Heathrow's official SIM and eSIM partner is Sim Local, which runs 11 physical stores across all four terminals plus 24/7 self-service digital kiosks, with UK data eSIMs typically starting from around £15 to £20 for 30 days from networks including EE and Three (checked 2026). If your phone supports eSIM, buying or activating a plan online before you land is usually faster and no more expensive than queuing at a terminal counter.
Where to buy a SIM or eSIM at Heathrow
Sim Local has staffed stores in the arrivals areas of Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 (both arrivals and post-passport control) and Terminal 5, most open from around 05:30 or 06:00 until 21:00 or 23:00 depending on the terminal. Alongside the staffed desks, Sim Local runs digital self-service kiosks, including one in the Terminal 2 baggage hall and one in the Terminal 5 baggage hall, that sell eSIMs around the clock; these are useful if you land on a red-eye flight when the staffed stores are closed. If you need help activating a plan or picking the right one, the staffed stores are the better option, since kiosk purchases are self-service only.
Physical SIM or eSIM: which to choose
An eSIM is the simpler option if your handset supports it (most phones from the last five years or so do): you buy it online or at a kiosk, scan a QR code or tap to install, and it activates without you needing to remove your existing SIM or find a pin to open the tray. A physical SIM still makes sense if your phone is older, if you want a UK number for the duration of a longer stay, or if you'd rather deal with a person at a counter than a self-service screen.
Roughly what it costs
Sim Local's UK eSIM plans run through partner networks including EE and Three, and pricing varies by data allowance and duration rather than being one fixed price. As a guide, expect data-only UK eSIMs to start from roughly £15 to £20 for a 30-day plan with tens of gigabytes of data, rising for higher allowances, unlimited plans, or bundles that add UK calls and texts. Multi-country or global eSIMs aimed at onward travel are priced separately and tend to be more expensive per gigabyte than a UK-only plan, since they cover roaming across many networks and countries. Always check the current price and data allowance on the day, since promotions and plans change.
Buy in advance or buy at the airport?
Buying an eSIM online before you fly means you can install it (though not necessarily activate the data plan) before you land, so you have a working UK number or data connection as soon as you're off the aircraft, without needing to find a store first. It also removes any risk of a store being closed if you land very early or very late. The main reason to wait and buy at Heathrow instead is if you're not sure which plan or network suits your trip and would rather ask a member of staff, or if your phone doesn't support eSIM and you need a physical card.
Alternatives to a local SIM
If you already have a UK or international mobile contract, check your existing network's roaming policy before assuming you need a new SIM. Many UK networks include some EU roaming at no extra cost, though policies vary by provider and have changed since Brexit, so confirm the current terms with your own network rather than relying on older information. International visitors on a plan that already includes UK roaming, or who are comfortable relying on Heathrow's free terminal WiFi for messaging apps until they reach their accommodation, may not need to buy anything at all.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a SIM card at Heathrow?
At any of Sim Local's 11 stores across Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5, mostly in the arrivals areas, or from a 24-hour self-service digital kiosk in the Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 baggage halls.
Is it cheaper to buy an eSIM before I fly or at Heathrow?
Prices are generally similar whether you buy online in advance or from a Heathrow store or kiosk, since both routes go through the same Sim Local platform. Buying in advance mainly saves time on arrival rather than money.
How much does a UK SIM or eSIM cost at Heathrow?
As a rough guide, UK data eSIMs start from around £15 to £20 for a 30-day plan with a substantial data allowance, with higher-data or unlimited plans costing more. Check the current price for your chosen network and data amount before buying.
Do I need a physical SIM or can I use an eSIM?
Most phones from roughly the last five years support eSIM, which is quicker to activate since there's no card to swap. Use a physical SIM if your phone doesn't support eSIM or you prefer a staffed counter.
Are the self-service kiosks open 24 hours?
Yes, the Sim Local digital kiosks in the Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 baggage halls sell eSIMs around the clock, which is useful outside the staffed stores' opening hours.
Will my existing phone plan work in the UK without a new SIM?
It depends on your provider's roaming policy, which varies and has changed for some UK and EU networks since Brexit. Check your own network's current roaming terms before your trip rather than assuming coverage is included.
Related reading
For the wider arrivals process at Heathrow, see our guides to where to meet at arrivals and Heathrow's entry requirements. Once you're connected, our taxi versus Uber comparison and public transport fares guide cover getting into London.