Complete Guide: EE SIM Card & eSIM for Visitors

Planning to stay connected during your UK visit? This guide covers everything you need to know about EE’s mobile solutions – the UK’s largest network provider. Whether you prefer a traditional SIM card or the convenience of an eSIM, we’ll walk you through your options, costs, and setup process. From coverage across Britain to data allowances and activation steps, this comprehensive guide ensures you’ll make an informed choice for your UK mobile needs.

I. Quick facts about EE in Europe

EE (Everything Everywhere) is the largest and most advanced digital communications company in the United Kingdom, providing mobile and fixed-line services to millions of customers.

• EE was originally formed in 2010 as a joint venture between Deutsche Telekom and Orange
• Now part of BT Group since 2016
• Was the UK’s first 4G mobile network operator
• Operates exclusively in the United Kingdom
• Covers over 99% of the UK population with 4G service. Extensive coverage across major tourist destinations.
• Launched 5G service in 2019
• Pay-as-you-go options ideal for short-term visitors

II. EE coverage and speed in Europe

1. EE coverage

The latest OpenSignal report September 2024 highlights EE’s performance in mobile network coverage and experience across the UK. Below is a breakdown of the findings related to EE’s coverage and overall network experience. 

• Coverage Experience: EE has been a leader in 4G coverage, with its network reaching over 99% of the UK population in second place with a score of 8.6 out of 10. This extensive coverage includes urban, suburban, and many rural areas, making EE a reliable choice for customers in remote locations.
• 5G Coverage Experience: EE won this award outright. This signifies that EE users had a good 5G connection across more locations than other operators, highlighting EE’s leadership in 5G coverage expansion.

2. EE speed

EE consistently ranks as the top UK operator for download and upload speeds. In previous Opensignal reports, EE dominated metrics like:

• Download Speed: Often averaging 50-60 Mbps for 4G users and significantly higher for 5G users, with peak speeds exceeding 200 Mbps in some areas.
• Upload Speed: Consistently outperforming competitors, crucial for activities like video calls and content uploads.
• Video Streaming and Gaming: The report also highlights EE’s strong performance in video streaming and mobile gaming categories. Low latency and high-speed connections make EE particularly well-suited for these activities, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

III. EE Connectivity options for travelers to the EU

Below is a comparison of the main connectivity options—physical SIM, eSIM, mobile hotspot, and roaming—along with their respective pros and cons to help you decide which solution best fits your needs.

Option	Pros	Cons
Physical SIM	– Widely available in the EU. – Affordable local plans and prepaid options. – No need for a contract.	– Requires a phone with an unlocked SIM slot. – Swapping SIMs means losing access to your main number. – Can be inconvenient to set up upon arrival.
eSIM	– Instant activation (no need for a physical card). – Can store multiple profiles. – No risk of losing a physical SIM.	– Requires an eSIM-compatible device. – Not all carriers offer eSIM support. – Can be slightly more expensive than physical SIMs.
Mobile Hotspot	– Can connect multiple devices simultaneously. – No need to switch SIMs or use eSIM. – Works with any device (e.g., laptops, tablets).	– Requires carrying an extra device. – Battery life of the hotspot device can be limiting. – May incur higher data costs.
Roaming	– Convenient—no need to change SIM or settings. – Retain access to your main number and services.	– Can be expensive depending on your home carrier. – May have limited data allowances. – Not all plans include free roaming in the EU.

IV. Best EE SIM cards for tourists & costs

EE does not offer a specialized EE tourist SIM for travelers to the UK or an EE SIM card Europe. Instead, EE provides a Pay As You Go option without a contract:

EE PAYG	Data	Local Calls	Messages	Validity	Total Cost
£10 Subscription Pack	20GB	500 mins	Unlimited	30 days	£10 (~12.7 USD)
£15 Subscription Pack	75GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days	£15 (~19 USD)
£20 Subscription Pack	150GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days	£20 (~25.5 USD)
£30 Subscription Pack	125GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days	£30 (~ 38 USD)
£35 Subscription Pack	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days	£35 (~46 USD)

V. Does EE support eSIM?

EE offers eSIM, but it’s not ideal for tourists since it’s only for existing monthly plan customers and requires an ID and a UK address. Instead, tourists can use international eSIM providers like Europe-esim, which are easier to set up online, cheaper, and offer quick activation without visiting any store.

