Using Boost Mobile service in England and Scotland

Posted by HJC on 06/09/25 03:55 PM

I am traveling to England and Scotland in 3 weeks. I currently have cell phone service through Boost Mobile. They have an international plan I can add on for a month which includes coverage in the UK, but I'm wondering whether anyone has done this before and if you found it reliable during your trip?

I would prefer not to have to change my phone service or fiddle with a SIM card when I arrive in the UK, but want to be sure I'm going to have decently reliable service. I expect to be both in cities and rural areas.... London, Oxford, Yorkshire Dales, Edinburgh, Dundee, Inverness, and some other places in the Scottish highlands and islands.

I also have Whats App which I can use as well as cell service/wifi while traveling.

Posted by travelerguy

West Michigan

06/09/25 05:09 PM

371 posts

The big question is, what carriers do they use in the U.K. Sometimes their website will say, sometimes they don't. If you search for "Boost Mobile carrier in England", you might find out.

Posted by shoeflyer

Chicago

06/10/25 09:03 AM

901 posts

This may be a useless comment, but be sure that your phone supports
service in the UK. I'm talking from a radio frequency standpoint.

Depending on the cost of the Boost Mobile plan and the above, buying a cheap
burner phone + Sim card might be an option.

Posted by HJC OP

06/10/25 02:22 PM

3 posts

Here's what I've found out so far: Boost Mobile offers a Global Roaming plan. It's $20 for a month for 1 GB. I'll only be traveling for 2 weeks, and I can add additional data for $10 per GB.

I don't know what local networks Boost uses in the UK, but both England and Scotland are listed on their website as countries that are covered under the Global Roaming plan.

In terms of the frequencies, I don't know anything about that - but if the phone I have is compatible with Boost Mobile, and Boost says their service works in the UK, I'm assuming I'm ok?

If the service ends up being too iffy, I'm thinking I could always get a burner phone or UK SIM card once I'm overseas? My phone is unlocked. For those who know more, wondering if that makes sense as a plan?

Posted by shoeflyer

Chicago

06/10/25 07:26 PM

901 posts

OP, it's not a slam dunk that your phone working with Boost in the US means it will
work in the UK. The frequencies used are different, and especially if your phone
is older, then you're wise to confirm it is supported in the UK. I would think that the
local Boost store could check it for you.

I used to know this stuff having worked in the industry, but it's been a while.

Sidebar, 1 GB is not that much data depending on what you intend to do while you're
there. Maps, directions, restaurant reviews, no problem. Streaming videos a lot might
get close depending on how long you plan to be there for.