London has excellent mobile phone signal for data and calls across all networks. However, data access can be very expensive for international visitors, so you are best sticking to Wi-Fi hotspots. Here is our list of where you can in London you can get free Wi-Fi access.
Most hotels include unlimited Wi-Fi in the cost of your room. When out and about, many restaurants also provide this for their diners. McDonald’s and Starbucks provide free Wi-Fi access at their locations. If you happen to walk past an Apple Store, you can use their Wi-Fi too. Many coffee shops and restaurants also provide free Wi-Fi, although you may have to ask for an access code or register your details.
The City of London area is covered with free street-wide Wi-Fi almost everywhere too.
Virgin Media provides free Wi-Fi on the tube at stations and platforms for some UK mobile phone users; there are also paid access passes available. Many public libraries and museums also provide free access.
Important: Remember that you will need plug adapters that work in the UK. These are NOT the same as in the rest of Europe. The UK uses a three-pronged design, as opposed to continental Europe’s two prongs.
Also, be sure to check the voltage of your devices before bringing them. The UK runs on 230-240V unlike some regions’ 100V (e.g. the US), so you will need a power inverter for some items. If you plug in the 100V items directly with an adapter but without an inverter, they will likely burn or blow.
Many items are now able to be connected without an inverter and simply require an adapter. Check the power brick of your appliance and make sure it supports either 230V or 240V. Continental European items usually run on 230V, so an adapter is required for these but not a power inverter.