Any suggestions as to the best pay as you go cell phone service/plan for use in England? My daughter will be studying there this summer and needs use of a cell phone while there. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Tuscaloosa, AL
1152 posts
I'm not sure that it makes much difference. Competition between the carriers (o2, Orange, T-Mobile, Three, Virgin, and Vodafone) probably keeps their rates very close to each other. Just have your daughter go to one of the countless cell phone shops when she gets there and buy a pay as you go phone she likes. (Or if she's bringing her own unlocked GSM phone with the necessary frequencies, she just needs to get a SIM card. Some of the companies will give her a free SIM in exchange for loading the account with a small amount of money.)
I use a T-Mobile U.K. SIM. I've also used Vodafone. Both worked equally well.
To call her cheaply, you can get some credit on one of the VOIP accounts (such as Skype). You call from your computer, or from a local number, that can then connect you with her U.K. number. I'm pretty sure that incoming calls, even International ones, are free to her.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
If your daughter goes into somewhere like the Carphone Warehouse, stores all over the UK, she will be able to discuss her PAYG needs with them. Their website might be of some use now, she can have a look at what is generally available before she goes.
Posted by
Yorkshire, UK
264 posts
I have found that the best for my needs is the mobileworld plan through Carphone Warehouse.
The rate in the UK is competitive. But where it sets itself apart is a 5p/min rate to the USA be it a mobile or land line.
I actually call family in the states for cheaper than I do a mate in the UK.
Posted by
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
If she is studying there, have her check now to see if the university has a negotiated plan. Many in Europe do for foreign students do and the rates are much better and phones are usually included.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
I have Virgin Mobile, but I've been thinking of switching to Orange. They have a great plan to the states, and its payg.
I think the best way for her to call home, though, is skype. Its free skype to skype, and all she needs is a computer. I bring my netbook which comes with a web cam and the skype software is preloaded.