London City Airport (LCY) SIM Card Buying Guide

London – known for its history, museums & being the financial center of Europe.

Although the status of the latter has taken a hit after Brexit (Amsterdam or Paris may take over soon).

London is also the largest city in the United Kingdom and its capital.

Surprisingly, I had been to the United Kingdom numerous times to various cities… except for London.

Shocking, I know 😲 – but I made it up in 2023 when I finally visited the place.

Well, I was in London in 2015 to visit Google/YouTube HQ for an in-person course. A business trip, as you will 😏.

The city is home to a whopping six airports (the most of any city together with New York City), with four of them not even in Greater London.

The two in greater London are London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – the largest of the six – and London City Airport (LCY) – the second-smallest.

They are followed by London Gatwick Airport (LGW), London Stansted Airport (STN), London Luton Airport (LTN) & London Southend Airport (SEN – which is smaller than London City Airport… somewhat surprisingly).

Generally, full-service airlines tend to fly into City, Gatwick & Heathrow airports.

While budget carriers prefer Gatwick, Luton, Southend & Stansted.

But El Al from Israel serves Luton (besides Heathrow).

At the same time, Emirates from the United Arab Emirates flies into Stansted (besides Gatwick and Heathrow) – and calling them budget airlines would be an insult.

At most London airports, the same three mobile operators sell SIM cards through resellers – they do not have their own shops at airports.

But you will always pay 10 GBP or 15 GBP more for SIM cards at airports compared to resellers in town.

So, for how much can you get British SIM cards at London City Airport?

You can get an EE UK, Three (3) UK, or Lycamobile UK SIM card for between 25 GBP (30.80 USD) and 50 GBP (61.65 USD) at London City Airport (LCY).

Certainly not the cheapest starter SIM cards out here – mostly because the resellers refuse to sell them.

But SIM cards with unlimited data are sold at London City Airport are available, which is useful for those who do not want to worry about hitting their data allowance.

But I have to warn you… cellular reception and especially speeds in London were extremely disappointing for a capital city.

I expected much more from London… but was let down.

So save your money and do not go overboard with your data allowance because you will most certainly not hit it.

Anyway, let's review all your options and see if getting a SIM card at London City Airport is even worth it.

Original publication: 2^nd of July 2023. Last updated: 15^th of January 2024.

---

Table of Contents

Mobile Operators in the United Kingdom

Before I tell you about the SIM card and eSIM options you have at London City Airport, you first need to know about all the mobile operators in the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom has four mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

• EE UK
• O2 UK
• Vodafone UK
• Three (3) UK

The United Kingdom is also home to various Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), such as Lycamobile UK (on the O2 UK network for now – being transferred to the EE UK network as of late June 2023).

The SIM cards of other MVNOs are not sold at (most) London airports, so I will not give much attention to them (but you can read about them in my United Kingdom SIM card buying guide).

Alright, back to what London City Airport has to offer to us.

---

Where to Buy a SIM Card at London City Airport?

Only one store sells EE UK, Three (3) UK & Lycamobile UK SIM cards at London City Airport: WHSmith (the airside (arrivals hall) store only).

At some British airports, InMotion, which is also available at London City Airport (after security), sells SIM cards too.

But that is not the case at this airport.

Only WHSmith in the arrivals hall sells SIM cards.

(Some) InMotion and WHSmith stores are supplied by Sim Local, resulting in them always having the same assortment: EE UK, Three UK & Lycamobile UK.

Before I actually go over the SIM card options, you should know about the following.

Be aware that as of March 2023, new EE UK prepaid customers have to deal with a speed restriction of 25 Mbps, unlike the previous uncapped speeds.

Sim Local and WHSmith staff are (genuinely) unaware of this because EE UK has not informed them (yet – according to their employees). But as they buy SIM cards in bulk, Sim Local and WHSmith may have old SIM cards that are not speed restricted (yet)… or their customers are not subjected to this change. I did not try out EE UK this time because of the speed restriction, so I cannot confirm.

Update: EE UK has different terms for SIM cards sold by Sim Local – its SIM cards are not subjected to the new 25 Mbps speed restriction, I found out later.

Moreover, every SIM card sold at London City Airport, or any British airport selling SIM cards (including London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW)), is subjected to a 10 GBP “Top-Up and Bundle Application Service” (already included in the listed prices).

This means you pay at least 10 GBP more for SIM cards at airports than from the mobile operators directly or other resellers in London (or whatever city).

For example, the Three UK unlimited data pack costs 35 GBP, but it is sold for 45 GBP at airports.

That is the airport/convenience/tourist tax for you 🥴.

However, plans that are not sold (anymore) by the mobile operators are still available at the airport.

