From a previous post, I see that there is a store in London with cheap phones. I'll be in London, and could pick something up, but wasn't sure of the plans etc...or if the phone could be 'rented'. What is the best (cheapest) way to get a phone (once in London, or before)? I don't plan to use it a lot, other than to do a bit of planning when wifi isn't available (calling places or contacts....not web surfing). it would be used for 3 weeks
thanks!
Would the plan to get just be a pay as you go? And then get 10 pounds....I assume then, that a 'top up' means I would go to the store? Or is it something that can be done remotely?
I don't have a GSM phone now...so just to play back what I am thinking: I assume I just need a GSM phone with the 1800 band, and any sim I get in the UK would work. Then I buy the SIM (some say Free with purchase of minutes, so I'd do that)...from the place you and I'm all set?
Rates aren't super cheap per minute, but I'm only planning on using it if I have no other choice or I can't use the internet.
Cheers
THanks!
You say "maybe Scotland". I use a different set-up, but when I turn mine on it shows whatever network it's decided to use. I always seem to see the same batch of networks on either island, so I can't imagine there would be a different sim requirement as you move through the UK. Maybe somebody else knows better?
Just ask the store assistant for a plan that would best suit you. I was in a Carphone Warehouse store a week ago and they had unlocked phones from £3 (!) to £5 and upwards if you bought £10 worth of PAYG airtime.
http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/pay-as-you-go/deal-finder?&dealType=PPAY&phonePrice=0:1000#
Any plan would cover all the countries in the UK
We got a free basic Nokia cell phone at an Orange store in London last fall when we bought 20 pounds worth of paygo time. The stores are all over and they had several different types of free phones when you bought pay as you go minutes, and, as I recall, you can "top up" your minutes at any Orange store, over the phone with a credit card or at a post office. It worked great in Scotland and Paris and we made a few calls back to the US as well. Their website is www.orange.co.uk
