Communication & Connectivity

Before traveling, check with your carrier about international plans or roaming fees. While carrier plans are often the most convenient, they are typically the most expensive. For example, Verizon’s TravelPass ($12 per day) allows you to use data and make local phone calls with your existing number. However, keep in mind that people in the UK may hesitate to call you back, as it would be an international call.

A SIM card (a physical card) or an eSIM (a digital alternative) can be a more affordable option for local calls and data.

• SIM Cards: These is inserted into your phone and can be purchased before you leave (Amazon options here). You can also buy SIM cards at most major airports—Heathrow has SIM-card vending machines in the baggage claim area, as well as retail stores selling them in the arrivals hall. Outside the airport, you can purchase SIM cards from major UK carriers such as Vodafone, EE, O2, or Three at their retail shops. A SIM card provides both data (internet) and a local phone number for calls.

• eSIMs: These are more convenient, as they are downloaded as apps before you leave home and activated on the plane just before you leave the US. However, most eSIMs are data-only, meaning they work for websites, Google Maps, and messaging apps (WhatsApp) but do not support traditional phone calls or may only include a small number of minutes (e.g., 20 minutes).

  This can be frustrating if you need to make frequent calls such as to local taxis or restaurants. Some eSIM providers do offer call-enabled plans, so check carefully. Follow the instructions carefully so that when you arrive, your phone automatically switches to the eSIM. It can be a little intimidating at first, you need to install the eSIM and turn off your primary line (your US number) and turn on the eSIM line.

For a 7-day visit, 2 GB of data is typically more than sufficient and costs around $7. My personal preference is Airalo. This option is well used and documented so there are plenty of videos to help you set it up.

A good introduction to using eSIMS can be found on this blog by Intentional Travelers, the post does focus on Asia but all the same principles and tips apply anywhere in the world. Click here to view

Note: Your phone must be unlocked and able to work with a eSIM, this will be the case for most newer phone. For an iPhone, go to

Settings > General > About

If "No SIM restrictions" is shown your phone is unlocked and you are good to go.

Messaging Apps

WhatsApp

If you have internet data access (such as with a SIM, eSIM card or carrier international service), WhatsApp works well for text and calls.

Google Voice

Although Google Voice has been around for over a decade, it remains relatively underused. However, for planning a trip to the UK and for use while traveling, it can be invaluable but you must have a Gmail account. Google Voice is FREE to set up. When you set up Google Voice, you will be assigned a new US telephone number. Important: The Google Voice number must be linked to an existing U.S. phone number for verification. And a Gmail account. Once set up, you can use it anywhere with Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Incoming calls can be forwarded to your linked U.S. number or sent to voicemail, with transcribed messages forwarded to your email. You can also assign certain numbers to be directed to your cell phone while the others sent to voicemail. Our Google voice numbers are 978 540 5075 and 978 412 0019.

Using Google Voice to call the UK from the US prior to your travel

Google Voice allows you to make international calls at very low rates—typically 1–2 cents per minute for calls to UK landlines but more expensive to call mobile/cell phones. Obviously this will save you a lot of money of you are making calls to the UK in preparation eg booking a golf round.

When dialing a UK number, you must include the country code (+44) and the area code (STD code) without the leading zero. For example, 01938 111234 would be dialed as +44 1938 111234. You can use Google Voice from a laptop from the list of apps on Google.com or with the Voice app on a smart phone. Obviously when traveling, the smartphone app will be more convenient so I suggest you download before you leave.

Using Google Voice while in the UK

You can make calls or send text messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data using the full international number as if you are in the US again using the app or on a laptop. If you do need to make calls back to the US, this could be invaluable.

Note: People in the UK calling or texting your Google Voice number will be making an international call so they might hesitate.

Google Voice does not support UK emergency numbers (e.g., 999,112).

Electronics and Electrical

Voltage & Adapters

The UK uses 240V, and you will need a Type G adapter, but if you plan to visit other parts of Europe, a universal adapter may be a better choice.

• A highly recommended universal adapter is the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter (recommended by Wirecutter).

• If you only need an adapter for the UK and Ireland, the Anker International Plug Adapter is a great choice—it includes 2 USB-C ports and 1 USB-A port for charging multiple devices.

• Depending on your adapter, you may need a USB wall plug adapter (like the power brick you use to plug into U.S. outlets)

Charging Phones & Devices

• Smartphones, Kindles, laptops, and iPads - these work with dual voltages (110V/230V), you do not need a voltage converter—just an adapter.

• If you have multiple devices, consider bringing a multi-port USB charger to avoid a nighttime charging bottleneck with just one adapter.

Hair Dryers & Other Devices

• Do not bring a standard U.S. hairdryer—it will not work and could burn out unless it’s dual-voltage (220/110V).

Battery Pack for Phones

• You will likely use your cell phone a lot—for navigation, taking photos, looking up restaurants, and reading reviews—so keeping it charged is crucial.

• A portable battery pack is a smart travel essential. The Belkin Portable Charger (recommended by Wirecutter) strikes a good balance between capacity and portability. Please note: Battery packs that use Lithium (most do) cannot be packed in checked luggage as Lithium must also be visible on planes.