A2.4 UK SIM Card¶
UK SIM Cards: Which Mobile SIM Card to Use for Studying in the UK (202510)
For studying abroad, it's generally recommended to get a local mobile SIM card, which you typically apply for locally. However, the way SIM cards are sold varies by country or region.
For instance, in China, you need to show your ID card and must go to a provider's store to register. Alternatively, if you order online, upon receiving the SIM, you must complete an identity verification process via an app, involving ID document and facial recognition checks.
In contrast, in many other countries like the US, France, and the UK, you can often buy a SIM card without showing ID. You don't necessarily need to visit a store; you can apply online or buy directly from automated SIM card vending machines.
So, where can you buy a UK SIM card?
There are several ways to get a UK SIM card:
Free online application via UK network providers' official websites.
The SIM card will be posted free of charge to your UK address, and the card itself is free.
Many providers have referral schemes: if you recommend their SIM to a friend, both you and your friend receive a credit bonus (e.g., £5 each) upon activating and topping up the new SIM. My own SIM, for example, was obtained through a friend's recommendation, giving us both £5 credit after topping up.Purchase at airport mobile kiosks or from automated vending machines in UK airports.
Buying from a kiosk allows you to test the SIM immediately and seek staff assistance if there are network issues. When using a vending machine, check the SIM size carefully. I once bought a standard-sized SIM by mistake and had to spend ages trimming it down for my iPhone, which uses a Nano-SIM.
Note from Shisheng Miao: Be cautious when buying phones abroad. Unless you specifically want an eSIM-only model (like some US versions of iPhones), it's advisable to have a dual-SIM phone when studying in the UK or other countries. This is because eSIMs might become more prevalent, and your physical Chinese SIM would need a slot.Purchase at network provider stores or various UK convenience stores like Argos.
Purchase from Chinese e-commerce platforms like Taobao before you travel.
Note from Shisheng Miao: Before travelling to the UK, you can enable international roaming on your Chinese mobile number. Remember to specify that you need two-way services: international roaming and international dialling. Clearly tell customer service you need a service that allows making calls from China to the UK, receiving/making calls from the UK to China, and sending/receiving SMS in the UK.
I enabled international dialling and roaming on my China Mobile number. Activating the service was free, but charges apply for making and receiving calls in the UK, and they are relatively expensive. In my first few years abroad, I used 'number suspension with retention', which cost a minimal monthly fee of 5 RMB.
Later, I found I sometimes needed my Chinese number to receive verification codes. In earlier years, with less developed internet services abroad, I rarely used my Chinese number. However, as online services grew, suddenly everything required SMS verification codes, often tied specifically to my original Chinese number, making it inconvenient. So, I switched to the lowest active monthly plan, which was around 8 RMB (I forget the exact amount).
Note from Shisheng Miao: I advise setting a simple SIM card PIN and noting it down securely in a notebook or digital notes. You might need this PIN occasionally. Contacting customer service from abroad can be tricky due to time zones and other reasons, so remembering the PIN, even if rarely used, is very helpful.
Important Note from Shisheng Miao: For those overseas, your Chinese SIM card must be used to make or receive a call at least once within any 60-day period to avoid service suspension ('suspended service'). Importantly, monthly fees often continue to be charged even after suspension. Reactivating a suspended service usually requires the account holder to visit a provider's store in China with their ID card. While some staff might suggest reactivation via an app, WeChat mini-program, or official account, attempts often fail, ultimately requiring a store visit – I have tested this multiple times recently myself. However, China Telecom users in some regions can reactivate remotely by searching for "中国电信远程柜台" on WeChat to book a remote session. Currently, some regions for China Mobile and China Unicom offer online reactivation, but the process is very complex. Other regions without these online services have no remote solution.
Key Reminder: Even in regions where China Mobile offers online reactivation, you might encounter a cyclical bug making it impossible – it's very complex, as you may discover. I'm unsure about China Unicom as I don't have a number with them.
What are the main UK mobile network operators?
The four main network operators in the UK are EE, Three (3), O2, and Vodafone.
Note: Some UK universities provide official suggestions for SIM cards. For example, the University of Bristol lists six providers for its students' reference: EE, Giffgaff, O2, Three, Vodafone, and VOXI.
University of Bristol official link: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/new/new-international/after/uk-mobile-phone/
Let's follow this university's list:
EE
Website: https://shop.ee.co.uk
The UK's largest operator, formed from the merger of T-Mobile and Orange, later renamed EE.
O2
Website: https://www.o2.co.uk
A well-established UK operator. Several other providers (like Giffgaff and Tesco Mobile) use the O2 network. A benefit of using O2 is access to O2 Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK and on the London Underground via their app.
Giffgaff
Website: https://www.giffgaff.com
Giffgaff uses the O2 network. You can order a SIM for free from their official website without needing ID; it's posted to your UK address. Their rates are quite cheap. Calls and texts between giffgaff numbers are free. Calls to China cost around 2 pence per minute, and texts are about 8 pence, which is very cost-effective. I personally liked calling China directly with it.
Vodafone
Website: https://www.vodafone.co.uk
A multinational mobile operator, one of the world's largest communications companies, with investments in 27 countries.
Three (3)
Website: http://www.three.co.uk
This operator is owned by CK Hutchison Holdings (founded by Li Ka-shing). Stores in Chinatown often have Chinese-speaking staff. As of the first half of 2022, it had over 9.7 million users in the UK.
VOXI
Website: https://www.voxi.co.uk
(Part of Vodafone, often targeting younger users with social media data allowances).
Tesco Mobile
Website: https://www.tescomobile.com
This provider uses the O2 network.
Lebara
Website: https://mobile.lebara.com/gb/en
This provider uses the Vodafone network.
Note from Shisheng Miao: Switching your phone number to a different UK network (number portability) is very straightforward. My recommendation would be to consider those suggested by UK universities. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference. Compare offers on their official websites. Some networks have better signal but less attractive plans; others offer more data at a higher price. Choose what best suits your needs.
There are three main payment types for UK SIM cards:
Pay as You Go SIMs: You top up with credit and use it until it runs out. The SIM may deactivate if not topped up. Suitable for short stays or tourism. Rates can be slightly higher, and data allowances are often smaller.
Monthly Plan SIMs (SIM Only): This is the most common choice for international students in the UK. It's like a monthly subscription plan in China, including a set amount of data, call minutes, and texts. You typically get a new allowance each month.
Contract Mobile Phone Plans (Handset included): These are contracts (e.g., 12 or 24 months) that include a phone. For those staying short-term, these are not recommended. They involve a minimum monthly cost with automatic payments, are often not cost-effective, and you might need to get the phone unlocked later to use it elsewhere.