Cell Phones in UK

[Your Mom]

Hey,

I just wanted to ask current students, what cell phone companies or phone plans do you think is good in UK. Do they have anything like in North America, where its unlimited evenings and weekends, because I dont understand the way their plans are set up. Anyone know anything about these things???

[OLDPRO]

Hey,

I just wanted to ask current students, what cell phone companies or phone plans do you think is good in UK. Do they have anything like in North America, where its unlimited evenings and weekends, because I dont understand the way their plans are set up. Anyone know anything about these things???

Join the club! 9 months here and I still get lost in the "Tarriffs here".

Pay as you go with someone like Virgin is the best way not to get stung.

per minute outgoing
free incoming

We have a 500 minute per month for 25 pounds but you need a job and deposit since all of us have NO CREDIT HISTORY in the UK.

Worry about the cell once you are here. In the Arndale and around the Arndale there are about 6 cell stores with all the companies in the UK. Plus you can go on line. Virgin online has refurb and clearance phones cheap.
You can get a basic cell pay as you go for about 19 to 35 pounds depending.

Cheers.

[Your Mom]

so even with a credit card, I cant go on a monthly plan??? that blows

[OLDPRO]

so even with a credit card, I cant go on a monthly plan??? that blows Yea I know, It's hard cause on line Virgin and others will only accept a UK credit Virgin will allow a one time purchase by a card from overseas but after that.....I use my HSBC debit card now so once you have that it's not too bad. You know here we are the foreigners.;)

[drzed]

Yea I know, It's hard cause on line Virgin and others will only accept a UK credit Virgin will allow a one time purchase by a card from overseas but after that.....I use my HSBC debit card now so once you have that it's not too bad. You know here we are the foreigners.;)

I had no trouble securing mobile phone plans without using a VISA or having a job.

[bts4202]

I had no trouble securing mobile phone plans without using a VISA or having a job.

I never actually tried to get a standard cell phone plan in the UK, cause when i looked, they all kind of sucked. I liked having the power to control how much i spent every month with the "pay as you go" system.

[skiss]

what kind of phone should i bring...will a gsm unlocked sim work?

[bts4202]

what kind of phone should i bring...will a gsm unlocked sim work?

No, the phone can not only be GSM, it must also be "TriBand". Your SIM card will not work in the UK unless you get one of those expensive international plans. Once again, i suggest buying a cell phone in the UK. Your family can always call you with cheap phone cards and it is free for you to recieve an incoming call. Plus, you can make your own local phone calls and use a calling card to call home if need be.

[OLDPRO]

No, the phone can not only be GSM, it must also be "TriBand". Your SIM card will not work in the UK unless you get one of those expensive international plans. Once again, i suggest buying a cell phone in the UK. Your family can always call you with cheap phone cards and it is free for you to recieve an incoming call. Plus, you can make your own local phone calls and use a calling card to call home if need be. He is 100% right GSM in Europe is different band than GSM in USA. Phones here can be gotten for 19 pounds, no problem.

[smsingh]

I never actually tried to get a standard cell phone plan in the UK, cause when i looked, they all kind of sucked. I liked having the power to control how much i spent every month with the "pay as you go" system.

I agree with BTS, however I was able to link my US Visa to my phone (Orange) for direct debit on my pre pay....There are loads of companies selling all sorts of plans. A SIM card will cost you about 10-15 pounds. The main gist: All INCOMING calls are free, you pay for outgoing call and texts, everyone is a text fanatic! You can usually get good rates to the states and canada, the post office is always having sales on phone cards to N. America, also check out UniversalCaller.com (they have phone cards with different toll-free numbers so you dont pay a connection charge) and callserve (internet calling).