How to get a mobile phone number and SIM card in the UK

If you’ve just arrived in the United Kingdom, one of the first things you’ll probably want to cross off your checklist is getting a local SIM card and setting up your UK mobile phone number. You’ll be pleased to know that the UK boasts decent 4G coverage and a whole host of mobile phone operators to choose from.

But with so much choice, it can be challenging for expats and visitors alike to know which mobile operator to choose. Managing your finances across borders is another consideration when setting up services in a new country. Payment solutions like Wise can help simplify financial transactions when relocating.

Read on to learn more about the following:

The mobile network in the UK

The UK’s mobile networks now rely mainly on 4G and 5G, with 2G still available on some networks for older voice and text services. All UK 3G networks have been switched off, and the remaining 2G networks will be phased out over the coming years. If you’re bringing a phone from abroad, make sure it is unlocked and supports 4G or 5G before relying on it in the UK.

Mobile coverage has expanded considerably. According to Ofcom’s Spring 2026 Connected Nations update, at least one mobile network provides predicted good outdoor 4G coverage across 96% of the UK landmass, while all four networks cover 84%. Overall 5G coverage outside premises ranges from 76% to 94% depending on the network. Coverage can still be weaker in rural and remote areas, so it is worth checking the networks available at your exact address or destination.

Wi-Fi connectivity in the UK

Looking for public Wi-Fi? Unfortunately, Wi-Fi in public spaces is not widely available in the United Kingdom. However, some public areas will have Wi-Fi connectivity, including stations, libraries, and airports. Furthermore, many cafes and restaurants also have Wi-Fi, although this will likely only be available for customers.

Can I use my mobile phone in the UK?

Most visitors and expats arriving in the United Kingdom with a recent unlocked 4G or 5G phone should be able to use a UK mobile network. Compatibility is no longer usefully explained as a GSM-versus-CDMA distinction: what matters is whether your device supports the services used by your chosen UK network. Check your handset specifications and roaming costs with your existing provider before you travel.

If your phone is too old to support 4G or 5G, you may need a newer handset. Ofcom advises buyers to make sure a device supports 4G, particularly when purchasing from a third-party seller. If your phone is compatible and unlocked, you can instead use a UK physical SIM or, where your handset and provider support it, an eSIM.

The EU’s “Roam Like at Home” rules no longer apply when travelling to the UK. Some European mobile operators still include UK roaming in their plans voluntarily, while others may charge extra or apply separate fair-use limits. Check your operator’s current UK roaming terms before you travel to avoid unexpected costs.

If you’re moving to the UK – or planning a longer-term stay – you may want to buy a local SIM card or even a brand-new phone. There are plenty of UK operators to choose from, with deals depending on usage and budget. Sky sells mobile alongside broadband and TV services, while customers with eligible Virgin Media broadband and O2 Pay Monthly plans can qualify for Volt benefits.

When paying for British mobile services from your home country account, be mindful of currency conversion fees. Wise offers international transfers with transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate that can be useful for managing expenses in the UK.

Mobile phone operators in the UK

There are a whole host of mobile operators in the UK, which makes competition fierce. Fortunately, this also means that mobile package deals typically offer good value for money, particularly if you pair it with home broadband. As such, it pays to shop around and compare your options.

Mobile operators in the UK include:

• EE
• Lebara
• O2
• Sky Mobile
• Three
• Vodafone
• VOXI
• BT Mobile

Ofcom’s coverage checker currently compares four underlying UK mobile networks: EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone. Many other brands use one of these networks; for example, Lebara and VOXI use Vodafone, BT Mobile uses EE, and Sky Mobile uses O2. Vodafone UK and Three UK completed their merger on 31 May 2025 to form VodafoneThree, although the Vodafone and Three brands and networks continue to operate while integration takes place. Virgin Mobile is no longer available as a separate consumer mobile service; former Virgin Mobile customers have been moved to O2 plans.

Comparing UK mobile phone operators

Still not sure which mobile operator to choose? Thankfully, there are plenty of options when it comes to comparing mobile phone plans and tariffs. Some comparison sites like Compare the Market can give you a better idea of what type of plans you can choose from. Others, such as Mobiles.co.uk, allow you to compare and buy in one simple visit.

Mobile phone coverage in the UK

Mobile coverage still varies by location, particularly in rural areas, inside buildings, and around hills or other obstructions. National coverage figures therefore do not guarantee that a particular provider will have the strongest signal at your home, workplace, or travel destination.

Do not assume that the biggest retail brand will automatically give you the best local coverage. Smaller providers often use the same underlying networks as the major operators, so compare the host network as well as price. If you are near the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, your phone can also roam accidentally onto an Irish network when that signal is stronger, so check your roaming settings and your provider’s guidance.

Check coverage before choosing a provider. Ofcom’s Map Your Mobile lets you compare 4G and 5G availability and performance by location across the four main networks, including the underlying network used by many smaller providers.

Prepaid vs mobile contracts

Expats arriving in the United Kingdom have a choice when it comes to phones. They can choose either a prepaid SIM card or a mobile phone contract. If your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local network, you have the freedom to choose an operator. However, if your previous operator has a presence in the UK, it may be preferable to stick with them.

