London Heathrow Airport (LHR) SIM Card Buying Guide

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

Although the latter's status 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 Heathrow Airport?

You can get an EE UK, O2 UK, Vodafone UK, Three (3) UK, or Lycamobile UK SIM card for between 25 GBP (30.80 USD) and 55 GBP (67.80 USD) at London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

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 Heathrow 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 Heathrow Airport is even worth it.

Original publication: 29^th of June 2023. Last updated: 15^th of January 2024.

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Table of Contents

Mobile Operators in the United Kingdom

Before I tell you about the SIM card and eSIM options you have at London Heathrow 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 Heathrow Airport has to offer to us.

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Where to Buy a SIM Card (or eSIM) at London Heathrow Airport

Several stores, booths & vending machines at London Heathrow Airport sell SIM cards (and eSIMs) from the four British mobile operators and a Mobile Virtual Network Operator: EE UK, O2 UK, Vodafone UK, Three UK & Lycamobile UK.

Sim Local and WHSmith have stores, booths & vending machines in the four terminals (T2, T3, T4 & T5 – T1 does not exist anymore since 2015).

As a general rule, Terminal 2 houses airlines belonging to Star Alliance + China Airlines (SkyTeam). Terminal 3 is the main hub for Oneworld members (except for British Airways). Terminal 4 has most SkyTeam flights, while Terminal 5 is the home of British Airways. But confirm with your airline.

At all four terminals, Sim Local, We Know London & WHSmith sell EE UK, Three UK & Lycamobile UK SIM cards.

So at least each terminal has options and there is no need to go to another terminal for SIM cards.

At terminal 4, (a) miscellaneous reseller(s) sell(s) O2 UK and Vodafone UK SIM cards as well.

This may also apply to the other terminals, but I landed and departed from Terminal 4 only.

Normally, I go to every terminal available at an airport to get you the info for all the SIM card options (if time permits). However, traveling between terminals at London Heathrow Airport can take up to 30 minutes. I did not feel like spending about an hour going from terminal to terminal this time 🗿. But because each terminal has Sim Local and WHSmith stores with the same SIM card options, you can use the information presented in this guide regardless of the terminal – the store/booth/vending machine locations are just different.

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 (and eSIMs) 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 Heathrow Airport, or any British airport selling SIM cards (including London Gatwick Airport and London City Airport), is subjected to a 10 GBP (Sim Local, We Know London & WHSmith) or 15 GBP (Sim Local and We Know London) “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 Heathrow Airport instead.

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

This surcharge also applies to Sim Local's vending machines, but it is 5 GBP less (but in-person Sim Local staff will not assist you if you experience any issues if you get a SIM card from a vending machine).

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

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

EE UK sells several SIM cards at London Heathrow Airport through resellers like Sim Local, We Know London & WHSmith, costing between 25 GBP and 55 GBP.

eSIMs are available for the same prices as SIM cards, but I will keep writing “SIM cards” instead of “SIM cards and eSIMs” throughout this section, but whatever I write applies to both.

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 (and eSIMs) 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).

But, it is the only mobile operator with eSIMs sold at London Heathrow Airport, which is a cool perk.

Anyway, EE SIM cards are sold at all four terminals (T2, T3, T4 & T5) from Sim Local, We Know London, WHSmith, and Sim Local branded vending machines.

Do note SIM cards sold by Sim Local directly are 5 GBP more expensive than any other reseller, including its vending machines.

In all terminals, except for Terminal 5, you can buy EE SIM cards from the Sim Local vending machine at baggage claim.

Remember, getting a SIM card from a vending machine is 5 GBP cheaper than from Sim Local directly (but not WHSmith or other resellers – they are priced the same). Funnily enough, WHSmith is a “disclosed agent” for Sim Local.

They are often located close, but not directly, to the exit (to pass the green or red lanes for customs check).

So do not go through customs yet if you want to buy a SIM card before customs.

But suppose you accidentally missed the vending machine; fret not.

In that case, Sim Local itself, We Know London, WHSmith & even more vending machines are to your rescue.

At some terminals, such as Terminal 4, you can find a Sim Local booth after disembarking your flight and before baggage claim.

But these booths are open at varying times and will often have a sign telling you to head to the store in the arrivals hall instead.

