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eSIM for the UK: Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel

Jony AhmedJony Ahmed
Nov 8th 2024 |

eSIM Guides

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We are living in an era where new technologies are taking place in every single moment.

And that is to make our lives even easier. For example, the eSIM is replacing the traditional physical SIM card that you have on your mobile device. 

We have seen a massive spread of eSIM around the world. In the case of the United Kingdom, the scenario remains the same.

By the way, if you are someone who wants to travel to the UK but is looking for the best eSIM option? Thankfully, you are in the right place. 

Today, we’ll share with you every possible aspect related to eSIM for UK; the best eSIM provider, available plans, installation process, and what you should know to enhance your travel experience with super-fast connectivity. 

Key Takeaways:

  • eSIM is an embedded SIM technology that replaces traditional physical SIM cards.
  • It is built-in on the motherboard of eSIM-compatible phones, providing flexibility and convenience.
  • Pirate Mobile is a top eSIM provider in the UK, offering wide coverage, affordability, and flexibility.
  • Pirate Mobile offers a wide range of plans, including data-only plans, plans with no SIM or contracts, and plans with super-fast and secure connections.
  • For iPhone users, the activation process is easier with carrier activation, which involves scanning a QR code and following instructions.

What Is an eSIM?

eSIM refers to embedded SIM, which is a modern SIM technology. eSIM can replace the traditional physical SIM card, bringing enough flexibility to the card.

Unlike the physical SIM, you don’t notice the eSIM separately as you will find this built-in on the motherboard of eSIM compatible phones.

What Is an eSIM

eSIM provides a good number of benefits over the physical SIM card that needs a dedicated slot to set-up in the mobile device.

We’ll come back to this in the following part of this blog. As the day progresses, the number of eSIM users around the world are gradually increasing.

According to research, the number of eSIM users will jump into 4 billion within the year 2025. In the United Kingdom, especially among travelers, the tendency of using eSIM is increasing rapidly.

Why Should You Choose eSIM Over the Physical SIM Card as a Traveler?

As we mentioned, there are a bunch of reasons why you would prefer eSIM over the traditional SIM card we use. eSIM brings the convenience that you need as a traveler. Here’s why you might consider the best eSIM in the UK or eSIM for Canada from UK.

Effortless Activation

You don’t need to put hard effort in order to activate eSIM on your mobile device. To be more precise, you don’t need to visit your carrier’s store to purchase and then activate the eSIM.

Sitting anywhere, you will have the luxury of activating eSIM by scanning your QR-code for eSIM provided by your preferred carrier. 

Now think about the activation process of the physical SIM card. You need to replace it in order to change the carrier.

But with eSIM, as the technology also ensures the use of multiple profiles at the same time, you don’t need to bother with that hard work. You can easily switch from one carrier to another. 

Avoiding Roaming Charge

If you use a physical SIM card when you’re traveling in the United Kingdom, you need to bear  that massive roaming charge while calling another country.

In order to avoid the roaming charge, you can use eSIM. eSIM allows users to make calls without the roaming charge. If  you are a budget traveler, you know the importance of saving money as much as you can. 

Improved Security and Reliability

If you lose your mobile device, chances are someone can easily access your SIM card and cause harm. You know what can happen in this scenario. But with eSIM, as no one can access it, you are out of the danger.

Moreover, eSIM adds an extra layer of security to your mobile device due to software-based authentication and remote management.

What Is the Best eSIM Provider in the UK?

Pirate Mobile is one of the best eSIM providers not only in the United Kingdom but also almost all the countries around the world. We bring the best of connectivity with our eSIM plans.

What Is the Best eSIM Provider in the UK

Due to the wide coverage, affordability and flexibility with the plans, we have been able to serve thousands of customers around the world. 

Regardless of the data consumption needs you need to meet while traveling, you can always choose from a wider range of plans we offer.

Besides, as our connections are super-fast and secure, you don’t need to worry about any sort of security concerns. 

What Are the Best eSIM in UK Plans?

Always prioritize data needed for travel when it comes to choosing an eSIM plan. Yes, you can always switch to other plans but why should you bother with this during your travels? 

