I am supposed to have unlimited international data (and texts) with my T-Mobile plan, but it doesn’t seem to work anywhere, which is pointless. So I’m in the UK and I need a data only eSIM (because my iPhone 15 doesn’t have a slot for a physical SIM card. Which I discovered when I tried to buy one at the train station. The lady at the shop told me that for an eSIM I need to go to an actual mobile store, but I keep seeing posts about giffgaff and orange and I’m hoping that I can just buy one online and download it (while I have WiFi) so that I can access maps and other apps while we’re out and about. But I’m confused about whether I was supposed to buy it before we left the US and just activate it here?
Posted by
Freedonia
16188 posts
T-Mobile is slow in the UK.
But before you buy an esim, check to see that you have data roaming turned on.
If it's turned on, did you get the "Welcome to the UK" text from T-Mobile? If not, try turning your phone off and on and see if it connects. It may take a few minutes.
You can buy numerous esims online. Just pick the one you want and follow the instructions for installation.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2689 posts
And before you do anything, has your phone from T-Mobile been unlocked by the carrier? Getting an eSIM will be pointless if your phone is locked.
If your phone is able to accept a new SIM, Airalo is a data only eSIM regularly mentioned in this forum.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4516 posts
Not in England, but we went to a Vodafone store to have it installed.