch within one working day after receiving the code.",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":975,"children":977},{"id":976},"does-esim-have-worse-signal-than-a-physical-sim",[978],{"type":50,"value":979},"Does eSIM Have Worse Signal Than a Physical SIM?",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":981,"children":982},{},[983],{"type":50,"value":984},"No. An eSIM uses the same mobile network as the equivalent physical SIM card. If O2 has strong coverage at your office but weak signal at home, that is true regardless of whether you use a plastic SIM or an eSIM.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":986,"children":987},{},[988,994],{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":989,"children":991},{"href":990},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ofcom.org.uk\u002Fsiteassets\u002Fresources\u002Fdocuments\u002Fresearch-and-data\u002Fmulti-sector\u002Finfrastructure-research\u002Fconnected-nations-2025\u002Fconnected-nations-uk-report-2025.pdf",[992],{"type":50,"value":993},"Ofcom’s 2025 Connected Nations report",{"type":50,"value":995}," shows that 4G coverage from at least one operator reaches 96% of UK landmass, outdoor 5G coverage reaches 94% to 97%, and 5G Standalone coverage is available across 83% of areas from at least one operator. UK mobile data use rose 18% year over year to more than 1.2 billion GB per month, with 5G traffic growing 53%.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":997,"children":998},{},[999],{"type":50,"value":1000},"Reddit UK mobile threads sometimes complain about coverage and congestion, but those issues are about the underlying network and location, not the SIM format. Ofcom recommends using its Map Your Mobile tool to check coverage at your home, office, and travel routes before choosing any mobile plan.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":1002,"children":1003},{},[1004],{"type":50,"value":1005},"For businesses picking between O2 and Vodafone eSIM plans, this matters. GoSimless offers plans on both networks specifically so businesses can choose based on where their team actually works and travels.",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":1007,"children":1009},{"id":1008},"is-esim-safe",[1010],{"type":50,"value":1011},"Is eSIM Safe?",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":1013,"children":1014},{},[1015],{"type":50,"value":1016},"eSIM technology is built on secure provisioning standards. GSMA confirms that eSIM provides security protection equivalent to a removable SIM card, with compliance processes ensuring devices meet Remote SIM Provisioning specifications.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":1018,"children":1019},{},[1020],{"type":50,"value":1021},"One practical advantage: because there is no physical SIM to remove, a thief cannot pop out the card and put it in another device.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":1023,"children":1024},{},[1025,1027,1033],{"type":50,"value":1026},"However, eSIM does not eliminate all risks. The UK government has identified SIM-swap fraud and number-porting abuse as ongoing fraud vectors, where criminals can hijack phone numbers to intercept verification codes. Account security, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication remain essential regardless of SIM type. For more on this topic, see ",{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":1028,"children":1030},{"href":1029},"\u002Fblog\u002Fare-esims-secure",[1031],{"type":50,"value":1032},"are eSIMs secure",{"type":50,"value":683},{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":1035,"children":1037},{"id":1036},"before-you-buy-a-uk-esim-checklist",[1038],{"type":50,"value":1039},"Before You Buy a UK eSIM: Checklist",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":1041,"children":1042},{},[1043],{"type":50,"value":1044},"Run through these questions before purchasing:",{"type":45,"tag":106,"props":1046,"children":1047},{},[1048,1053,1058,1063,1068,1073,1078,1083,1088,1093,1098],{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1049,"children":1050},{},[1051],{"type":50,"value":1052},"Is your phone unlocked?",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1054,"children":1055},{},[1056],{"type":50,"value":1057},"Does it show an EID when you dial *#06#?",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1059,"children":1060},{},[1061],{"type":50,"value":1062},"Is the eSIM data-only, or does it include a UK phone number?",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1064,"children":1065},{},[1066],{"type":50,"value":1067},"Does it support inbound SMS?",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1069,"children":1070},{},[1071],{"type":50,"value":1072},"Does it support outbound SMS and voice