For study, work and family visits. Data from $2.59, QR by email in minutes, your UAE number stays on.
Travellers from the UAE can get online in the UK with a Slashtel data eSIM from $2.59 (about AED 9.51), across 7 plans; 5GB for 30 days is $5.59, about AED 20.53. Buy it in UAE, scan the QR at home and the data starts when you land on O2, Vodafone, 3 or EE. Your UAE SIM stays in the phone for calls, texts and bank OTPs.
| Data | Days | Price (USD) | About, in AED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 | $2.59 | AED 9.51 |
| 3GB | 30 | $3.89 | AED 14.29 |
| 3GB | 15 | $3.99 | AED 14.65 |
| 5GB | 30 | $5.59 | AED 20.53 |
| 10GB | 30 | $8.89 | AED 32.65 |
| 20GB | 30 | $15.99 | AED 58.72 |
| 50GB | 30 | $31.49 | AED 116 |
You pay in US dollars or your card's currency; AED amounts are a guide at today's rate. UK is 3 hours behind UAE.
You don't need one, but it is usually the cheapest way to have data in the UK. Plans start at $2.59, and you avoid roaming charges on your UAE number.
Yes. The eSIM is data only and sits next to your UAE SIM. Keep your own line switched on for calls, SMS and bank OTPs, and use the eSIM for data.
Install it in UAE before you fly, on Wi-Fi. Validity starts when it first connects in the UK, not when you install it.
Yes. Debit and credit cards from the UAE and most other countries are accepted, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay. Your bank may ask you to confirm the payment.
Any eSIM-capable phone that is not locked to a network, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer and most recent Samsung Galaxy models. Check yours on our compatibility page. See the full list.
For most trips a 5GB to 10GB data eSIM valid for 30 days is the right size: Slashtel's 5GB plan for the UK is $5.59 on O2, Vodafone and 3. That is about 53% less than the major eSIM brands charge for 10GB over 30 days (around $19.00, checked September 2026). Install it before you fly, keep your home SIM on for calls and bank texts, and top up the same eSIM if you run low.
If your phone supports eSIM, an eSIM is simpler than a local SIM card: nothing to collect at the airport, no passport registration, and your home SIM stays in the phone for calls and OTP texts. A physical SIM only makes sense for long stays where you need a local phone number.