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Buying sim cards

Posted by (Maine) on

The last time we were in England we bought SIM cards at the airport. We were tired and distracted when we landed and didn’t get the coverage that we wanted. So this time we’d like to buy them here in the US and be all set when we get off the plane. As a couple who will be together most of the time we just want the ability to talk and text each other when we separate. We will be in England about three weeks and don’t anticipate calling anyone in the states. Can anyone give us some information on buying SIM cards, where to buy and how to top it up if we run low while abroad.

Posted by
1891 posts

If you really need to get this set up before you go then giffgaff may work for you. I believe they still ship physical SIM cards overseas. Scroll down on the link to the pay as you go plans. It looks like they still offer free roaming to the EU too.

https://www.giffgaff.com/sim-only-deals

I don’t need service right upon landing so I wait until I’m in town to buy a plan. In my case (London) has many EE and Vodafone shops to get me set up. Better selection in London vs what I’ve seen at heathrow..

Posted by
3512 posts

I also recommend GiffGaff.
I did activate mine here at home , but just briefly; and removed it from my phone till I was landing in London.
I put the sim back in my phone before the plane landed and it was working as soon as we hit the tarmac.

Posted by
589 posts

Another vote for Giffgaff, and yes, you can activate it before you leave - I travel to the UK a fair bit, and just keep it active but not on a plan when I'm not there.

And yes, they do offer EU roaming - works fine for me in France.

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