ricko

I'm new to mobile phones, and I've still a lot to learn.
On arrival in Portugal, I expect a mobile would be essential in finding an apartment
to act as a base for the first few months.
An online search suggested that a local address is required to get a mobile contract, so I'd
welcome any advice on the best way to get mobile service.

dingg

Just use your uk mobile until you get established.
probably need to set phone up for roaming and select which network your provider lets you use when abroard.
I'm not the best with phones but managed ok.
Good luck

coleio

Hi,

I just got a cheap secondhand unlocked LG phone from an internet auction site beforehand then bought a pay-as-you-go sim for cash from Vodafone Oporto airport on arrival using passport as I/d. Most big supermarket complexes seem to have mobile phone shops and sims, also there are phones which have space for more then one sim so duel or tripple setup is possible. Other mobile phone makes and sim card providers are available.

ricko

Would that not mean that each call to a Portuguese number incurs an International charge?

So you do not have to provide a local address, but a photo ID instead?

coleio

They didn't seem to be interested in anything but the I/D and money, maybe it's all like asking someone else to pick up a 20 euro pay-as-you-go sim for you when they pop out for a case of SuperBock from the local supermarket.

I expect if it were a monthly account and direct debit then an I/D address, bank and NIF would all need to match

ricko

I got my first monthly SIM in the UK earlier this year, and don't remember having to provide such information then.
Do you know why they make it so difficult in Portugal?

I

coleio

Official things here do suffer from "variable administration" where the rules may be interpreted differently by different people BUT most official things ie non-hoilday rental agreements or on-going contracts (electricity, phone, golf clubs etc.) will require NIF tax code Numero fiscal de contribuinte and I/D which identify the person and their administration details and a bank account for this person who has signed the contract for their Direct Debit type payments. If you signed contract for an ongoing monthly SIM in the UK then I/D it treated differently as there is no I/D card linked to tax code in operation.

nigel.b

Another option is to arrive with an unlocked phone and get a PAYG Lycamobile chip with no contract. They're available at many small shops. Downside: no technical help to get things set up - stick the chip in youself.

RichardHenshall

While a 'foreign' mobile with 'roam like at home' features is easy, it will be expensive for anyone using a Portuguese phone to call you as, for them, it's an international call.

ricko

Thanks to all for the replies.
It seems that a PAYG SIM would be the simplest solution.

In that case, am I right in thinking that any financial contract would require me to show my passeport and NIF?