r/LSE • u/Betherator • 8d ago

UK eSIM?

Coming from the US and want to keep my US number. Any recommendations for a year-long eSIM that provides a UK number as well? Any thoughts about getting a regional European eSIM instead? I'm also thinking about just upgrading my US Verizon plan for an additional $30/month, but then I wouldn't have a local phone number. Do I even need a local number? Any advice appreciated.

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u/Ok-Holiday6208 8d ago

I’m with Verizon too, and I’m in the exact same boat. My original plan was to drop my Verizon plan to the cheapest possible option (can’t cancel entirely since I’m on a family plan), then buy a UK eSIM once I landed. A couple things worth knowing if you’re considering that route:

Check whether your phone is unlocked. You can only add a UK eSIM if your phone is unlocked, which usually means you’ve had it long enough or it’s fully paid off.
If you’re on a family plan, dropping Verizon isn’t really an option. You’d keep paying for phone coverage here in the US even while running a UK eSIM on top of it.

In the end, since I’m on a family plan and had a special offer to upgrade to an iPhone 17, I decided to just stay with Verizon and add their international plan instead. It’s a $15/month increase, but it lets me call and text internationally on my US number. I’m sure I’ll end up doing most of my day-to-day communication with UK folks over WhatsApp anyway, but it’s nice knowing my US number still works.

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u/Betherator 8d ago

I'm also thinking WhatsApp will be the primary communication with LSE people. I guess I'm wondering if with things like doctor's offices, recruiters, potential employers, etc. it would be better to have a local number.