For many expats, prepaid SIMs are an easier option. With these SIM cards, you’ll be able to make calls, send text messages, and use mobile data. This is particularly popular for expats who already own a phone and simply want to quickly have a UK number. It also offers users more freedom if they don’t plan to stay for long as it doesn’t involve signing up for a lengthy contract.

Other expats prefer a pay-monthly plan for a predictable allowance of calls, texts, and data. Whether it costs less than PAYG depends on the tariff and how much you use your phone. If you already own a handset, a SIM-only plan is often cheaper than a contract that includes a new phone, so compare the total cost rather than assuming one payment model is always cheapest.

Mobile phone plans in the UK

Pay-monthly mobile plans can be SIM-only or include a handset, and the best-value option depends on your needs. Ofcom notes that SIM-only deals are usually cheaper than contracts that include a phone. Some telecoms groups also offer benefits when you combine services: Sky sells mobile, broadband, and TV services, while eligible Virgin Media broadband customers with O2 Pay Monthly can receive Volt benefits.

Contract lengths and payment arrangements vary by provider and product. SIM-only plans may have short rolling terms or longer minimum commitments, while handset plans can have separate airtime and device-payment periods. Check the minimum term, total handset cost, monthly price, any annual price changes, and what happens if you exceed your allowance before signing up. Providers may offer direct debit or other payment methods, subject to their own requirements.

How to get a mobile phone contract in the UK

Decided on the right operator for you? You can usually sign up for a UK mobile plan online or in-store. Delivery options for physical SIMs and handsets vary by provider; if your phone and chosen plan support eSIM, you may be able to activate service without waiting for a physical SIM.

Requirements differ by provider and by whether you choose PAYG, SIM-only, or a handset contract. A provider may ask for:

• proof of identity and personal details
• a UK billing or delivery address
• a supported payment method
• a credit check or affordability assessment for some pay-monthly or handset agreements

Credit checks are not unusual for pay-monthly contracts. For example, O2 states that customers signing up to its Pay Monthly contracts must undergo a full credit check, while its PAYG plans do not require one. This can make PAYG a practical starting point if you have just moved to the UK and do not yet have much UK credit history. If you need local banking services, read our guide to opening a bank account in the UK.

For managing money across borders, Wise lets eligible customers manage pounds alongside other currencies. In the UK, Wise Payments Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority as an electronic money institution; it is not a bank. Whether a mobile operator accepts a particular payment method is up to that provider, and using Wise does not replace any credit or eligibility checks required for a mobile contract.

Prepaid SIM cards in the UK

Prepaid or pay-as-you-go (PAYG) SIMs offer flexibility because you are not tied to a long minimum contract and can control how much you spend. They can suit light or occasional users, while regular users should compare PAYG bundles with SIM-only pay-monthly deals to see which gives better value for their data, calls, and texts.

You can buy a PAYG SIM online, from a mobile phone shop, and from many supermarkets or convenience stores. If you order a physical SIM online, you will need a suitable delivery address. Some operators also offer PAYG eSIMs for compatible phones, which can remove the need to wait for a plastic SIM.

Top-up methods and minimum amounts vary by provider. Depending on the network, you may be able to add credit or renew a bundle online, in an app, by phone, or through participating shops and vouchers. Check the provider’s PAYG terms because some accounts can be closed after a long period of inactivity.

UK mobile phone numbers

UK mobile service numbers are generally in the 071–075 and 077–079 ranges. Not every number beginning 07 is a standard mobile number: 070 is used for personal numbers and 076 for radiopaging services. Numbers beginning 08 are non-geographic service numbers rather than a separate range for business mobiles. You can check the current ranges on Ofcom’s numbering data page.

UK mobile numbers have 11 digits when written in domestic format, including the initial 0. For example, a mobile number may look like 07777 123456. The prefix does not reliably identify the customer’s current provider because mobile numbers can be transferred between networks.

To call a UK mobile number from abroad, use the UK country code +44 and drop the initial 0. For example, 07777 123456 becomes +44 7777 123456.

If you run into any emergencies while in the UK, you can also call the country’s designated emergency numbers from your mobile (or landline) for help. Read our guide to emergency numbers in the UK for more information.

Repairing a mobile phone in the UK

Have you dropped your phone on one of London‘s famous red buses? Or perhaps it’s taken a tumble during a ramble through the Lake District? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get your smartphone repaired in the UK. Some operators will be able to provide repair services if you take your phone into one of their stores. Furthermore, manufacturers such as Apple will offer an in-store service.

However, you’ll also be able to find mobile phone repair shops in most major towns and cities. Look online for your nearest phone shop that can provide repairs.

Useful resources

• Ofcom Map Your Mobile – compare 4G and 5G coverage and performance by location
• Ofcom – current information on the UK’s 3G shutdown and planned 2G switch-off
• Ofcom numbering data – current UK telephone number ranges
• European Commission roaming guidance – EU roaming rules and the UK’s status outside Roam Like at Home
• Ofcom roaming guidance – advice on roaming charges and accidental roaming
• Ofcom complaints guidance – how to complain about phone or internet services
• Wise – manage money across borders and hold multiple currencies