VI. Where can you buy an EE SIM card & eSIM?

1. Where to buy EE SIM card for travel

If you’re planning to travel and want to buy an EE SIM card, here are some options depending on your location and preferences:

• EE Official Website: You can purchase EE SIM cards directly from their official website. They offer different plans, including pay-as-you-go, data-only, and monthly bundles. EE can deliver the SIM card to your address before you travel.
• Retailers like Amazon or eBay: These platforms often sell pre-loaded EE SIM cards for travelers. Make sure to check reviews and seller ratings to ensure you get a legitimate card.
• Airport SIM Shops: Most major UK airports (e.g., Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester) have SIM card vending machines, convenience stores, or dedicated shops that sell EE SIMs. Look for WHSmith or other telecom kiosks.
• SIM Card Vending Machines: At key transport hubs, you may find vending machines that sell SIM cards, including EE. These are convenient if you need a SIM quickly upon arrival.

2. Where to buy EE eSIM

You can purchase an EE eSIM UK directly from the EE website or through international eSIM providers. Below is a detailed guide for both options:

• EE website (ee.co.uk): Order an eSIM directly from EE by selecting an eSIM plan during checkout – they’ll send you an eSIM activation card with QR code.
• International eSIM providers: Purchase UK/Europe data plans through their websites/app from Europe-esim.com – receive QR code instantly via email or app.

If you are considering eSIM for travel or temporary use, you can purchase eSIMs compatible with EE’s network or other global networks from eSIM providers. These providers often supply plans for specific countries or regions.

Experience seamless connectivity in the UK with our eSIM plans powered by EE, one of the UK’s most reliable networks!

• Top-tier 4G/5G coverage across England, Scotland, and Wales
• Instant digital activation – no physical SIM needed
• Flexible data plans from 500MB/day to unlimited*
• Save up to 50% compared to roaming charges
• Perfect for both tourists and business travelers
• Zero plastic waste, zero waiting time

VII. How to use EE SIM card and eSIM

1. How to install and activate an EE SIM card

Here are the basic steps to install and activate an EE SIM card:

• Select a pay as you go Subscription Pack above and order your SIM
• Download the EE app while you wait for your SIM (it will be with you within 48 hours)
• Pop your SIM in your phone, activate your My EE account and start your Subscription Pack

2. How to install and activate EE eSIM

• Open Settings > Mobile/Cellular Data
• Add Cellular/Mobile Plan
• Scan QR code received by email/app
• Select your data plan
• Enable data roaming when prompted

IX. EE Call & SMS rates in EU

EE Pay As You Go customers traveling in the EU are charged for calls and texts unless they opt for a “Roam Like Home” add-on. Here’s a summary of the charges:

1. Add-ons for EU Roaming:
   
   • Roam Like Home for 24 hours: £2.50/day.
   • Roam Like Home for 7 days: £10 for 7 days.
   • To use these, you must have an active Subscription Pack. EE will send a text upon arrival to let you opt in.
2. Standard Rates Without Add-ons:
   
   • Calls: 70p/min.
   • Texts: 30p/text.
   • Data: £3 for 500MB (requires a data add-on).
3. Using Up Allowances:
   • If allowances run out, you can buy another Subscription Pack or pay standard rates (as above).
4. Countries Covered:
   The “Roam Like Home” add-ons work in the EE Europe Zone, including popular destinations like France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and more. Calls and texts within the Republic of Ireland are included in your allowance.

X. How to top-up your EE SIM card

Here’s how to add credit to your EE SIM card using different payment methods

• Online Methods – Top up directly through EE’s online payment tool (£5-£35) or log into your EE account to make a payment.
• Phone & Text – Call 150 from your EE phone to pay by card. For text top-ups, send “CR” plus last 4 card digits and amount to 150 (example: CR 1234 10).
• Vouchers – Buy E-vouchers from stores and text “VO” plus the 16-digit code to 150. For E top-up cards, link by texting “ETU” plus the 13-digit number to 150.
• Abroad – Access your EE account online, call +44 7953 966 150, or dial 360 from your EE phone.

XI. How to check your EE account usage and balance

To check your remaining allowances and credit, including minutes, texts and data, on your pay monthly or pay as you go account:

• open the EE app or log in at ee.co.uk
• text BALANCE to 150 for free from your EE phone

XII. FAQs

XIII. Final words

EE network is the smarter choice for UK visitors, offering instant activation, zero plastic waste, and dual SIM convenience. With plans starting at $3, from 500MB daily to unlimited data, enjoy hassle-free UK connectivity without store visits or delays. Whether exploring Edinburgh or attending meetings in London, eSIMs provide seamless, sustainable, and reliable service.