What is the best SIM card provider to keep a phone number while living abroad?
Mar 11th 2023, 7:07 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 7
What is the best SIM card provider to keep a phone number while living abroad?
Hi,
I will be moving abroad soon and need to keep my UK phone number active for a couple of years.
What is the most convenient way to do this?
I currently have Smarty which confirmed I need to buy 1 plan every 6 months. Their cheapest plan is £5 so it would cost me £20 in 2 years (double it to keep my partner's number too).
Is there a SIM provider that would allow me to keep my number active for cheaper?
I think with GiffGaff I only need to spend 30p every 6 months to keep the number active, anyone did this successfully? Any alternative suggestions?
I will be moving abroad soon and need to keep my UK phone number active for a couple of years.
What is the most convenient way to do this?
I currently have Smarty which confirmed I need to buy 1 plan every 6 months. Their cheapest plan is £5 so it would cost me £20 in 2 years (double it to keep my partner's number too).
Is there a SIM provider that would allow me to keep my number active for cheaper?
I think with GiffGaff I only need to spend 30p every 6 months to keep the number active, anyone did this successfully? Any alternative suggestions?
Mar 12th 2023, 3:48 pm
#2
dah diddly dah
Joined: Jan 2015
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 155
Re: What is the best SIM card provider to keep a phone number while living abroa
Hi,
I will be moving abroad soon and need to keep my UK phone number active for a couple of years.
What is the most convenient way to do this?
I currently have Smarty which confirmed I need to buy 1 plan every 6 months. Their cheapest plan is £5 so it would cost me £20 in 2 years (double it to keep my partner's number too).
Is there a SIM provider that would allow me to keep my number active for cheaper?
I think with GiffGaff I only need to spend 30p every 6 months to keep the number active, anyone did this successfully? Any alternative suggestions?
I will be moving abroad soon and need to keep my UK phone number active for a couple of years.
What is the most convenient way to do this?
I currently have Smarty which confirmed I need to buy 1 plan every 6 months. Their cheapest plan is £5 so it would cost me £20 in 2 years (double it to keep my partner's number too).
Is there a SIM provider that would allow me to keep my number active for cheaper?
I think with GiffGaff I only need to spend 30p every 6 months to keep the number active, anyone did this successfully? Any alternative suggestions?
Apr 18th 2023, 7:49 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Hamilton, ON
Posts: 185
Re: What is the best SIM card provider to keep a phone number while living abroa
You don't have to keep topping up with Giffgaff - but you do need to keep the account alive with a text. We (mum and I) seem to get a reminder to do so within 12 months of the last text. It seems that others (perhaps more recent account holders - I've been with them for >15 years) get asked to do so every 6 months.
If you want a geographic (i.e. non-mobile) UK number kept alive, consider porting it to voip.ms - that'll be the cheapest option.
If you want a geographic (i.e. non-mobile) UK number kept alive, consider porting it to voip.ms - that'll be the cheapest option.
Apr 18th 2023, 9:43 pm
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2023
Location: Montreal, QC
Posts: 41
Re: What is the best SIM card provider to keep a phone number while living abroa
Yeah my UK contract is ending soon and want to keep my UK number before the move to Canada as we will be back and forth every so often. Giffgaff could be a shout! 
But looking at their PAYG offerings....
"Pay as you go plans - These plans will last a single month giving you absolute freedom and flexibility. Once the plan ends, you'll need to hop online to choose your next one."
https://www.giffgaff.com/sim-only-deals
On the customer support pages, does state what others have posted though.
https://community.giffgaff.com/d/217...ay-as-you-go/2
But looking at their PAYG offerings....
"Pay as you go plans - These plans will last a single month giving you absolute freedom and flexibility. Once the plan ends, you'll need to hop online to choose your next one."
https://www.giffgaff.com/sim-only-deals
On the customer support pages, does state what others have posted though.
https://community.giffgaff.com/d/217...ay-as-you-go/2
Last edited by ribblerider; Apr 18th 2023 at 10:11 pm.
Apr 19th 2023, 12:17 pm
#5
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 525
Re: What is the best SIM card provider to keep a phone number while living abroa
Make a site search - I've seen several threads on this topic with good suggestions. Be aware that providers and their packages change regularly, though. Also, check that the provider you choose will work in your location as they don't all work everywhere.
I had a Labara had a payg sim that had to used every 3 months or so to keep it active (e.g. send a text to your local number), and could be topped up online, although I don't know if it's the same now.
I had a Labara had a payg sim that had to used every 3 months or so to keep it active (e.g. send a text to your local number), and could be topped up online, although I don't know if it's the same now.
Apr 19th 2023, 12:38 pm
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2023
Location: Montreal, QC
Posts: 41
Re: What is the best SIM card provider to keep a phone number while living abroa
Make a site search - I've seen several threads on this topic with good suggestions. Be aware that providers and their packages change regularly, though. Also, check that the provider you choose will work in your location as they don't all work everywhere.
I had a Labara had a payg sim that had to used every 3 months or so to keep it active (e.g. send a text to your local number), and could be topped up online, although I don't know if it's the same now.
I had a Labara had a payg sim that had to used every 3 months or so to keep it active (e.g. send a text to your local number), and could be topped up online, although I don't know if it's the same now.
Yes Giff Gaff do cover Canada. So to send the odd 30p text shouldnt be an issue.
https://community.giffgaff.com/d/216...hone-in-canada
