Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 6
Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
We move to Vancouver next month and I am looking for a decent UK PayAsYouGo or cost effective contract so that I can receive calls on my UK number whilst we are in Canada.
Is this the best way to go about this?
It's because I am a private landlord in the UK and I get calls now and again from agent/tenants and I need to be able to pick up calls and/or voicemails.
Am I going about this the right way?
Is there a better way?
Thanks, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Is this the best way to go about this?
It's because I am a private landlord in the UK and I get calls now and again from agent/tenants and I need to be able to pick up calls and/or voicemails.
Am I going about this the right way?
Is there a better way?
Thanks, any help would be greatly appreciated.
#2
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
You would need to have your UK number redirected to a Canadian number. A UK number is not going to work in Canada. I doubt it will be inexpensive.
#3
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
Welcome to BE!
Something like this perhaps?
https://www.aitelephone.com/call-for...uk-number.html
https://www.aitelephone.com/callforw...-it-works.html
Something like this perhaps?
https://www.aitelephone.com/call-for...uk-number.html
https://www.aitelephone.com/callforw...-it-works.html
Last edited by Siouxie; Dec 13th 2018 at 10:57 pm.
#4
Phaedrus by Plato (not5)
Joined: May 2017
Location: Vernon, BC
Posts: 206
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
I was with EE in the UK and my number worked just fine when I was in Canada and I think there was a roaming package that you pay abit extra each month and the Americas were included in the european roaming that meant no extra fees for receiving calls. Often calling out is expensive but receiving should be ok. Its been a while, but check with EE.
Otherwise just use email - you will be 8 hours out in time difference which might make it a nuissance.....
Otherwise just use email - you will be 8 hours out in time difference which might make it a nuissance.....
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 72
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
I’ll be moving to Canada in April and I’m in a similar position whereby i’ll Continue my small online business and may receive occasional calls. I’ve been looking into getting a Skype number which Will enable me to take calls on my Canadian mobile using Data/internet which could be a more cost effective option.
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2016
Location: Newcastle, UK
Posts: 55
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
Any UK number will very much work in Vancouver. 3 were doing a package last year that included international calls within your tarriff.
#7
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
But in any event, Canada isn't included in the list of countries for the 'as at home' roaming with Three, so would need to be paid for separately - Go Roam | Roaming free of charge in 71 destinations | Three
HTH.
#8
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 6
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
Thanks for all the feedback guys,
A bit of background around too, I had various web chats with Three, Vodafone, EE about if my UK Sim would roam in Canada and they all came back saying yes, but up to X days, then you would have to use it back in the UK, to then use it in Canada.
3 months feels like the common cut off!
In the end I discovered a virtual phone provider.
Now - for those of you reading who want to do a similar think as me, checkout virtualphone.com they have a free service offering to give you a FREE UK mobile number, that refreshes every month. Or you can purchase a fixed number for a small fee.
This is OK, but still not quite what I wanted.
What I really wanted to do is PORT my UK number to a virtual phone provider, and be able to receive SMS so that I can continue using my Online Banking at various banks in the UK.
The solution I found was with Andrews & Arnold Ltd
They offered me a way to PORT my number to them as a virtual number.
What I did was get my PAC from existing provider and then place an order with AA.
I then downloaded a free SIP app off google play (there are loads out there) and then connected to AA's server with my credentials.
It took about a day for the porting to happen and I now can receive/make calls from my mobile over the SIP app.
I also have options to get a physical sip phone and sip apps on my laptop/desktop if I want to.
Anyway, for now, I tested an SMS from my wifes phone and it goes through to my email, which I pick up on my smartphone email client.
It's BLOWN my mind how slick the experience is.
ALL incoming SMS/Calls are FREE (well I say free, inclusive in the plan) and outgoing calls to the UK are 4ppm.
Ok, so now for the prices.
Number Port In, £3.60
Monthly Charges, £1.20 for the Tin/Bronze package.
So I estimate an annual bill of £12 assuming I don't make any calls out.
If I make calls out then it's added to my monthly and then taken out on Direct Debit.
The end user experience is flawless, my wife sees my number come up when I call from the SIP app, etc, etc.
It's AMAZING.
I just HOPE it WORKS IN CANADA when I get there!!!!
A bit of background around too, I had various web chats with Three, Vodafone, EE about if my UK Sim would roam in Canada and they all came back saying yes, but up to X days, then you would have to use it back in the UK, to then use it in Canada.
3 months feels like the common cut off!
In the end I discovered a virtual phone provider.
