Nutek

I have an iphone 3gs that I would like use whilst I am in the UK.

It is my old phone, so is currently out-of-contract (no service at all).

It is unlocked (by AT&T / Apple) so is not tied to a carrier.

I THINK all I need to do to use this in the UK is drop in a Pay-As-You-Go SIM card?

If this is correct, any suggestions where I would go to get one of these? Is it something i can do ahead of time whilst I am still in the US?

I would like to be able to make local (UK) phone calls, and be able to recieve email. Calls to / from the US would be nice as well, but not absolutely required.

captainsensible

giffgaff.com might be your best bet.

Nutek

Looks like the sort of thing, but they are telling me I need to have a UK address to activate the SIM.

They also want a UK registered Debit/Credit card.

captainsensible

Hmm, that seems a bit arse. Could a relative in the UK do it?

RoadWarriorFromLP

You should be able to buy a SIM card with a UK number at a phone shop in the UK in just a few minutes.

There are many to choose from. I've had reasonable luck with Virgin Mobile (although I didn't use the smartphone features, so I have no comment about the data plan): http://www.virginmobile.com/vm/paygSimCardOnly.do

If you need to be reached at your US number, then that might complicate matters. If you have GSM service in the US, then you should be able to roam (at a high price.) If your current US carrier isn't GSM, then call your carrier to see whether this is an option for you.

thinbrit

Couldn't you just pick up a Pay-As-You-Go sim card at ASDA or other store?
http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware...how?q=sim+card

Back in 2005 you used to be able to buy them almost anywhere, has that changed?

Nutek

Thats probably what I will do. Buying once I am there will be ok.. Just thought I could get a jump on it and do it from here. I was hoping to have service when I got off the plane at Heathrow.

There is no existing carrier for this phone, so no need to complicate it with anything US-related at least.

Nutek

No idea. If you could do it in 05 then I am sure you can now. It's not something I am familliar with, having left there in the mid-90's.

I am sure Asda (or similar) will be fine... i was just hoping to have it sorted for when the plane landed. No biggie really.

RoadWarriorFromLP

There's a Vodaphone shop in Terminal 5, if that helps.

http://www.heathrowairport.com/shop,...njoy/shops-a_z

I was referring to your US number, not to the handset. A new SIM will obviously include a new UK phone number that nobody else will have, which makes that an awkward option for business travel, etc.

MiniBrit

Dunno if this is the case still, but when I was in the UK I asked the geezer at carphonewarehouse about buying a cheap pay as you go for when I'm in the UK. He said the only problem with this is that if you dont use it for 6 months the account or something gets deleted. I can't be sure that Im back in the UK that frequently do I didn't bother.
In the end I got one of those crappy 'mobal' phones that charges your credit card when you use it. expensive call costs but free for incoming calls and texts.

lizzyq

On arrival visit any phone store - I like "Phones 4 U" as I hqve got good deals from them and ask which PAYG sim only deal would be best for your needs.

Many supermarkets sell SIM only packs for 99p or thereabouts. With Orange you can certainly choose whether you want a test heavy or calls heavy "bundle", data is probably extra rather than included, but getting cheaper all the time.

Lizzy - still in the UK but fingers crossed heading out to the US later in the year.....

Nutek

That's interesting. I wonder if you can get to that from the incoming gate or if its after security for outgoing.
It's only for personal use, so no business needs really (except email would be handy).
Guess I will wait and see how things go. I never looked at this stuff before (I avoid phones wherever possible) and I'm a little suprised that i cant just go to Amazon or somewhere and buy one.

Nutek

Bring me a SIM

Thanks for the info.

Bob

There's probably a Dixons or some such knocking around in the general area, well there's always some store or other selling travel plug adapters and the like. You'll be able to get a sim or cheap PAYG phone there.

Tbh, it'll probably be easier to find than the bogs.

notonuksoil

When I go back to the UK I get an O2 sim card for international calling.

Last time I went (August 2012) I got a free sim card and put £10 on the card in the store. This gave me 70 minutes of free calls to the US plus 100 free texts, UK calls were 2p per minute. All incoming calls were free. This was for a non smart phone though but i'm sure they do similar deals for iphones and smart phones.