How to Choose the Best UK SIM Card Provider

If you’re planning to visit or live in the UK, you might be wondering how to stay connected with your phone. You have several options, such as using your existing SIM card with roaming charges, buying a local SIM card from a UK provider, or getting an e-SIM card that works with compatible devices. But which option is the best for you? And how do you compare the different UK SIM card providers and their plans?

In this post, we’ll explain what a SIM card is, how it works, and what types of SIM cards are available in the UK. We’ll also show you how to buy a SIM card in the UK, either online or in person, and how to activate it and keep your number. Finally, we’ll compare the best UK SIM card providers and their deals, based on factors such as coverage, data, price, and customer service.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear idea of how to choose the best UK SIM card provider for your needs and budget. Let’s get started!

What is a SIM card and how does it work?

A SIM card (short for Subscriber Identity Module or Subscriber Identification Module) is a small plastic card that contains a chip with information about your mobile phone number, network, and plan. It also stores some of your contacts, messages, and settings. A SIM card allows you to connect to a mobile network and make calls, send texts, and use mobile data.

There are different sizes of SIM cards, depending on your phone model. The most common ones are:

Standard SIM: the largest size, measuring 25 x 15 mm. It’s mostly used in older phones.
Micro SIM: a smaller size, measuring 15 x 12 mm. It’s used in some newer phones, such as the iPhone 4 and 4S.
Nano SIM: the smallest size, measuring 12.3 x 8.8 mm. It’s used in most modern phones, such as the iPhone 5 and later models.
E-SIM: a virtual SIM card that doesn’t require a physical card. It’s embedded in your phone and can be activated remotely by a provider. It’s used in some newer phones, such as the iPhone XS and later models, and some smartwatches.

To use a SIM card, you need to insert it into a slot in your phone. Depending on your phone, the slot may be on the side, the back, or under the battery. You may need a tool, such as a paper clip or a SIM ejector, to open the slot. You also need to make sure that the SIM card matches the size and shape of the slot.

How to buy a SIM card in the UK

There are many ways to buy a SIM card in the UK, depending on your preferences and convenience. Here are some of the most common options:

Online: You can order a SIM card online from a UK provider’s website and have it delivered to your address in the UK. This is a good option if you already have a UK address, such as a hotel or a friend’s place, and you don’t mind waiting for a few days for the delivery. You can also order an e-SIM card online and have it activated instantly on your phone if your phone supports it.
Mobile phone shops: You can visit a mobile phone shop in the UK and buy a SIM card from a UK provider. This is a good option if you want to get a SIM card as soon as you arrive in the UK and you don’t mind paying a bit more for the convenience. You can find mobile phone shops in most towns and cities, especially near train stations, airports, and shopping centres. Some of the major UK providers that have physical shops are Vodafone, O2, Three, and EE.
Supermarkets and convenience stores: You can also buy a SIM card in some supermarkets and convenience stores in the UK. This is a good option if you want to get a cheap and simple SIM card without any hassle. You can find SIM cards in most large supermarkets, such as Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s, and some smaller shops, such as WHSmith, Boots, and Poundland. Some of the UK providers that sell SIM cards in supermarkets and convenience stores are Giffgaff, iD Mobile, Lebara, and Lycamobile.

How to activate a SIM card and keep your number

Once you have a SIM card, you need to activate it and register it with your UK provider. The activation process may vary depending on the provider and the type of SIM card, but it usually involves the following steps:

Insert the SIM card into your phone and turn it on.
Follow the instructions on the screen or on the SIM card package to activate the SIM card. You may need to enter a code, call a number, or visit a website.
Choose a plan or a bundle that suits your needs and budget. You may need to top up your SIM card with some credit or set up a direct debit or a recurring payment.
Register your SIM card with your personal details, such as your name, address, and email. You may need to provide some proof of identity, such as a passport or a driving licence. This is required by law to prevent fraud and crime.

If you want to keep your existing phone number from your previous provider, you can do so by requesting a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) from your old provider and giving it to your new provider. You can get a PAC by texting PAC to 65075 from your old SIM card. You can then text the PAC to your new provider or enter it on their website. The transfer of your number should take no more than one working day.

How To Transfer Your Existing Number

How to compare UK SIM card providers and their deals

There are many UK SIM card providers and deals to choose from, so how do you find the best one for you? Here are some factors to consider when comparing UK SIM card providers and their deals:

Coverage: You want to make sure that your SIM card works well in the areas where you live, work, and travel. You can check the coverage maps of different UK providers on their websites or use a tool like nPerf to compare the network performance of different providers. Generally speaking, the four major UK providers (Vodafone, O2, Three, and EE) have the best coverage and speed, especially for 4G and 5G, but some smaller providers that use their networks (such as Giffgaff, iD Mobile, Lebara, and Lycamobile) may also offer good coverage and speed at a lower price.
Data: You want to make sure that your SIM card gives you enough data for your needs, whether you use your phone for browsing, streaming, gaming, or working. You can check your data usage on your phone settings or use a tool like Billmonitor to estimate how much data you need. You can find UK SIM card deals with different amounts of data, from 1GB to unlimited. Generally speaking, the more data you get, the more you pay, but some providers may offer special deals or discounts for data bundles. You also want to check the speed and quality of the data, as some providers may limit or throttle your data after a certain amount or at certain times.
Price: You want to make sure that your SIM card fits your budget and gives you good value for money. You can compare the prices of different UK SIM card deals on comparison websites like MoneySuperMarket, Uswitch, or MoneySavingExpert. You can find UK SIM card deals with different prices, from £5 to £50 per month. Generally speaking, the more features and benefits you get, the more you pay, but some providers may offer cheaper deals or discounts for longer contracts, online orders, or referrals. You also want to check the hidden fees and charges, such as for roaming, calls, texts, or extras.
Customer service: You want to make sure that your SIM card provider offers good customer service and support, in case you have any issues or questions. You can check the customer reviews and ratings of different UK providers on websites like Trustpilot, Review Centre, or Which?. You can also check the customer service report of Ofcom, the UK regulator for communications services, to see how different providers perform in terms of complaints, satisfaction, and switching. Generally speaking, the larger and more established UK providers (such as Vodafone, O2, Three, and EE) have better customer service and support, but some smaller providers (such as Giffgaff, iD Mobile, Lebara, and Lycamobile) may also offer good customer service and support, especially online or via apps.

Conclusions

Choosing the best UK SIM card provider for your needs and budget can be challenging, but not impossible. By following the steps and tips in this post, you can compare the different UK SIM card providers and their deals, based on factors such as coverage, data, price, and customer service. You can also learn how to buy, activate, and register a SIM card in the UK, and how to keep your existing phone number.

We hope this post has helped you find the best UK SIM card provider for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. If you found this post useful, please share it with your friends and family who may also be looking for a UK SIM card. Thanks for reading!