For visitors and new arrivals, not UK contract customers
If you are visiting the UK for a holiday, a short course, or arriving as a new student, a UK eSIM from Slashtel gives you data without a contract, a credit check, or a shop visit. It is data only, so there is no local phone number and no calls or SMS on the eSIM. You keep your home SIM in the phone for calls and bank OTPs. The QR code arrives by email in under 60 seconds, and you can install it before you travel. Validity starts when the eSIM first connects at the destination, so buying early does not waste your plan. Hotspot and tethering are allowed, so you can share data with a laptop or travel companion. WhatsApp calls over data work fine. If you need help, WhatsApp support is available before, during and after the trip.
Arrival week vs first month: which plan size
For your first week, a small plan is usually enough for maps, messaging, and checking email. If you are staying longer, a 30 day plan gives you more room for everyday use. The Arrival Bundle combines UK 1GB/7 days and UK 5GB/30 days in one order, so you have a short term plan for the first days and a longer plan for the rest of the month. You can top up the same eSIM later, no new QR needed. To install, follow our installation guide. Before you buy, check your phone is eSIM compatible.
Students arriving for September intake
September is busy: airport queues, campus check in, and setting up a bank account. Having data from the moment you land makes those first days easier. Install the eSIM before you fly, and it will activate when you connect in the UK. Use it for maps, university email, and messaging home. If you need to keep your Indian number active for OTPs, see our guide on how to keep your Indian number active. For plans aimed at students, see student eSIMs and our page for eSIM for Indian students in the UK. Remember: the eSIM is data only, so your home SIM stays in the phone for calls and bank OTPs.
Keeping your home number for bank OTPs
Banks and many services send one time passwords by SMS to your home number. Because the Slashtel eSIM is data only, you must keep your home SIM in the phone to receive those messages. Your home SIM can stay active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data. This setup also lets you receive OTPs from home while you are in the UK. For more detail, read our guide on calls, texts and OTPs on a data eSIM. If you remove your home SIM, you may miss important verification codes.
When you might want a UK SIM with a number instead
A data eSIM covers most visitor and student needs: maps, messaging, email, and WhatsApp calls over data. But if you need a UK phone number for local calls, SMS, or two factor authentication from UK services, a traditional UK SIM with a number may be necessary. That requires a contract or pay as you go SIM from a UK provider, which often involves a shop visit and sometimes a credit check. For everyone else, a data eSIM is simpler and can be set up before you travel. If you are unsure, start with an eSIM and add a local SIM later if you need a number.
Refunds and support
Unused eSIMs are covered for 14 days: swap for another eSIM or take Slashtel credit, with a card refund if your phone turns out to be incompatible or the fault is ours. See the refund policy. WhatsApp support is available before, during and after your trip. The QR code arrives by email in under 60 seconds, and you can top up the same eSIM without a new QR code. Validity starts when the eSIM first connects at the destination, so you can buy and install before travel. Hotspot and tethering are allowed. Data only, no local number.
UK eSIM