Simcard Question- UK

Posted by jaeson1992 (Los Angeles) on 02/09/16 12:54 PM

Greetings again,

Quick question- what is the best place/company to get a sim card from? I'll be in the UK for 18 days, there are two phones I need to purchase one for.. (and yes they are unlocked on the right band--- in case anyone asks).

I'd prefer to get the sim card ahead of time. It will mainly be used for calling places throughout the UK- and possibly the USA a few times (for short 10 minute or less calls), and also each other (phone to phone). I'd say each phone probably could use 500-1000 minutes on it.

I'm willing to pay around $50 per simcard if i can get it ahead of time. Does anyone know of a company that is reliable that sells them?

If not ahead of time, can you purchase them in the airport--- I hate sim card fishing to be honest.. I did it in Asia and it was a chore of bargain hunting.

Posted by Nigel

Northamptonshire, England

02/09/16 01:05 PM

32700 posts

The main providers all have many many high street shops where the sims are available, and all supermarkets and most corner stores.
O2
EE
Vodafone
3

Carphone Warehouse is the main so called independent provider,
In any shopping centre or high street you can't walk for tripping over these places.

Many corner shops sell Labara who is a very large international sim provider.

Tesco supermarket sell GiffGaff sims which piggybacks on O2.

A google of those terms will yield information about costs and capacities.

As far as getting one ahead - I have no clue. Same for the question if there is an outlet in whichever airport you will be landing in. I expect so, but likely third party, but maybe. What you can do is figure which of the providers has what you want then google a map of whichever airport and see what it says.

Posted by Miranda

Central Indiana, USA

02/09/16 01:08 PM

357 posts

It's and less hassle for me to go to carphone warehouse, tell them what my needs are no then they suggest the best card for me. I don't know if it's cheaper or less convenient than using the vending machines at the airport or ordering online, but I know it works when I leave the store. You can also go to the individual store like 3 and Vodaphone, or even the grocery stores and see what they offer.

Posted by harleydonski

Hampshire, England.

02/09/16 04:50 PM

1069 posts

It's been reported on other travel sites that buying at the airport is the worst option, generally overpriced and you still have to add airtime to them.

Posted by T.

Seattle, WA, US

02/09/16 05:49 PM

1005 posts

I agree that Carphone Warehouse in the UK is the best place to buy a SIM card. I bought one at a store in York last September and they had just what I wanted (Lebara--which seems to have the best rates). These stores are all over the UK--just look up the nearest location on their website. Chances are slim that you can buy them ahead of time if you want a UK number unless you want to pay a premium for "international" SIM cards. I wouldn't bother and just get one there.

Posted by richard

Yorkshire

02/10/16 08:04 AM

1198 posts

I have sent you a Private message,may be able to help.
Whichever route you go,if your phone has a glitch getting the data to work Carphonewarehouse have a geek desk where they will fix it for £5 ,even for SIMS they have not sold to you