calls?",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1074,"children":1075},{},[1076],{"type":50,"value":1077},"Does it allow hotspot and tethering?",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1079,"children":1080},{},[1081],{"type":50,"value":1082},"Does it include EU roaming?",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1084,"children":1085},{},[1086],{"type":50,"value":1087},"Is the plan 30-day rolling, 12-month, or 24-month?",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1089,"children":1090},{},[1091],{"type":50,"value":1092},"Does the price include VAT?",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1094,"children":1095},{},[1096],{"type":50,"value":1097},"Does the provider support number porting?",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1099,"children":1100},{},[1101],{"type":50,"value":1102},"Can you reach support if activation fails?",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":1104,"children":1105},{},[1106],{"type":50,"value":1107},"These questions matter more than most comparison pages suggest. Buying without checking can leave you with a data-only plan when you needed a full mobile line, or a 24-month contract when you only needed a month of service.",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":1109,"children":1111},{"id":1110},"quick-decision-guide",[1112],{"type":50,"value":1113},"Quick Decision Guide",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":1115,"children":1116},{},[1117],{"type":50,"value":1118},"What do you actually need?",{"type":45,"tag":106,"props":1120,"children":1121},{},[1122,1132,1142,1152,1162],{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1123,"children":1124},{},[1125,1130],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":1126,"children":1127},{},[1128],{"type":50,"value":1129},"Internet while visiting the UK?",{"type":50,"value":1131}," A travel eSIM covers this. Expect data-only in most cases.",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1133,"children":1134},{},[1135,1140],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":1136,"children":1137},{},[1138],{"type":50,"value":1139},"A UK mobile plan for work?",{"type":50,"value":1141}," A business eSIM with calls, SMS, and data. Look for 30-day rolling terms if flexibility matters.",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1143,"children":1144},{},[1145,1150],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":1146,"children":1147},{},[1148],{"type":50,"value":1149},"A UK number for WhatsApp Business verification?",{"type":50,"value":1151}," A virtual number, or a mobile plan that explicitly includes SMS and call verification support.",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1153,"children":1154},{},[1155,1160],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":1156,"children":1157},{},[1158],{"type":50,"value":1159},"Staff lines without issuing second phones?",{"type":50,"value":1161}," A business eSIM on employees’ personal devices (BYOD setup).",{"type":45,"tag":110,"props":1163,"children":1164},{},[1165,1170],{"type":45,"tag":114,"props":1166,"children":1167},{},[1168],{"type":50,"value":1169},"Both mobile connectivity and a managed business number?",{"type":50,"value":1171}," Use a business eSIM for the mobile line and a virtual number for WhatsApp Business, SMS-to-email, and call forwarding.",{"type":45,"tag":46,"props":1173,"children":1174},{},[1175,1181],{"type":45,"tag":68,"props":1176,"children":1178},{"href":1177},"\u002F",[1179],{"type":50,"value":1180},"gosimless",{"type":50,"value":1182}," offers both UK business eSIM plans and virtual numbers, so businesses can choose the right tool for each need under one account.",{"type":45,"tag":53,"props":1184,"children":1186},{"id":1185},"frequently-asked-questions",[1187],{"type":50,"value":1188},"Frequently asked questions",{"type":45,"tag":1190,"props":1191,"children":1193},"x-faq-plain",{":faqs":1192},"faqs",[],{"title":7,"searchDepth":1195,"depth":1195,"links":1196},2,[1197,1198,1199,1200,1204,1205,1206,1207,1208,1209,1210,1211,1212,1213,1214],{"id":55,"depth":1195,"text":58},{"id":83,"depth":1195,"text":86},{"id":177,"depth":1195,"text":180},{"id":369,"depth":1195,"text":372,"children":1201},[1202],{"id":426,"depth":1203,"text":429},3,{"id":556,"depth":1195,"text":559},{"id":582,"depth":1195,"text":585},{"id":644,"depth":1195,"text":647},{"id":824,"depth":1195,"text":827},{"id":880,"depth":1195,"text":883},{"id":952,"depth":1195,"text":955},{"id":976,"depth":1195,"text":979},{"id":1008,"depth":1195,"text":1011},{"id":1036,"depth":1195,"text":1039},{"id":1110,"depth":1195,"text":1113},{"id":1185,"depth":1195,"text":1188},"markdown","content:blog:is-esim-available-in-uk-guide.md","content","blog\u002Fis-esim-available-in-uk-guide.md","blog\u002Fis-esim-available-in-uk-guide","md",{"loc":4},1786212348177]