If you’re planning on travelling to the UK or the Republic of Ireland, you may be wondering how you’ll stay connected during your trip. Not only is consistent mobile access helpful for navigation and bookings, but it’s also a great way to share your journey with loved ones back home. However, with so many SIM card options to choose from, you may be uncertain about where to start.
With a bit of forward planning, staying connected during your UK road trip should be stress-free and simple. In this guide, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of using a mobile phone during international travel, covering everything from data roaming charges to coverage in rural areas of the UK. This way, you can focus on planning your ideal UK road trip, knowing that you’ll always be connected along the way.
using your own sim card – roaming & charges
We know that some of our clients prefer to stick with their current SIM card during their trip. Should you decide to do this, it’s worth knowing how mobile data works for UK travel. A bit of technical preparation will allow you to sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the experience of your Celtic tour.
UK mobile networks use 4G/5G and GSM, which are compatible with most modern smartphones. As data roaming charges can vary depending on your mobile provider, we recommend checking the roaming options and costs before you set off on your travels. Mobile data charges for UK travel can get very high outside of inclusive plans, so it’s usually worth adding a travel pass or bolt-on if available.
You might also have heard of an eSIM, a type of digital SIM card that allows you to connect to local mobile networks without the need for a new physical SIM card. We’ll go into more detail on how these work later, but they’re a great option if you’d prefer to use your current SIM card during your trip.
buying a uk sim card
Another option you may not have considered is to purchase a UK SIM card for use throughout your trip. The benefits of using a local SIM card include:
- Lower costs for calls and data usage.
- Reliable coverage, which includes local networks.
- Greater flexibility in terms of SIM deals.
Purchasing a pay-as-you-go SIM card gives you the flexibility to pay for however much data you need without committing to a contract. Pay-as-you-go SIMs are usually available for purchase at the airport, high street stores or online in advance, and popular UK SIM providers and networks include EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three. When it comes to the best UK SIM cards for tourists, Lyca Mobile and Lebara Mobile are also popular choices.
An eSIM also provides similar advantages and works in nearly the same way as a physical SIM card, using pre-installed software on your mobile device instead of needing to be inserted. The great thing about an eSIM is that it can be set up in advance of your travel, so you can research and compare the best SIM card deals for UK visitors.
If you’re unsure where to start, we recommend browsing the online eSIM store Airalo. They have more than two hundred eSIMs options to choose from, including local eSIMS for the UK and Ireland.
wi-fi and offline access
In the UK and Ireland, free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and many public spaces. So if you ever have an issue with your mobile data connection, you should be able to find somewhere to gain easy access to the internet. However, it’s worth using a VPN such as Nord VPN to ensure your data is protected at all times.
We provide offline digital guides and maps in the Celtic Routes app, so you won’t lose access even if the signal drops in rural areas. However, we also suggest downloading Google Maps or your go-to navigation app for offline use to give you an extra sense of security.
coverage in rural areas
Some remote areas of the UK and Ireland, such as rural Wales, the Scottish Highlands, or the Irish coast, may have limited signal. Whilst these are some of the most captivating places to visit, with their vast landscapes, breathtaking scenery and historic landmarks, staying connected can be more of a challenge.
The best way to prepare to visit rural locations is by using offline navigation tools and downloading your key travel documents in advance. This way, should your signal suddenly drop, you’ll be able to continue your journey with no issues. With each of our Land Rovers, we’ll also provide a tablet that has the Celtic Routes travel app installed, giving you quick and easy offline access to your route and itinerary.
we’re here to keep you connected
When it comes to mobile phone roaming in the UK and Ireland, and purchasing the best SIM card for your trip, we understand that it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. However, with a little preparation, staying connected should be straightforward and easy.
We’re always here to help if you have any questions in advance of your trip – whether this be tech-related concerns, or anything else that crops up along the way. If it’s not covered in our FAQs, you can reach out to us by email or phone call to chat with a member of the Celtic Routes team.
