Best SIM Cards in UK for International Students: The Ultimate Guide!

Are you planning to move to the UK? The new city, the confusing road signs, the public chaos, the university guidelines, and the rush to accustom yourself are enough to puzzle you. Plus, the last thing you want to do is pay hefty bills for making phone calls. But don’t you worry! The best SIM card in UK for international students will ease your life. While your student accommodation may offer free Wi-Fi, you won’t always have access to it once you step outside. Whether you’re navigating maps or texting friends on the go, you’ll need a reliable mobile network. For this reason, we will help you find the best SIM cards in UK for students. Here, you’ll find the best SIM card providers UK, their types, and plans. So, let’s dive into it without any further ado.

Why do you Need a SIM Card in the UK?

A SIM card in UK is a little key for your phone. It connects you to the world by letting you make calls or use mobile data without Wi-Fi. Moreover, finding the best SIM card in UK for international students is quite easy and simple. Beyond the obvious reasons, here are why you get the most popular SIM card in UK: 

1. Better coverage
2. Make calls at lower rates
3. Short and flexible contract plans
4. Affordable unlimited data plans
5. Easy to communicate with locals 

Types of SIM Cards in the UK 

When you look for the best UK SIM card, there are two types to choose from: physical SIM cards and eSIM. You can even find the best SIM at a lower price if you check out the UK’s best student discounts. Below, we mention what these two types of UK SIM cards are: 

1. Physical SIM Cards in the UK 

A physical SIM Card is a small chip available in three sizes; Standard/Mini SIM Card, Micro SIM Card, and Nano SIM Card. It is removable as you can insert it into your phone. The chip connects your device to a UK mobile network. You can send texts, make calls, and use mobile data at local UK rates.  

2. eSIM Cards in the UK

An eSIM is a virtual SIM that can be digitally embedded in your phone by a service provider. Hence, the eSIM card is incorporated into a smartphone and can connect you to any eSIM-enabled provider. It is essentially a little microchip inside your phone that functions Similarly to the NFC chip. eSIM maintains cellular profiles and thus works effortlessly worldwide. There are many benefits and disadvantages of eSIM; however, a prominent and one of the best sim card provider UK, Airalo, offers access to eSIM Cards for 190+ countries, including the UK.

How to Get a UK SIM Card? 

The process to get the best SIM card for UK is easy. Explore your options and select the one that fits your needs. Students can apply for it online or visit a nearby mobile store at their convenience. Furthermore, if you are visiting a mobile store, you can always ask the operator for more information on the UK SIM card plans for international students. Additionally, most convenience stores and supermarkets provide prepaid SIM cards. While studying in the UK, remember that you’ll need the country’s address proof to purchase the best SIM card in UK for international students. For mobile contracts, some standard documents are required for registration by a majority of operators:

1. Identity Proof: Since you are a student, you can show your university ID or legal paperwork for a visa and passport.
2. Address Proof: Utility bills or bank statements can show your current address in the UK.
3. Credit Score: Some operators may also choose a credit score check. You can benefit from a UK Student Guarantor facility, depending on the availability.

Best UK SIM Cards for International Students

As you are gearing up for the most employable degrees in the UK, remember that staying connected is essential. Whether for online research or calling your loved ones back home, the best SIM card in UK for international students will help you sail through. Since UK students use an average of 12GB of mobile data every month, you should know about two types of UK SIM cards: 

1. Prepaid or Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG)

In the UK, PAYG and prepaid essentially mean the same thing when referring to SIM cards. With a PAYG/prepaid UK SIM card for students, users don’t have a fixed subscription. Instead, they need to buy prepaid credit on their phone frequently to make calls, send messages, and use data. Users can get subscriptions from any convenience store or supermarket. A prepaid UK SIM card for international students will allow you to use it as per your usage and not be bound to a rambling contract.

2. Regular Contracts 

If you’re planning to stay in the UK for a long duration or prefer calls over messages, then mobile contracts can be a cheap option. A contract can be available for a longer duration. If you exceed your contract limit, charges will be collected from your bank account depending on the usage. Mobile contracts support long-duration calling users. Such agreements offer long-minute dial-up recharges for a longer duration.