Whether you go to Sim Local, We Know London, WHSmith, or another reseller, they all have the following same three EE starter packs (but Sim Local booths and stores sell an extra option):

Price 1	Data	Local Minutes	International Minutes 3, 4	Local SMS	Validity
25 GBP	30 GB	Unlimited	N/A	Unlimited	30 days
30 GBP	60 GB	Unlimited	60 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
40 GBP	200 GB	Unlimited	120 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
55 GBP 2	Unlimited	Unlimited	180 minutes	Unlimited	30 days

¹ add an additional 5 GBP to the price if you purchase a SIM card directly from Sim Local
² sold at Sim Local booths and stores only – you do not need to add an additional 5 GBP to this price
³ international minutes are not included if bought from any other reseller than Sim Local
⁴ 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

Nothing too crazy, although the data allowances are rather generous compared to other Western European nations.

Do note that you cannot use your data allowance for free in the European Union (EU) due to Brexit (although some other SIM card options in this guide still do).

Furthermore, be aware that SIM cards sold by We Know London have lower data allowances than Sim Local and WHSmith.

While having the same prices as Sim Local (5 GBP more expensive than other resellers).

30 GBP gives you 25 GB of data instead of 30 GB. 35 GBP only 50 GB instead of 60 GB. And 45 GBP 125 GB instead of 200 GB.

And you do not get 60 or 120 international minutes to 41 countries either if you buy SIM cards from We Know London.

Earlier, I mentioned that EE eSIMs are available at the airport.

They are, but only if you visit Sim Local directly (not its vending machines).

Sim Local does not charge extra for EE eSIMs (but its plans are already overpriced, lol), which is neat (some mobile operators do this for some reason).

Unlike most European countries, SIM card registration is not required in the United Kingdom.

So you can leave your passport in your bag when buying a SIM card at London Heathrow Airport.

If you do not need a minimum of 25 GB (We Know London) or 30 GB (any other reseller) or do not feel like spending at least 25 GBP (30.80 USD) on a British SIM card, 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.

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What SIM Cards & Plans Does O2 UK Sell at London Heathrow Airport (+Prices)?

O2 UK sells its SIM cards at London Heathrow Airport through We Know London (a reseller), costing 25 GBP, 30 GBP & 40 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.

O2 UK is the second-largest mobile operator in the United Kingdom.

It is owned by Telefónica, a Spanish telecommunications company active in the Americas (as Altice, Movistar & Vivo) and Europe (as Bouygues Telecom, Movistar & O2).

Unlike most SIM cards listed in this guide, only one reseller sells O2 UK SIM cards – We Know London.

They can indeed not be purchased from Sim Local, its vending machines, WHSmith, or other resellers.

We Know London counters are available in all terminals (T2, T3, T4 & T5) after baggage claim, so you do not have to visit another terminal to get an O2 UK SIM card.

But know that SIM cards sold by We Know London are subjected to a 10 GBP/15 GBP “Top-Up and Bundle Application Service“ (already included in the listed prices).

I know I mentioned this in the introductory chapter. But unlike Sim Local and WHSmith, We Know London does not list this surcharge (prominently at Terminal 4 but better at other terminals). This could make you think that they are somehow cheaper than other resellers, which they are not.

For example, the most expensive O2 Big Bundle costs 30 GBP, giving you 100 GB of data.

We Know London sells this plan for 45 GBP, but there has been an ongoing promo for ages reducing the price to 40 GBP instead.

But that is not all – instead of 100 GB of data, you get 200 GB.

Quite an upgrade for higher prices, I guess 👀.

Anyway, the following three O2 starter packs are available from We Know London:

Price	Data 1	Local Minutes	International Minutes 2	Local SMS	Validity
25 GBP	40 GB	Unlimited	50 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
30 GBP	60 GB	Unlimited	50 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
40 GBP	200 GB	Unlimited	250 minutes	Unlimited	30 days

¹ can be used in the EU/EEA as well (see this section in my United Kingdom SIM card buying guide (scroll up a little) for the list)
² to Austria, Australia, Azores, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the Canary Islands, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malaysia, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden & the United States

I bought the 25 GBP SIM card because I was told I could enjoy O2 UK's 5G NR network… that was a lie (the Three UK and Lycamobile UK do have 5G NR access though).

When doing speed tests, they consume much more data when the speed is fast than when it is slow(er). I have seen the app use 1.3 GB of data for a 5G NR test before (which managed to hit a download speed of 1100+ Mbps. So when I am told 5G NR is available, I get bigger data allowances to anticipate higher data usage. A great idea in most cases (when the speeds are indeed fast). But it was unnecessary in this case 🥴.

When the We Know London salesperson hands you the starter pack, it may look like they are trying to scam you because the data allowance does not match your purchase.