Now, let’s have a look at the available eSIM plans you’ll have from Pirate Mobile. 

Plan 1: 1GB for 7 Days 

Location CoverageUnited Kingdom
Data 1 GB
Duration 7 Days
Price $4.99
  • Data only.
  • No SIM.
  • No contracts.

Plan 2: 2GB for 15 Days

Location CoverageUnited Kingdom
Data 2 GB
Duration 15 Days
Price $4.99
  • Data only.
  • No SIM.
  • No contracts.

Plan 3: 3GB for 30 Days

Location CoverageUnited Kingdom
Data 3 GB
Duration 30 Days
Price $4.99
  • Data only.
  • No SIM.
  • No contracts.

Plan 4: 5GB for 30 Days

Location CoverageUnited Kingdom
Data 5 GB
Duration 30 Days
Price $9.99
  • Data only.
  • No SIM.
  • No contracts.

Plan 5: 10 GB for 30 Days

Location CoverageUnited Kingdom
Data 10 GB
Duration 30 Days
Price $14.99
  • Data only.
  • No SIM.
  • No contracts.

Plan 6: 20 GB for 30 Days

Location CoverageUnited Kingdom
Data 20 GB
Duration 30 Days
Price $19.99
  • Data only.
  • No SIM.
  • No contracts.

Plan 7: 50 GB for 30 Days

Location CoverageUnited States
Data 20 GB
Duration 30 Days
Price $44.99
  • Data only.
  • No SIM.
  • No contracts.

How Do You Activate eSIM in the UK?

Activating eSIM in the United Kingdom is not that hard. Moreover, here at Pirate Mobile, we ensure our customers go with a simple activation process.

First, you need to check whether your mobile device is compatible with eSIM. If yes, then you are all set to. 

Now in order to activate an eSIM, the process varies a bit depending on the type of mobile device you use.

What we are trying to establish here you, if you use an iPhone, then the activation process will be a bit different than an android mobile device. 

In order to activate eSIM on your iPhone, there are methods available. But the easiest one is to go with carrier activation.

First, the carrier will provide you with a QR code based on your request. And then  all you need to do is; 

  • Turn on the iPhone.
  • Select WiFi network.
  • Provide additional information if needed.
  • Wait for a plan to activate.
  • Follow prompts until ‘Cellular Step Up Complete.’
  • Look for the signal strength icon in the upper right corner.

But the good news is that, when you purchase a plan from Pirate Mobile, we assign you the QR-code after verifying your IMEI number.

By scanning the code and following our simple instructions, you will be able to activate eSIM on your iPhone or Android device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which UK Carrier Has eSIM?

You’ll find a good number of eSIM carriers in the United Kingdom. But not all the providers can offer you affordable plans with super-fast connectivity. From that sense, Pirate Mobile eSIM plans have always been the most convenient options. You can choose from a variety of plans to stay connected online and enjoy your trip. 

Can I Buy eSIM Online?

Yes, you don’t need to visit any physical store in order to buy an eSIM. Rather, you can perform the task sitting at your home. All you need to do is purchase a plan. Then you will be provided with a QR code to activate eSIM on your mobile device. 

Can eSIM Work Offline?

Yes, you can use eSIM offline. For example, when it comes to calling, you can perform the task without even being connected to the internet. But in order to do so, you have to choose an eSIM plan that supports the offline calling features. Otherwise, you have to rely on app-based calling to connect. 

Are There Any Hidden Fees for UK eSIM Plans?

You don’t need to bother with any hidden fees in order to activate eSIM on your mobile device. You just need to pay the price of the plans you are going to purchase. Once you are done with the plans, you will find the luxury of renewing the plans without any extra penny as a hidden charge except the subscription price. 

Final Words

You have possible information about eSIM for UK. If you don’t want to face any issues when it comes to connectivity, there is no way you can deny the importance of eSIM for travel.

Choosing the right plan at the same time is also important. It is always better to ask your eSIM providers about the features their plans offer users. I hope you’ll have great days in the United Kingdom.