Spending two weeks in the UK >> data/call options?

[Cassady]

Hello all,

Leaving for the UK on the 20th – spending two weeks there.

I'd like to be able to access maps etc. whilst in London/Oxford – nothing too serious.

Anyone know anything about KnowRoaming? See here

It's a sticker that gets applied on top of your existing simcard. Whilst overseas, it logs onto partner networks that side. You then purchase top-up packages/pay-as-you go over there, and continue using your phone normally, with everything running through that account...

Anyone tried it?

Or would it be simpler to buy a pay-as-you go that side? Does the UK have RICA type requirements – could I simply get a simcard with little hassle?

Would appreciate any advice from frequent travellers to the UK!

 

[bwana]

Just pick up a PAYG SIM card from WH Smiths in the arrival terminal. There's no RICA to worry about.

 

[Cassady]

Just pick up a PAYG SIM card from WH Smiths in the arrival terminal. There's no RICA to worry about.

I just came across a few sites now saying it's quite relaxed/easy to get one. About £10 for 500mb?

Will mostly use Whatsapp etc., and the FaceTime off the hotel's wifi - and then just data for maps etc. So that should be fine?

Thanks. Think the KnowRoaming will be suitable for people who travel regularly, in short bursts.

 

[bwana]

I just came across a few sites now saying it's quite relaxed/easy to get one. About £10 for 500mb?

Will mostly use Whatsapp etc., and the FaceTime off the hotel's wifi - and then just data for maps etc. So that should be fine?

Thanks. Think the KnowRoaming will be suitable for people who travel regularly, in short bursts.

I usually go EE and the missus gets Vodafone - that way we're pretty well covered throughout the country. I think she paid something like £10 last year and got virtually unlimited everything for the month - that could have been a special though.

 

[Cassady]

I usually go EE and the missus gets Vodafone - that way we're pretty well covered throughout the country. I think she paid something like £10 last year and got virtually unlimited everything for the month.

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[HavocXphere]

Paying £5 per 500mb on 3. (The network is called Three/3). I wouldn't attempt any roaming etc...just get a new SIM.

Seems to have a rolling usage window like airtime. i.e. each data bundle extends the expiry date

 

[MrMag]

Sainsbury's (riding on the Vodafone Network) get a 30 day paid up
You get free Sim 800 minutes to any phone landline os Cell something like 4,000 sms's
2 gig Data all for 12 or 15 Pound's

I paid 15 in January then couple of days before I left it was down to 12 Pound's

 

[Bryn]

I bought a cheap Lycamobile sim card from a cafe and loaded it with £10 airtime. It lasted me just fine for 11 days. Data speeds were great, I kept receiving more free data from the network and calls to SA were super cheap.

 

[alkit]

Yep, lyca or lebara should do the trick for really cheap