Worry not; you are not being scammed.

While my starter pack has 20 GB displayed on it, I received a text message from O2 UK the morning after saying “[…] we added extra data, and you now have 40 GB of data instead”.

This text message also states that the data bundle I purchased actually costs 15 GBP.

Currently, the 15 GB Big Bundle only gives you 20 GB of data.

So yes, We Know London charges a premium for its SIM cards, but you get more data than what O2 UK would give you 🤷🏿‍♂️.

One thing We Know London does not give you is O2 UK's eSIMs.

Mostly due to the fact that O2 UK does not have eSIMs for prepaid customers (yet).

So if you are at London Heathrow Airport and need a British eSIM, go to a Sim Local store or booth and get one from EE UK (the only mobile operator at the airport with eSIMs for prepaid customers).

Scroll up to learn more about your options.

But Sim Local's EE plans start from 30 GBP (25 GBP from We Know London).

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 (or O2 UK, for that matter), 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.

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

Vodafone UK sells its SIM cards at London Heathrow Airport through We Know London (a reseller), costing 25 GBP, 35 GBP & 45 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.

Vodafone UK is the third-largest mobile operator in the United Kingdom.

It is also the oldest mobile operator in the country.

Vodafone, as a company, is active in Africa (mostly as Vodacom), Asia, Europe, the Middle East & Oceania.

Unlike most SIM cards listed in this guide, only one reseller sells Vodafone UK SIM cards – We Know London.

They can indeed not be purchased from Sim Local, its vending machines, WHSmith, or other resellers.

We Know London counters are available in all terminals (T2, T3, T4 & T5) after baggage claim, so you do not have to visit another terminal to get a Vodafone UK SIM card.

But know that SIM cards sold by We Know London are subjected to a 10 GBP/15 GBP “Top-Up and Bundle Application Service“ (already included in the listed prices).

I know I mentioned this in the introductory chapter. But unlike Sim Local and WHSmith, We Know London does not list this surcharge (prominently at Terminal 4 but better at other terminals). This could make you think that they are somehow cheaper than other resellers, which they are not.

For example, the second-most expensive Vodafone UK bundle costs 30 GBP, giving you 100 GB of data (300 GB of data as part of a summer promotion when I was in the United Kingdom).

We Know London sells this plan for 45 GBP while giving you the same allowance.

This is way different from O2 UK SIM cards We Know London sells (scroll a section up to learn more about your options), which it charges more for as well but gives you more data in return.

This is not the case for Vodafone UK SIM cards, it seems.

Anyway, the following three Vodafone UK starter packs are available from We Know London:

Price	Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
25 GBP	20 GB 60 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
35 GBP	40 GB 120 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
45 GBP	100 GB 300 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

I bought the 25 GBP SIM card because I was told I could enjoy Vodafone UK's 5G NR network… that was a lie.

I should have gotten the 45 GBP SIM card instead, which is 5G NR ready (which would cost 30 GBP if you purchased it directly from Vodafone UK or any reseller outside the airport).

Do note that you cannot use your data allowance for free in the European Union (EU) due to Brexit (although some SIM card options in this guide still do).

One thing We Know London does not give you is Vodafone UK's eSIMs.

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

So if you are at London Heathrow Airport and need a British eSIM, go to a Sim Local store or booth and get one from EE UK (the only mobile operator at the airport with eSIMs for prepaid customers).

Scroll up to learn more about your options.

But Sim Local's EE plans start from 30 GBP (25 GBP from We Know London).

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 (or Vodafone UK, for that matter), 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.

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

Three (3) UK sells several SIM cards at London Heathrow Airport through resellers like Sim Local and WHSmith, costing between 25 GBP and 55 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 O2 UK.

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

Anyway, Three SIM cards are sold at all four terminals (T2, T3, T4 & T5) from Sim Local, We Know London, WHSmith, and Sim Local branded vending machines.

Do note SIM cards sold by Sim Local directly are 5 GBP more expensive than any other reseller, including its vending machines.

In all terminals, except for Terminal 5, you can buy Three SIM cards from the Sim Local vending machine at baggage claim.

Remember, getting a SIM card from a vending machine is 5 GBP cheaper than from Sim Local directly (but not WHSmith or other resellers – they are priced the same). Funnily enough, WHSmith is a “disclosed agent” for Sim Local.

They are often located close, but not directly, to the exit (to pass the green or red lanes for customs check).

So do not go through customs yet if you want to buy a SIM card before customs.

