Last updated on February 26th, 2024 at 05:13 am
Looking to travel to Scotland and get a SIM card Aberdeen Airport?
Landing at Aberdeen Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Aberdeen Airport? Yes, there is a WH Smith store selling sim cards for your trip.
This guide will delve into the options available at Aberdeen Airport and beyond, ensuring you remain connected throughout your Scottish adventure.
The easiest way is to order your eSIM online where you can get cheap data packages and unlimited data without buying a SIM card in Aberdeen. For eSIM options, you can opt for Holafly and Airalo
If you are going from Aberdeen Airport to the city center you should know that it will take 25 minutes by taxi and 45 minutes by public transportation.
Related Travel Guides:
- SIM Card Options in Scotland
- Best Travel Insurance for UK
- SIM Card vs eSIM
- Transport Options from Aberdeen Airport to City Centre
WHERE TO STAY IN ABERDEEN
You can access a dorm that can go up to €18-30. And while a hotel that is a double room in a budget can go up to €90.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
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Arriving at Aberdeen Airport
Touching down at Aberdeen Airport, you’ll be met with the rich cultural heritage of Scotland, a blend of modernity and historical significance.
You can buy a sim card at Aberdeen Airport at WH Smith but prices aren’t so competitive as buying a sim card in Aberdeen phone stores.
For the contemporary traveler, staying connected is paramount. Whether you’re in town for business, leisure, or a bit of both, this guide will help you navigate the mobile connectivity options in Aberdeen.
Navigating Aberdeen Airport:
Terminal Building: Aberdeen Airport may not be as vast as some major international airports, but it is well-organized and user-friendly. With several check-in desks, boarding gates, and baggage carousels, transitioning from arrival to departure is a breeze.
If you have a layover or just feel like grabbing a bite, there are a handful of food and drink establishments catering to diverse tastes. For last-minute shopping or essentials, a few retail outlets will have you covered, from souvenirs to travel necessities.
Wi-Fi and Internet Connectivity: Good news for digital nomads and social butterflies – Aberdeen Airport offers free Wi-Fi! Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or just catching up on emails, the airport ensures you’re well-connected. There are dedicated internet zones and charging stations throughout the terminal for your convenience.
SIM Card Options at Aberdeen Airport – Aberdeen Airport SIM Card
At Aberdeen Airport, purchasing a SIM card might be more time-consuming compared to other airports. It might be challenging to locate a Prepaid Tourist SIM card vending machine upon arrival, which could delay your plans. However, you can prepare in advance by considering online options or purchasing a SIM card from nearby stores once you reach the city.
Here are some suggestions:
- Pre-Arrival Purchase: Consider buying a SIM card online before your trip. Some online platforms deliver the SIM card to your location, ensuring that you have a working SIM card as soon as you land.
- City Purchase: Once in the city, you can visit mobile provider stores or convenience stores to purchase a SIM card. This option might also provide you with better deals compared to buying one at the airport.
Top SIM Card Options in Aberdeen
The top SIM card options remain similar to those in Edinburgh, catering to various traveler needs such as data offerings, international calling, and wide coverage. Below are the notable brands:
EE (Everything Everywhere)
Renowned for its superior data services and extensive coverage, especially beneficial when venturing outside major cities. A reliable choice for tourists needing steadfast internet connectivity while traversing Scotland.
Plan Prices: From £30 for a 30-day plan offering 50GB of 4G/5G data, unlimited UK SMS, and unlimited UK minutes
Check the exact location to find EE stores to buy a sim card in Aberdeen.
Three Prepaid UK – SIM Card Aberdeen
Three provides a balanced blend of data, calls, and text, suitable for tourists requiring a considerable amount of data.
Plan Prices: £20 for a plan encompassing 12GB of data, or £27.50 for a plan with 36GB of data.
Check the exact location to find Three EE stores to buy a sim card in Aberdeen.
Lebara
Predominantly known for its international call services, an ideal choice for tourists necessitating frequent calls abroad.
Plan Prices: A £20 plan available at the airport includes unlimited international calls to most of the EU, Australia, New Zealand, several Asian countries, and North America
O2
Provides a variety of SIM-only plans catering to different data needs of tourists.
Plan Prices: Plans commence at £10 for 7GB, £15 for 20GB, £20 for 30GB, and £30 for 100GB, all valid for 30 days.
Check the exact location to find O2 stores to buy a sim card in Aberdeen.
Vodafone
Recommended for in-person purchases with a reputation for reliable service.
Plan Prices: Exact plan prices may need to be checked at a local Vodafone store or on their official website.
Check the exact location to find Vodafone stores to buy a sim card in Aberdeen.
Tesco Mobile
Description: Delivers good value for money, particularly for individuals preferring to buy a SIM after leaving the airport. Available extensively at Tesco.
Plan Prices: A £10 plan comprises 10GB of data, 500 minutes of calls to UK phone numbers, and 5000 text messages
eSIM Options for Travelers – SIM Card at Aberdeen Airport
Embracing the convenience of eSIMs can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here are the eSIM options:
Holafly eSIM
Holafly includes extensive networks like Telefonica, Hutchison, and EE Limited in popular tourist destinations across the UK.
Data Packages: Ranging from $19.00 USD for 5 days of unlimited data to $64.00 USD for 30 days of unlimited data
Maya Mobile eSIM
Maya Mobile UK eSIM has fast 4G/LTE mobile data coverage in the UK.
Data Packages: Various, including 5-day plans with data ranging from 3GB to 20GB at $0 USD, and 5 to 30-day unlimited data plans with prices varying based on the plan, starting at $18 USD
Airalo eSIM
Airalo has extensive coverage in the UK and over 100 other countries.
Data Packages: Airalo has plans starting at $12 for 3GB, valid for 30 days.
These brands and eSIM options cater to a myriad of needs, ensuring visitors arriving at Aberdeen have a good range of choices for staying connected during their trip.
SIM Card Purchase at Aberdeen Airport
Though Aberdeen Airport is compact, it provides travelers with essential services, including telecom services.
Shops at the Airport: For tech needs or last-minute phone accessories, WHSmith is a reliable stop. Located within the terminal, it offers a range of products including, on occasion, prepaid SIM cards.
Outside the Airport: Should you prefer to step out and explore SIM options, Aberdeen city is just a short ride away, has numerous mobile provider stores. Chains like Carphone Warehouse often stock a variety of SIM card options from various providers.
Alternative Locations: Once you’re settled in Aberdeen, consider visiting local stores of top mobile providers. This not only gives you a wider array of choices but also allows you to interact and get more detailed information from store representatives.
Our Final Thoughts and Recommendations: The Best SIM for Tourists in Aberdeen
While Aberdeen Airport might not offer the convenience of on-site SIM card purchase, the city and online options keep travelers connected. Here are our suggestions:
- Best Overall: EE and Three UK again shine through for their reliable data services and wide coverage, ideal for tourists venturing across Scotland.
- Best for Budget: Tesco Mobile, available at Tesco outlets in the city, offers good value for money with plans starting from £10 for 4GB of data.
- Our Best and Recommended Online Option: Holafly eSIM remains a solid online choice with its extensive coverage and array of data packages suitable for varying travel durations.
Hope we were able to give you the best recommendations and let us know if you have more questions in the comments below. Have a great trip!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.