Now - for those of you reading who want to do a similar think as me, checkout virtualphone.com they have a free service offering to give you a FREE UK mobile number, that refreshes every month. Or you can purchase a fixed number for a small fee.
This is OK, but still not quite what I wanted.
What I really wanted to do is PORT my UK number to a virtual phone provider, and be able to receive SMS so that I can continue using my Online Banking at various banks in the UK.
The solution I found was with Andrews & Arnold Ltd
They offered me a way to PORT my number to them as a virtual number.
What I did was get my PAC from existing provider and then place an order with AA.
I then downloaded a free SIP app off google play (there are loads out there) and then connected to AA's server with my credentials.
It took about a day for the porting to happen and I now can receive/make calls from my mobile over the SIP app.
I also have options to get a physical sip phone and sip apps on my laptop/desktop if I want to.
Anyway, for now, I tested an SMS from my wifes phone and it goes through to my email, which I pick up on my smartphone email client.
It's BLOWN my mind how slick the experience is.
ALL incoming SMS/Calls are FREE (well I say free, inclusive in the plan) and outgoing calls to the UK are 4ppm.
Ok, so now for the prices.
Number Port In, £3.60
Monthly Charges, £1.20 for the Tin/Bronze package.
So I estimate an annual bill of £12 assuming I don't make any calls out.
If I make calls out then it's added to my monthly and then taken out on Direct Debit.
The end user experience is flawless, my wife sees my number come up when I call from the SIP app, etc, etc.
It's AMAZING.
I just HOPE it WORKS IN CANADA when I get there!!!!
#9
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
Thanks for all the feedback guys,
A bit of background around too, I had various web chats with Three, Vodafone, EE about if my UK Sim would roam in Canada and they all came back saying yes, but up to X days, then you would have to use it back in the UK, to then use it in Canada.
3 months feels like the common cut off!
In the end I discovered a virtual phone provider.
Now - for those of you reading who want to do a similar think as me, checkout virtualphone.com they have a free service offering to give you a FREE UK mobile number, that refreshes every month. Or you can purchase a fixed number for a small fee.
This is OK, but still not quite what I wanted.
What I really wanted to do is PORT my UK number to a virtual phone provider, and be able to receive SMS so that I can continue using my Online Banking at various banks in the UK.
The solution I found was with Andrews & Arnold Ltd
They offered me a way to PORT my number to them as a virtual number.
What I did was get my PAC from existing provider and then place an order with AA.
I then downloaded a free SIP app off google play (there are loads out there) and then connected to AA's server with my credentials.
It took about a day for the porting to happen and I now can receive/make calls from my mobile over the SIP app.
I also have options to get a physical sip phone and sip apps on my laptop/desktop if I want to.
Anyway, for now, I tested an SMS from my wifes phone and it goes through to my email, which I pick up on my smartphone email client.
It's BLOWN my mind how slick the experience is.
ALL incoming SMS/Calls are FREE (well I say free, inclusive in the plan) and outgoing calls to the UK are 4ppm.
Ok, so now for the prices.
Number Port In, £3.60
Monthly Charges, £1.20 for the Tin/Bronze package.
So I estimate an annual bill of £12 assuming I don't make any calls out.
If I make calls out then it's added to my monthly and then taken out on Direct Debit.
The end user experience is flawless, my wife sees my number come up when I call from the SIP app, etc, etc.
It's AMAZING.
I just HOPE it WORKS IN CANADA when I get there!!!!
A bit of background around too, I had various web chats with Three, Vodafone, EE about if my UK Sim would roam in Canada and they all came back saying yes, but up to X days, then you would have to use it back in the UK, to then use it in Canada.
3 months feels like the common cut off!
In the end I discovered a virtual phone provider.
Now - for those of you reading who want to do a similar think as me, checkout virtualphone.com they have a free service offering to give you a FREE UK mobile number, that refreshes every month. Or you can purchase a fixed number for a small fee.
This is OK, but still not quite what I wanted.
What I really wanted to do is PORT my UK number to a virtual phone provider, and be able to receive SMS so that I can continue using my Online Banking at various banks in the UK.
The solution I found was with Andrews & Arnold Ltd
They offered me a way to PORT my number to them as a virtual number.
What I did was get my PAC from existing provider and then place an order with AA.
I then downloaded a free SIP app off google play (there are loads out there) and then connected to AA's server with my credentials.
It took about a day for the porting to happen and I now can receive/make calls from my mobile over the SIP app.
I also have options to get a physical sip phone and sip apps on my laptop/desktop if I want to.