But suppose you accidentally missed the vending machine; fret not.

In that case, Sim Local itself, We Know London, WHSmith & even more vending machines are to your rescue.

At some terminals, such as Terminal 4, you can find a Sim Local booth after disembarking your flight and before baggage claim.

But these booths are open at varying times and will often have a sign telling you to head to the store in the arrivals hall instead.

Whether you go to Sim Local, We Know London, WHSmith, or another reseller, they all have the following same three Three starter packs (but Sim Local booths and stores sell an extra option):

Price 1	Data 5	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
25 GBP 2	10 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
25 GBP	50 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
30 GBP 3	100 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
45 GBP 4	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

¹ add an extra 5 GBP if purchased directly from Sim Local
² sold at Sim Local booths and stores only – you do not need to add an additional 5 GBP to this price
³ for 35 GBP if purchased from We Know London
⁴ for 50 GBP if purchased from We Know London
⁵ 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 (the one before going through customs at Terminal 4).

If I bought it from Sim Local directly, I would have been charged 35 GBP instead.

Note that Three UK's prepaid customers can use 5G NR for free with any plan sold at London Heathrow Airport, which is neat.

And also 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).

So if you are at London Heathrow Airport and need a British eSIM, go to a Sim Local store or booth and get one from EE UK (the only mobile operator at the airport with eSIMs for prepaid customers).

Scroll up to learn more about your options.

But Sim Local's EE plans start from 30 GBP (25 GBP if purchased from We Know London).

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 (or Three UK, for that matter) 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.

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

Lycamobile UK sells several SIM cards at London Heathrow Airport through resellers like Sim Local, We Know London & WHSmith, costing between 25 GBP and 40 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, Lycamobile SIM cards are sold at all four terminals (T2, T3, T4 & T5) from Sim Local, We Know London, WHSmith, and Sim Local branded vending machines.

Do note SIM cards sold by Sim Local directly are 5 GBP more expensive than any other reseller, including its vending machines.

In all terminals, except for Terminal 5, you can buy Lycamobile SIM cards from the Sim Local vending machine at baggage claim.

Remember, getting a SIM card from a vending machine is 5 GBP cheaper than from Sim Local directly (but not WHSmith or other resellers – they are priced the same). Funnily enough, WHSmith is a “disclosed agent” for Sim Local.

They are often located close, but not directly, to the exit (to pass the green or red lanes for customs check).

So do not go through customs yet if you want to buy a SIM card before customs.

But suppose you accidentally missed the vending machine; fret not.

In that case, Sim Local itself, We Know London, WHSmith & even more vending machines are to your rescue.

At some terminals, such as Terminal 4, you can find a Sim Local booth after disembarking your flight and before baggage claim.

But these booths are open at varying times and will often have a sign telling you to head to the store in the arrivals hall instead.

Whether you go to Sim Local, We Know London, WHSmith, or another reseller, they all have the following same three Three starter packs (but Sim Local booths and stores sell an extra option):

Price 1	Data 4	Local Minutes	International Minutes 5	Local SMS	Validity
25 GBP 2	10 GB	Unlimited	100 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
25 GBP	100 GB	Unlimited	100 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
25 GBP	100 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
30 GBP	50 GB	Unlimited	100 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
35 GBP 2	Unlimited	Unlimited	100 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
40 GBP 2	Unlimited	Unlimited	100 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
40 GBP 3	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

¹ add an extra 5 GBP if purchased directly from Sim Local (except for the 25 GBP 10 GB and 30 GBP 50 GB plans – they are only sold by We Know London
² sold by We Know London only
³ sold at Sim Local booths and stores only – you do not need to add an additional 5 GBP to this price
⁴ with 5G NR access
⁵ 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 most SIM cards in this guide, except for EE 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.

Furthermore, be aware that SIM cards sold by We Know London have lower data allowances than Sim Local and WHSmith.

While having the same prices as Sim Local (5 GBP more expensive than other resellers).

For example, We Know London gives you 10 GB of data when you spend 25 GBP.

But if you were to get a Lycamobile SIM card from a Sim Local vending machine, you would get 100 GB of data for the same price.

Yes, that is a 90 GB difference.

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.

But if you cannot be arsed to fill in your personal details, you can get an EE eSIM from Sim Local (directly, so not from resellers or vending machines).

Scroll up to learn more about your options.

But Sim Local's EE plans start from 30 GBP (25 GBP from We Know London).

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 (or O2 UK, for that matter), 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.

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