For example, the EE UK 20 GBP plan (costing 30 GBP at the airport) gives you 50 GB of data – but you get 100 GB at the airport instead.

Or the most generous EE UK plan gives you only 125 GB of data, while the airport plan gives you unlimited data.

In the case of EE UK, it has made special (and generous) plans for SIM cards supplied by Sim Local, which is cool. Except for the fact that they are slightly more expensive due to the surcharge.

So there are some benefits to buying British SIM cards at London City Airport instead.

But unlike most airports worldwide, the resellers are transparent (and the surcharge is not too crazy… I have seen worse).

With that out of the way, let's go through each mobile operator to see what they have to offer us at the airport.

---

What SIM Cards & Plans Does EE UK Sell at London City Airport (+Prices)?

Only WHSmith sells EE UK SIM cards at London City Airport, costing 25 GBP, 30 GBP & 50 GBP.

I will list all the prices in (British) Pound (Sterling) (GBP).

To convert GBP to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

EE UK, formerly Everything Everywhere, is the largest mobile operator in the United Kingdom.

The company was formed as a joint venture between Orange UK and T-Mobile UK.

It is now owned by the BT Group – the largest fixed broadband provider in the country.

EE UK is generally the best mobile operator in the United Kingdom.

But as of March 2023, new prepaid customers are subjected to speed restrictions of 25 Mbps (which other British mobile operators do not have).

When I asked Sim Local staff about this restriction, they were (genuinely) unaware of it. This is why they do not “advertise” this – they are not purposefully misleading you by not mentioning this while saying EE has the best network (which is true).

So while it officially has the fastest 4G/LTE speeds, you will not experience them as a prepaid customer (anymore).

Update: EE UK has different terms for SIM cards sold by Sim Local – its SIM cards are not subjected to the new 25 Mbps speed restriction, I found out later.

Honestly, it is uncommon for a mobile operator to have different terms and conditions for a reseller. Sim Local has extracted some good concessions out of EE UK. I guess that is why they charge a surcharge, lmao. So I could have tested and reviewed EE UK… I guess I have a reason to go back to the United Kingdom again soon 😎.

Moreover But 5G NR is unavailable to prepaid customers (at the time of writing – June/July 2023).

Anyway, WHSmith is supplied by Sim Local – and WHSmith acts as a Disclosed agent for Sim Local.

London City Airport has two WHSmith stores – in the arrivals hall (landside) and after security (airside).

The store after security does not sell SIM cards.

So you have to go through passport control and enter the arrivals hall to purchase a SIM card from the store on your right side (if you land at London City Airport – left side if you enter the airport from its multiple entrances).

Anyway, the following three EE starter packs are sold at London City Airport from WHSmith:

Price	Data	Local Minutes	International Minutes 1	Local SMS	Validity
25 GBP	30 GB	Unlimited	N/A	Unlimited	30 days
30 GBP	100 GB	Unlimited	60 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
50 GBP	Unlimited	Unlimited	180 minutes	Unlimited	30 days

¹ to 41 (undisclosed/unknown to me) countries to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand & the United States

What I find interesting is that at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), any EE SIM card not purchased from Sim Local directly (it has booths and stores there) does not include any international minutes, while they do at London City Airport.

Moreover, the unlimited data option is also exclusive to Sim Local stores and booths, which (the stores/booths) are unavailable at London City Airport.

The subtle perks to using this airport, I guess? 😆

Anyway, do note that you cannot use your data allowance for free in the European Union (EU) due to Brexit (although Three UK and Lycamobile UK still do).

At London Heathrow Airport, Sim Local sells EE eSIMs – this is not the case at London City Airport.

But while I was writing this guide, I realized EE UK does not allow prepaid customers to use eSIMs (yet – unless it has changed its official policy behind the scenes and not announced it to the public).

Update: I found out that EE eSIMs are (currently) exclusive to Sim Local customers. How Sim Local managed to get such a deal, I do not know – but it is impressive 👀.

Either way, you are interested in what is offered at London City Airport, and no eSIMs are available here.

If you do not need a minimum of 30 GB of data or do not feel like spending at least 30 GBP (37 USD) on a British eSIM, you can consider a travel eSIM.

While most do not have the same generous data allowances as EE UK has, they can be significantly cheaper than EE UK (with eSIMs starting as low as 5 USD (not GBP)).

I write about the best travel eSIMs for the United Kingdom in my Best United Kingdom eSIM buying guide.

---

What SIM Cards & Plans Does Three (3) UK Sell at London City Airport (+Prices)?

Only WHSmith sells Three (3) UK SIM cards at London City Airport, costing 25 GBP, 30 GBP & 50 GBP.

I will list all the prices in (British) Pound (Sterling) (GBP).