Difference Between Prepaid, PAYG, and Regular Contracts

Prepaid plans need consumers to pay before they get access to the service, including the quantity of data, calls, and texts. Users who want to keep using services after the data plan has ended have to pay a top-up or recharge to enjoy the same benefits. Pay-as-you-go or PAYG is essentially the same but offers more flexibility because consumers simply pay for what they use rather than committing to a fixed monthly charge for a certain quantity of data, calls and texts, as well as a minimum term. If your usage tends to be a lot more than the usual amount, you’ll be charged extra. Prepaid and PAYG plans give you greater control over spending, making it an ideal find for overseas SIM cards for international students. However, regular contracts are more convenient and typically contain extra bonuses. 

Best SIM Card Deals in the UK for Students 2024-25

You’ll need the best SIM to buy in UK card plan that can keep up if you spend a lot of time on your social media feeds. However, choosing the best SIM cards in UK can feel overwhelming. Here, will discuss popular UK SIM card plans to make it easy for you:

1. Voxi

Voxi’s plans are categorically your best choice if you love social media. With its endless social media and video features, users may access a wide range of services without using up their data allotments. Plans start from a mere £10 per month. Voxi is the best SIM card in UK for international students looking for economic plans.

2. Vodafone

With Vodafone SIM deals, you can also receive free Spotify, Amazon Prime, or YouTube Premium if you don’t mind signing a 24-month contract. Being one of the best SIM cards in UK, they provide a free PAYG SIM card that gives you access to Vodafone’s network and 99% population coverage and is one of the best PAYG SIMs in the UK. Vodafone’s offers include the cost of the streaming service in the contract itself, in contrast to Voxi’s offerings, which do not include the services. You can get 160GB of data and an entertainment pass on Vodafone for £27 per month.

Best SIM Card Providers in UK

Currently, there are four best SIMs to buy in UK companies. Choosing the best SIM card UK depends on your priorities. If you absolutely want the best network coverage, you should consider the mobile network providers we mention below: 

1. O2

O2 is a fantastic mobile network that is becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom and is one of the strongest contenders for the best SIM in UK. It not only offers amazing monthly bundles but also contracts that allow you to save even more money. If you opt to purchase a contract, the data rollover will assist you in making the most of the plan, which ranges between £10 - £40 per month. Many people in the UK utilise the O2 mobile network since it is inexpensive in the long run. Fortunately, it includes a complimentary 5G service that you may use in most regions.

2. Vodafone

Vodafone, another best SIM in UK provider, is a well-recognised international service provider and has access to high-performing networks as well as internet coverage. Although it does not have the fastest internet speed, it has a 66% consumer satisfaction percentage compared to SIMilar providers. Nonetheless, the network works great while travelling. Offering roaming in 48 EU countries, Vodafone’s offers range between £11 - £35 per month. Its 5G subscription fee is cheaper than that of EE, making it one of the most trustworthy UK SIM cards for students. Additionally, Vodafone is less expensive if you sign up for a 24-month plan, making it one of the best UK SIM card providers. 

3. EE

For anyone looking for the best student SIM card UK, EE is a great choice. It offers smooth streaming and faster downloads, along with seamless video calls. Their 4G coverage across 99% of the UK makes sure you never miss out on anything. Its PAYG works well with students with unpredictable data use. The contract plans, on the other hand, offer a set amount of data, calls, and texts for a monthly fee, ranging between £10 - £60. While it may be one of the best UK SIM cards for students, remember that speed and coverage come at a premium. 

4. Three

Three is another brilliant mobile network that offers seamless services and high-speed internet. Many people utilise Three for quicker connectivity, inexpensive, and best UK phone plans for international students. No wonder it is the best SIM card in UK for international students! People love the service provider’s low prices (£10 - £30 per month), huge data coverage, and great monthly discounts. The Three SIM card allows you to cancel your monthly subscription at any time. 

Best UK SIM Card Only Deals

After opting for a phone contract, you will have the option to select a SIM-only deal or include a handset. For the best SIM-only deals, the service provider will give you a free SIM card and charge monthly. You will be attached to a 12-month contract, so a prior check is vital. These contracts keep rolling until you cancel them. So, when you’re looking for a best SIM in UK to buy, make sure you keep these few things in mind:

1. SIM offers

2. Greater data plans 

3. Dependability 

4. Faster 4G/5G coverage

5. Customer service

6. Price

7. Smartphone plans

Most Affordable SIM Card Plans in the UK

Many secondary mobile network providers also “piggyback” over the four major network bands (mentioned above) and deliver perks on UK SIM cards for students. If you prefer a generous data plan and don’t spend much time on social media, these are the best UK phone plans for international students. These SIM cards come with the best UK phone plans to take care of your wallets.

