Internet in the UK: how to get online as a tourist
Four options: Wi-Fi, which is everywhere in the cities and doesn't cover the street; a British SIM, easy to buy and cheap if you're staying for weeks; your operator's roaming, which after Brexit may or may not cost you depending on your tariff; or an eSIM installed before you fly, from 2,90 €. The check that spares you a scare is looking up which zone your operator puts the UK in.
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The UK has the peculiarity of looking like an uncomplicated destination: it's two hours away by plane, you pay with the same card and almost everyone has a friend who was there last month. Which is why it's the destination where the most people land without having checked a thing.
First: check your tariff
Since the UK left the European Union, no Spanish operator is obliged to apply your domestic tariff there. Some still include it in their European zone by their own choice and some don't, and it can depend on the specific tariff you're on.
Check it in your operator's app by searching for “roaming”. It's the one check that actually changes what you need to do.
British Wi-Fi
Very widespread: hotels, cafés, pubs, museums, libraries, the London Underground, many trains and almost every chain. As a backup network it works well and usually only asks you to accept some terms.
The limit is the usual one. You need the map while crossing the street, and the train time on the platform, not sitting in a café.
The British SIM
The UK is one of the countries where buying a local card is easiest and cheapest: they're sold in supermarkets, kiosks and operator shops, with no complicated paperwork. If you're staying a month or more, it's a reasonable option.
For a short trip the sums change: you have to find the shop, activate it, and go without your Spanish number for the length of the trip if you have to take your SIM out.
The eSIM
You buy and install it from home and it connects by itself when you land, on O2, EE and 3. Your Spanish number stays in place as your main line. From 2,90 € for 7 days with 1 GB.
| Option | Hassle on arrival | Your Spanish number | When to pick it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | None | Stays in | As a backup, never as the plan |
| British SIM | Find a shop and activate | Comes out of the phone | Stays of a month or more |
| Roaming | None | Stays in | If your tariff covers the UK |
| eSIM | None | Stays in, as a second line | Trips of days or weeks |
Is there free Wi-Fi on the London Underground?
Yes, in most stations, though not in all the tunnels between them. It asks you to accept terms the first time and then reconnects on its own.
Can I use my Spanish tariff in the UK?
It depends on your operator. Brexit removed the legal obligation to apply your domestic tariff there, so some keep it and some charge. Check your customer area before you travel.
How many GB does a week in the UK use?
Between 0,7 and 1,2 GB with normal city use: maps, transport, messaging and a bit of social media, leaving video for the accommodation's Wi-Fi.
Does the eSIM cover Ireland?
No. The Republic of Ireland is a different country and is still in the European Union. If you're visiting both, the regional Europe plan covers the two.
See the plans for the United Kingdom
Something off, or a price changed? Write to ayuda@zasesim.com and we'll fix it. Data when you land.