Heading to the UK? Worrying about how to stay in touch with friends & family? You need a local UK SIM card that comes in handy during your stay.
There are several types of cards, each with its benefits and features. As daunting as it sounds, with some research, you can find the one that matches your wants, needs, and budget.
Each sim card comes with unique advantages that depend on many variables such as cost, data, coverage, and types of plans.
Let’s go through in detail about different types of sim cards in the UK.
Different types of UK SIM card
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG):
- A hassle-free option, you have to buy phone credit, and the cost of calls, texts, and data usage is reduced from your credit balance.
- A pay-as-you-go UK SIM card plan does not need a minimum lock-in period or recurring payment on a monthly basis.
- When the credit on the phone runs out, users can easily add more credit.
This type of sim card is easy to acquire and maintain as you just need to add the amount of credit you might need. They are available at mobile stores, international airports, convenience stores, or online. You can always visit Remigos to select the best UK sim card and register with them to get a SIM card absolutely free.
Pay-as-you-go is a perfect choice for those who use their phone occasionally, are on a tight budget, and/or don’t want to sign a long-term contract.
There are several companies, including Giffgaff, Lebara, VOXI, etc that offer pay as you go (payg). Compare call prices, text message rates, and data allowances. Some even run special offers or promotions from time to time to lure users.
eSIM –
- eSIM, also known as integrated SIM, is built right into the hardware of the device, as opposed to a conventional SIM card that you physically insert into your phone.
- You can use your device by digitally connecting it to a mobile network.
- You can change networks remotely by using an app or settings versus physically swapping out the sim card from the phone.
They contribute to reducing electronic waste, which is beneficial for the environment. Also, users no longer have to worry about misplacing or breaking their SIM cards anymore.
It’s crucial to verify if your device supports eSIM technology because not all devices are compatible with this type of UK SIM card.
If you travel abroad and want to switch to a local network without having to acquire a new card, eSIM can be quite helpful.
Data-only SIM –
- A data-only sim card allows users to access the internet without a voice call or text message function.
- It is created especially for gadgets such as laptops, and tablets that need to be connected to the internet but don’t need to make regular phone calls or send SMS messages.
- However, one can always use data to access apps such as Whatsapp etc to make calls or messages.
A cost-effective option, a data-only SIM is less expensive than a contract sim. For those who use their smartphones primarily for online browsing, streaming videos, or using social media, this can be a good alternative because they tend to provide a higher data allocation.
When choosing this type of UK SIM card, do take into account aspects like data allowance, network availability (coverage map area), and contract length. Some service providers provide monthly plans, and some others demand a longer (12 months) commitment.
Data-only SIMs are available from many UK mobile networks, including EE, Three, Vodafone, O2, and Virgin Mobile. Do compare plans and prices before buying.
Contract SIM –
- A contract SIM plan includes a monthly fee and a lock-in period.
- For a monthly subscription, users are given a specified number of voice minutes, text messages, and data every month.
- Usually, a user is required to sign a contract with the network provider for a specified time, anywhere between 12-24 months against a fixed amount of data, calls, and texts.
Ideal for users who have a high phone or data usage. Contract sim works better value for money than pay-as-you-go plans. If you decide to discontinue the plan before the specified period, you may be subjected to additional fees or penalties.
In this UK SIM card plan, you will be tied to the network provider, hence it is important to check the network coverage in your area. Not all network providers have excellent network coverage.
Which UK SIM card option is right for you?
This entirely depends on your usage and needs. Factors to ponder over while choosing the best option for you:
Usage: How often do you make calls, send texts, and access the internet on your phone? If your phone usage is high, a contract sim will be more affordable in long term. But if your usage is low, a UK SIM card pay-as-you-go will work best for you.
Data: How much data do you consume monthly? Opt for a data sim if you are using it for web streaming, browsing, etc. Unlimited data plans may also be available from some providers.
Coverage: Before selecting a provider, it is necessary to look at coverage maps as certain networks may provide better coverage than others.
Budget: Again, for users who make limited calls, the pay-as-you-go plan will be more viable than the contract sim plan. Latter may provide greater value for money for heavy users.
Flexibility: Pay-as-you-go plans provide more flexibility to switch between service providers or plans, whereas contract SIM plans bind you to a specific length of time.
In short, the best UK SIM card will rely on your unique demands and usage habits. While selecting a provider and plan, take into account usage, data, coverage, budget, and flexibility. Hope this helps in finding the right sim for you.
If you are still unsure about the right option for you, check Remigos, a one-stop place for the best sim card for FREE and at the same time get a lot of services like money transfer at the cheapest rate, open UK bank account and more at reasonable prices . Their team will help you with the right one for you.