1. Three

Three offers the most affordable unlimited data plans. Students have a lot of options to choose from and select the best plan according to them. Currently, the best and the most popular plan is unlimited data for £12 per month for the first six months.

2. Smarty

Smarty, a division of Three, offers unlimited data for just £20 per month. This includes limitless tethering if you wish to use Wi-Fi and mobile data at the same time. The second advantage of Smarty over Three is that you can cancel at any time. Its affordability makes Smarty one of the best UK SIM cards for international students.

3. GiffGaff

GiffGaff has come up with the smallest goodie bags to keep your budget good and running. It starts with a mere value of just £6 a month. It offers 2GB of data to its customers along with the service of unlimited UK calls and texts. This is definitely the best SIM card in UK for international students as with unlimited calls, one can be in touch with their peers as and when they want. GiffGaff offers data of 35GB at just a cost of £15.

4. iD Mobile

The iD Mobile is leading in the race for the best SIM card in UK for international students. With efficient rates, it ensures that students can enjoy maximum benefits from its plan. The plan starts at £10 and offers 60GB of data per month to its customers. You can also opt for an unlimited data plan that stretches for 24 months at the cost of £16.

5. Lebara

With rates starting at £5 per month for 3GB of data, Lebara SIM card offers some of the most affordable UK SIM card plans for students. You can cancel these plans at any moment. However, these rates are revised; hence, it is advisable to stay updated on them.

6. 1pMobile

Compared to other providers, 1pMobile operates somewhat differently. As the name implies, the service only costs 1p per minute, text, or MB of data while connected to EE’s 5G network. For 10GB of data, start with a £10 top-up, so you should consider this as the best SIM card in UK for international students. 

How to Buy eSIM Card in the UK

Buying an eSIM card in the UK is a convenient way to connect without needing a physical SIM card. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to purchase an eSIM card:

1. Check device compatibility
2. Choose an eSIM provider
3. Visit the provider's website or app
4. Browse available plans
5. Purchase the eSIM plan
6. Receive QR code or activation details
7. Scan the QR code or enter activation details
8. Activate the eSIM
9. Start using your eSIM

Remember to keep your eSIM details safe and secure, as a virtual chip is embedded in your device. An eSIM can be considered the best SIM in UK for students as it doesn’t require you to remove the card physically.  

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Best UK eSIM Cards 

Before you buy any best UK SIM cards, be it physical or eSIM, always consider how much data you think you will need. Pick the best UK phone plans for international students that caters to your needs. Make sure you are choosing the best eSIM card providers for international students that offer good coverage in your areas. Here are a few popular eSIM card options in the UK: 

1. EE eSIM 
2. ASDA Mobile eSIM 
3. Drivenaza eSIM 
4. Smarty eSIM 
5. Vodafone eSIM 

Can I use an International Phone in the UK?

Many coming from different parts wonder whether they should get a UK SIM card for students. The answer depends on whether your phone is locked or unlocked. A locked phone can be used with a specific network when the contract is received at a discounted price. However, you can pay and get it unlocked in your homeland only after your previous contract has ended. Unlocking the phone allows you to use any other SIM card in UK.

What Would be My UK Mobile Number?

A personal UK mobile phone number starts with 07***, whereas a UK business mobile phone number starts with 08***. Your phone number will have six digits that follow your UK mobile service provider’s prefix. So, for example, your UK mobile phone number will look something like this: 07777 654321. For someone to call your UK SIM card from abroad, they first need to dial the country code for the UK, which is 0044 (+44), e.g. 0044 7777 654321.

So now you know all about the best SIM card in UK for international students. You can also explore a wide range of the best UK SIM cards for international students while studying in the country. With a solid SIM network, you never have to worry about connectivity problems, so ring away. Also, before buying a UK SIM card for international students, make sure to learn about the SIM-only vs contract plans!