Last updated on November 26th, 2023 at 07:17 pm
Looking for a full guide to get an Edinburgh Airport SIM card for your upcoming trip to Scotland? When getting an Edinburgh airport SIM card, opt for EE or Three UK in Edinburgh or Holafly eSIM for an unlimited data option.
Whether you’re visiting Scotland for its rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, or simply on a business trip, staying connected is crucial. Edinburgh Airport, being the main gateway to Scotland’s capital, offers numerous options for visitors seeking local SIM cards. With EE, O2, and Three as popular providers and Airalo as a prime source for eSIM data, let’s dive deep into your options.
Landing in Edinburgh, with its majestic castles and enchanting streets, is nothing short of magical. For the modern traveler, connectivity remains a top priority, ensuring they can share their experiences in real time or remain in touch with loved ones.
Here’s your definitive guide to securing a SIM card in Edinburgh.
Related Travel Guides:
- SIM Card in the UK
- Most Recommended Travel Insurance for the UK
- SIM Card vs eSIM
- How to get from Edinburgh Airport to the City Centre
SIM Card Options at Edinburgh Airport – Edinburgh Airport SIM Card
At Edinburgh Airport, you can buy SIM cards at WH Smith, which has two outlets – one near the currency exchange in the main international arrivals area, and the other near domestic arrivals. They offer SIM cards from EE, Three, and Lebara, with each SIM card starting at around $24.
These brands are tailored to different needs: EE is favored for data and coverage, especially outside major cities, while Lebara is preferred for international calls, offering unlimited calls to many countries on its £20 plan.
In addition to these brands, other reputable SIM card options for tourists include O2 and Vodafone. O2 offers SIM-only plans starting at £10 for 7GB valid for 30 days, and Vodafone is recommended if you prefer purchasing your SIM card in person.
Lastly, if you’re planning to stay for a month or less, you might consider an EE SIM card, which starts from £15 for 5GB. For longer stays, Tesco Mobile could be a viable option with plans starting from £10 for 4GB. Although Tesco Mobile SIM cards are not available at the airport, they can be found in Tesco outlets across the city, offering good value for money.
For a broader selection and possibly better deals, you might want to consider buying a SIM card in the city center at stores like Carphone Warehouse, which stocks more networks.
Top SIM Card Options in Edinburgh – Sim Card at Edinburgh Airport
Considering coverage, data packages, and overall reliability, here are some top picks:
EE – Everything Everywhere
Known for excellent data services and coverage, especially outside major cities. It’s a great option for tourists who need reliable internet and coverage while exploring Scotland.
Plan Prices: Starting from £20 for a plan that includes 10GB of data, 750 minutes of calls to the UK, and EU roaming (as of October, 2019). For £30, data doubles to 20GB
Three UK – Edinburgh Airport SIM Card
Three offers a good balance of data, calls, and text. It’s suitable for tourists who require a substantial amount of data.
Plan Prices: £20 or $24 USD for a plan with 12GB of data, or £27.50 or $34 USD for a plan with 36GB of data
Lebara
Description: Best known for its international call services, making it an excellent choice for tourists needing to make frequent calls abroad.
Plan Prices: £20 plan typically available at the airport includes unlimited international calls to most of the EU, Australia, New Zealand, several Asian countries, and North America. They also have a cheaper £10 plan, but it might not always be available at the airport
O2
Offers several SIM-only plans suitable for tourists with different data needs.
Plan Prices: Plans start at £10 for 7GB, £15 for 20GB, £20 for 30GB, and £30 for 100GB, all valid for 30 days
Vodafone
Recommended for in-person purchases and known for reliable service.
Plan Prices: Specific plan prices might need to be checked at a local Vodafone store or on their official website as they weren’t detailed in the provided sources.
Tesco Mobile
Offers good value for money, especially for those leaving the airport before buying a SIM. It’s widely available at Tesco outlets.
Plan Prices: £10 plan includes 4GB of data, 500 minutes of calls to UK phone numbers, and 5000 text messages
These brands cater to a variety of needs whether it’s data, coverage, international calls, or budget-friendly options, thus offering a good range of choices for visitors arriving at Edinburgh Airport.
eSIM Options for Travelers: Seamless and Hassle-free Connectivity
Embracing the convenience of eSIMs can transform your travel experience:
Holafly eSIM
Holafly has extensive coverage through networks like Telefonica, Hutchison, and EE Limited in popular tourist destinations including London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Cambridge.
- Data Packages:
- 5 Days: Unlimited data for $19.00 USD
- 7 Days: Unlimited data for $27.00 USD
- 10 Days: Unlimited data for $34.00 USD
- 15 Days: Unlimited data for $47.00 USD
- 20 Days: Unlimited data for $54.00 USD
- 30 Days: Unlimited data for $64.00 USD
- 60 Days for $84 & 90 Days for $99
Maya Mobile eSIM
Maya Mobile UK eSIM has fast 4G/LTE mobile data coverage in the UK.
- Data Packages:
- 5 Days:
- 3GB for $6 USD
- 5GB for $9 USD
- 10GB for $11 USD
- 20GB for $19 USD
- 5 – 30 Days: Unlimited data, prices vary based on the plan:
- Lite (2GB of high-speed data daily, then unlimited at 1Mbps, no hotspot) for $18 USD
- Standard (3GB of high-speed data daily, then unlimited at 1Mbps, hotspot included) for $29 USD
- Max (5GB of high-speed data daily, then unlimited at 1Mbps, hotspot included) for $37 USD
- 5 Days:
Airalo eSIM
- Airalo Coverage: Extensive coverage in the UK and over 100 other countries.
- Data Packages: Starting at $12 for 3GB, valid for 30 days.
These options provide a variety of data plans and coverages that can suit different types of travelers, whether they are staying in the UK or traveling to other countries. The pricing and data allowances can cater to both short-term and long-term stays, making it convenient for tourists and other visitors to stay connected during their trip.
Our Final Thoughts and Recommendations: The Best SIM for Visitors in Edinburgh:
While all carriers offer excellent service, EE stands out for its extensive coverage, especially in remote parts of Scotland. If you’re planning to venture beyond the city, it’s a solid choice. For urban explorations and short stays, O2 and Three offer competitive packages that might suit your needs.
When considering an Edinburgh Airport SIM Card purchase, the available brands provide a fair range of choices to cater to different communication needs. Here are our recommendations:
- Best Overall: EE and Three UK stand out for their robust data services and extensive coverage, making it a reliable choice especially for those planning to explore beyond Edinburgh.
- Best for International Calls: Lebara is the preferred choice, with its £20 plan offering unlimited international calls to many countries.
- Our Best and Recommended Online Option: For those preferring an online purchase, Holafly eSIM offers extensive coverage and various data packages suitable for short to long-term stays.