Can I use a different SIM card in my US iPhone 11 while traveling in the UK?

merry249 wrote:

I'm not a techie person - is there something I can do other that buy a burner phone when I'm over there?

You may be able to install a local SIM card and remove your AT&T SIM card if your iPhone is unlocked or even add an eSim from a local carrier and turn off your physical sim card.

Check Settings ➜ General ➜ About ➜ Carrier Lock.

If it says "No Sim Restrictions" then you can install a local sim or setup an eSim.

I'm sort of "stuck" with ATT because I save a lot of money being part of a relative's Friends and Family plan.

If I CAN install a sim card while I'm in the UK, how do I do that?

You eject the SIM card from the side, by inserting a sim removal tool or a straightened paper clip in the tiny hole there.

I'm a senior citizen/dinosaur, and have never opened the back of my iPhone.

You don't need to open the back at all.

Was the ATT rep lying to me?

Yup.

click here ➜ Remove or switch the SIM card in your iPhone - Apple Support

click here ➜ About eSIM on iPhone - Apple Support

Do note however, that when using a local sim card, you will get a local number, so messages and calls to your AT&T number will not arrive at your iPhone unless your contacts call you or message you at that local number.

You're welcome. Glad I could help.

Hi yes you can

Further sleuthing shows that ATT sells ESIM cards through ATT, Walmart, etc

eSIM is not a "card". It is software, so I assume that you meant to say SIM cards, correct?

But.....if you place an ATT SIM card in your phone, it is only going to work on an ATT network. The chances that you can find an ATT network in the UK are about zero.

Things would be much less complicated if you forget about adding another SIM card and simply sign up for ATT's International option. It will cost a bit more, but your time is worth something and you will be spending a lot of it talking to various other carriers in the UK to try to figure out what plan will work.

Most carriers will have a minimum time requirement to use their service. If you are only going to be in the UK for a week or so, it will be a waste to pay for the minimum one month of service that most will demand.