Anyway, for now, I tested an SMS from my wifes phone and it goes through to my email, which I pick up on my smartphone email client.
It's BLOWN my mind how slick the experience is.
ALL incoming SMS/Calls are FREE (well I say free, inclusive in the plan) and outgoing calls to the UK are 4ppm.
Ok, so now for the prices.
Number Port In, £3.60
Monthly Charges, £1.20 for the Tin/Bronze package.
So I estimate an annual bill of £12 assuming I don't make any calls out.
If I make calls out then it's added to my monthly and then taken out on Direct Debit.
The end user experience is flawless, my wife sees my number come up when I call from the SIP app, etc, etc.
It's AMAZING.
I just HOPE it WORKS IN CANADA when I get there!!!!
The link I gave you in post 3 did the same thing - you could have ported your number with them too.
https://www.aitelephone.com/callforw...istration.html
Hope it works out well for you
Last edited by Siouxie; Dec 19th 2018 at 1:34 am.
#10
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 6
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
aitelephone looks amazing as a product but the monthly was more than a&a so I went with a&a in the end.
many thanks again, I-am-so-happy!
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Picton, ON
Posts: 194
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
This all seems terribly complicated... I just use a Tesco PAYG sim in my dual-sim phone. Perfect for receiving the odd call or text...
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Maple Ridge, Super Natural British Columbia
Posts: 2,071
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
UK Sim cards work fine, although call charges are expensive.
My recommendation would be to get a UK geographical Skype number (they're free) and install Skype on your cell phone.
As long as you leave Skype running and logged in in the background (like any App), your phone will ring just like a normal call, using your data or wifi.
People phoning you will pay standard UK call charges (if they're on a contract it will cost them nothing) and you can phone UK number for a few pence per minute.
I do this all the time - my relatives in the UK have my 'UK' Skype number and call me on that. Call quality is just the same as any other call - sometimes better.
I top up my Skype account when it runs low - 10 quid lasts me about 2 years..
My recommendation would be to get a UK geographical Skype number (they're free) and install Skype on your cell phone.
As long as you leave Skype running and logged in in the background (like any App), your phone will ring just like a normal call, using your data or wifi.
People phoning you will pay standard UK call charges (if they're on a contract it will cost them nothing) and you can phone UK number for a few pence per minute.
I do this all the time - my relatives in the UK have my 'UK' Skype number and call me on that. Call quality is just the same as any other call - sometimes better.
I top up my Skype account when it runs low - 10 quid lasts me about 2 years..
#13
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
For reference, I am on what EE now describe as a legacy package where I get 12GB Data, Unlimited calls and texts for £20. Included with this is global roaming at no extra charge for calls, texts or data.
I went to Vancouver in September and I was staggered at actually just how good it was. Speed was good, coverage was better than home and no issues with calls or texts
My phone has a dual SIM tray so I'll be getting a canadian pre-pay sim and keeping the EE contract live for the entire time I'm there on an IEC (if I get an invite of course!).
I went to Vancouver in September and I was staggered at actually just how good it was. Speed was good, coverage was better than home and no issues with calls or texts
My phone has a dual SIM tray so I'll be getting a canadian pre-pay sim and keeping the EE contract live for the entire time I'm there on an IEC (if I get an invite of course!).
#14
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 6
Re: Using my UK mobile number in Vancouver, BC
For reference, I am on what EE now describe as a legacy package where I get 12GB Data, Unlimited calls and texts for £20. Included with this is global roaming at no extra charge for calls, texts or data.
I went to Vancouver in September and I was staggered at actually just how good it was. Speed was good, coverage was better than home and no issues with calls or texts
My phone has a dual SIM tray so I'll be getting a canadian pre-pay sim and keeping the EE contract live for the entire time I'm there on an IEC (if I get an invite of course!).
I went to Vancouver in September and I was staggered at actually just how good it was. Speed was good, coverage was better than home and no issues with calls or texts
My phone has a dual SIM tray so I'll be getting a canadian pre-pay sim and keeping the EE contract live for the entire time I'm there on an IEC (if I get an invite of course!).
Thank you for sharing.
I had a look at they have a 25gb sim only deal on at £20 per month, 12 months . Then the go further add on is £10 per month. So total for 25gb is £30 / $51 CAD.
I'm going to look around but I think it might be tricky for me to find a deal with that much data for that price in Canada.... There is some small print around 15gb fair usage. I may not be able to use the full 25tb abroad. So it's s case of seeing if I can get 15gb competitively for less than $51 .
I have a dual SIM handest too.
so many options.