To convert GBP to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Three UK, sometimes written as just 3, is the smallest mobile operator in the United Kingdom.

Three is known for offering free international roaming in many countries worldwide before the EU roaming regulations – just like Lycamobile UK.

It is also the mobile operator with the fastest 5G NR speeds, which is also available to prepaid customers.

Anyway, WHSmith is supplied by Sim Local – and WHSmith acts as a Disclosed agent for Sim Local.

London City Airport has two WHSmith stores – in the arrivals hall (landside) and after security (airside).

The store after security does not sell SIM cards.

So you have to go through passport control and enter the arrivals hall to purchase a SIM card from the store on your right side (if you land at London City Airport – left side if you enter the airport from its multiple entrances).

Anyway, the following three Three starter packs are sold at London City Airport from WHSmith:

Price	Data 1	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
25 GBP	50 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
30 GBP	100 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
45 GBP	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

¹ up to 12 GB of data can be used in Go Roam countries (listed further down below)

Three UK has always been known for offering free international roaming.

Not just in the European Union (EU) but globally.

While some other mobile operators have already re-introduced EU international roaming rates, Three UK has not (and probably never will because “[…] roaming is part of our DNA at Three”).

Its Roam Like Home feature, now called Go Roam, allows you to roam for free in the following destinations:

If you visit a Go Roam Europe country, marked with (EU), you can use up to 12 GB of data, make unlimited calls & send unlimited SMS while there.

If you are in a Go Roam World country, you can use up to 12 GB of data, use 3000 minutes & send 3000 SMS while there.

Anyway, I bought the 30 GBP SIM card with 100 GB of data from a Sim Local vending machine at London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

Be aware that Three's plans sold at the airport are only available as SIM cards – not as eSIMs.

Mostly due to the fact that Three UK does not have eSIMs for prepaid customers (yet).

If you do not need a minimum of 30 GB of data or do not feel like spending at least 25 GBP (30.80 USD) on a British eSIM, you can consider a travel eSIM.

While most do not have the same generous data allowances as Three UK has, they can be significantly cheaper than Three UK (with eSIMs starting as low as 5 USD (not GBP)).

I write about the best travel eSIMs for the United Kingdom in my Best United Kingdom eSIM buying guide.

---

What SIM Cards & Plans Does Lycamobile UK Sell at London City Airport (+Prices)?

Only WHSmith sells Lycamobile UK SIM cards at London City Airport, costing 25 GBP and 35 GBP.

I will list all the prices in (British) Pound (Sterling) (GBP).

To convert GBP to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Lycamobile is well known for being a budget Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Africa, Australia, Europe & the United States.

Until June 2023, Lycamobile UK used the O2 UK network (UK's second-largest mobile operator).

From July 2023, the MVNO switched to EE UK instead (largest mobile operator in the United Kingdom).

And you will have a better experience with Lycamobile UK because of this recent switch (although it will not be as good as going with EE UK directly due to deprioritization, but it will still be better than being on O2 UK).

What surprised me is that Lycamobile UK has access to EE UK's 5G NR network, whereas EE UK SIM cards sold at any British airport do not… 🤨.

Anyway, WHSmith is supplied by Sim Local – and WHSmith acts as a Disclosed agent for Sim Local.

London City Airport has two WHSmith stores – in the arrivals hall (landside) and after security (airside).

The store after security does not sell SIM cards.

So you have to go through passport control and enter the arrivals hall to purchase a SIM card from the store on your right side (if you land at London City Airport – left side if you enter the airport from its multiple entrances).

Anyway, the following three Lycamobile starter packs are sold at London City Airport from WHSmith:

Price	Data 1	Local Minutes	International Minutes 2	Local SMS	Validity
25 GBP	10 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
25 GBP	100 GB	Unlimited	100 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
35 GBP	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

¹ with 5G NR access
² to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand & the United States

Just like with 3 UK, you can use your allowance in the European Union (EU).

While an EU roaming breakdown per plan is unavailable, I do know that with the 100 GB SIM card, only 12 GB can be used in the EU.

And I suspect the limit to be between 15 GB and 20 GB for the unlimited plans.

When I was in London, Lycamobile eSIMs were unavailable at any airport, even though it has eSIMs for prepaid customers.

If you want a Lycamobile eSIM, you can get one on the Lycamobile website.

If you do not need a minimum of 10 GB of data or do not feel like spending at least 25 GBP (30.80 USD) on a British eSIM, you can consider a travel eSIM.

While most do not have the same generous data allowances as Lycamobile UK has, they can be significantly cheaper than Lycamobile UK (with eSIMs starting as low as 5 USD (not GBP)).

I write about the best travel eSIMs for the United Kingdom in my Best United Kingdom eSIM buying guide.

---