I will be arriving at Heathrow terminal 2, then taking the Heathrow Express to Paddington. Does anyone know if it's easier or faster or cheaper to buy a short-term (30 days or less) prepaid SIM card (for UK/England only) at Heathrow or when I arrive at Paddington? I'm elderly, and am trying to avoid unnecessary hassle.
Many thanks, Susan
If your phone is new enough to support it, then the easiest thing is to get an esim and download it before you leave home. Then you activate it when you arrive at your destination. This is for data only, but you can make calls via WhatsApp. We used Airalo.
I should have mentioned that my phone, unfortunately, doesn't support eSims. Sorry for that. Susan
OP if your phone doesn’t support eSIMs why are you asking where to purchase one.
Will you be making actual phone calls?
More clarity please?
Then posters can respond properly.
Claudia, the OP did ask about a Sim card in her first post. I was the one who brought up esims, which she unfortunately can't use.
OP, you can check the LHR website, but I think you can get a SIM card at Sim Local in the baggage area in Terminal 2.
I can't remember seeing anywhere at Paddington (station) to buy SIM cards, tho there will be many places just outside the station that sell them- pretty much any corner shop. They definitely sell them at Heathrow in the arrivals areas, tho it's been a while since I've been to Terminal 2 so unfortunately can't provide more detail.
I have checked the vending machines and shops at Heathrow every now and again. They have always had limited choice of plans and generally more expensive than what I can get elsewhere. When I needed a physical SIM I always waited until in London and went to an actual store location for Vodafone or EE. That’s the UK equivalent to ATT or Verizon. They have historically also set up my phone and more importantly helped me safely save my home SIM for use when I returned home. If you are staying near Paddington Station there seems to be a shop nearby on Praed St. use the store locator on the website. Or if you happen to be heading to Covent Garden there are shops for EE, Vodafone and Three all within a short walk from the tube station. If you have enough lead time then Giffgaff will send out SIM cards overseas.
Enjoy your trip!
Thank you, especially Rocket and Cat VH.
To piggyback off what @Rocket said, I second waiting until you get into the city to get a SIM card at Vodafone. Looks like they have a shop a short walk from Paddington Station. If you want more info on their plans, here is the specific webpage you need: https://www.vodafone.co.uk/sim-only/international-sim-cards . The page has a section on "Visiting the UK and need a SIM?" Purchasing at the airport will be too expensive.
Dont get the sim at LHR. They only have 30GB sims which is more than you need. Most of the companies in London will have short term pay as you go bring your own phone sims for 10 to 15 pounds. A few examples:
https://www.o2.co.uk/shop/sim-cards/pay-as-you-go#simtype=bigbundles
Also, if you buy it in an actual shop, there are staff to help you set it up, and if you have any problems with it, you can go back there to get them to fix it.
Much better to do that.
I arrived at Heathrow last summer, and the guy at the Sim Local in the arrivals area took good care of me. He swapped out my card and had me up and running in less than two minutes. Their website says there is a store in Terminal 2.
I liked having my phone good to go before leaving the airport. It's very convenient and good peace of mind.
