Students traveling to the UK find it difficult to choose the best sim card for calling and internet connectivity and end up choosing a bad network. Hence, it is important to have prior knowledge about sim cards to choose a network with the best service and offers. If you are facing the same issue, don’t worry we will list out the best sim cards in UK for international students and you can choose the network as per your feasibility. Uk sim cards for students come with varied options that can be opted as per the requirements. So, what are you waiting for, Let's dive right into finding out the best sim card for you!
Why do you need a UK SIM Card?
Using your regular sim card in the UK would result in expensive roaming charges. Apart from paying for your accommodation and course fees, expensive mobile services should be last on your list. Therefore, it is essential to have a fair idea about the best sim in UK for students otherwise you would be left with heavy bills on your regular sim cards. A local sim card would ensure better package deals and offers along with the maximum benefits. You can check out the UK phone plans for international students once you decide to buy the local sim card.
How can a student get a UK SIM Card?
The process to get a UK sim card for international students is quite simple and easy. Students can apply for it online or visit a nearby mobile store at their convenience. Furthermore, if you are visiting a mobile store you can always ask the operator for more information on the UK phone plans for international students. To purchase a UK sim card for students online, one will need a UK address to get it. Additionally, most convenience stores and some supermarkets provide prepaid SIM cards too. For mobile contracts, some standard documents are required for registration by a majority of operators to get a UK sim card for students:
1. Identity proof- Since you are a student, you can show your university ID or legal paperwork for a visa and passport.
2. Address proof- Your current address in the UK can be shown through utility bills or bank statements.
3. Some operators may also choose a credit score check. You can benefit from a UK Student Guarantor facility depending on the availability.
Best SIM Card Providers in the UK
Presently, the UK boasts four primary mobile network providers with the best UK SIM cards for international students' O2, Vodafone, EE, and Three. These networks offer different benefits and values depending on varieties of factors. Hence, it is important to compare these networks and choose the best sim in UK for students.
Apart from these major players, there are many secondary mobile network providers that deliver suitable perks on UK sim cards for students. Some of these include-
1. Smarty
2. Plus Net
3. ID Mobile
4. BT Mobile
5. Giff Gaff
6. Tesco Mobile
7. Talk Mobile
8. Sky Mobile
Best Sim Card in UK for International Students
To reap the most benefits of the mobile network, it is essential to choose the best sim card in UK for students. The best-fitted sim card will offer you quality service while saving you from paying extra. Fortunately, a wide range of phone companies and networks will give you exclusive offers if you're a student. Check out the list of the best UK sim card for international students.
UK sim cards for students aiming for higher data plans
Many times students feel relaxed while watching their favorite shows online. However, that one episode stretches to another, and so on. Ultimately the mobile data ends before they know it. That’s why it is crucial to look out for UK sim cards for students that come with additional streaming services.
- O2: top on our list of the best sim card in UK for international students is 02. O2 is one such UK sim card for students that comes with a six months Disney+ subscription that will make streaming free of cost for you. With 02, you can also opt for family plans that come with a discount of up to 20%.
- Voxi: Voxi’s plans are categorically your best choice if you love social media. With its Endless Social Media and Endless Video features, users may access a wide range of services without using up their data allotments. Voxi offers the best sim card for students in UK with plans that are pocket-friendly and within the student’s budget.
- Vodafone: With Vodafone plans, you can also receive a free entertainment pass for any one of the channels like Spotify, Amazon Prime, or YouTube Premium if you don't mind signing a 24-month contract. Currently, they provide a free sim card in the UK called - Pay As You Go SIM card that gives you access to Vodafone's network and 99% population coverage. Vodafone's offers include the cost of the streaming service in the contract itself.
Pocket-friendly UK sim cards for students
If you prefer a generous data plan and don't actually spend much time on social media, then these plans are ideal for you. These sim cards come with the best UK phone plans for international students that take care of your wallets as well.
- Three: Three offers the most affordable unlimited data plans. Students have a lot of options to choose from and select the best plan according to them. Currently, the best and the most popular plan is unlimited data for £12 per month for the first six months.
- Smarty: Smarty, a division of Three, offers unlimited data for just £20 per month. This includes limitless tethering if you wish to use Wi-Fi and mobile data at the same time. The second advantage of Smarty over Three is that you can cancel at any time. Grab unlimited data for £20 per month.
- GiffGaff: The GiffGaff has come up with the smallest Goodybags to keep your budget good and running. It starts with a mere value of just £6 a month. It offers 2GB of data to its customers along with the service of unlimited UK calls and texts. This is definitely the best sim card in UK for international students as with unlimited calls one can be in touch with their peers as and when they want. GiffGaff also offers a plan which comes with data of 35GB at just a cost of £15.
- iD Mobile: The iD Mobile is leading in the race for the best sim card in UK for students. With the efficient rates, it ensures that the students can enjoy maximum benefits from its plan. The plan starts at £10 and offers 60 GB of data per month to its customers. You can also opt for an unlimited data plan that stretches for a period of 24 months at the cost of £16.
Most affordable UK SIM card for Students
- Lebara: With rates starting at £5 per month for 3GB of data, Lebara Mobile offers some of the most affordable UK phone plans for international students. You can cancel these plans at any moment. However, these rates are revised hence, it is advisable to stay updated on it.
- 1pMobile: Compared to other providers 1pMobile operates somewhat differently. As the name implies, the service only costs 1p per minute, text, or MB of data while connected to EE's 5G network. For 10GB of data, start with a £10 top-up.
Types of UK SIM Cards
There are two types of UK sim cards for students - physical SIM Cards and e SIM. A physical SIM Card is a small chip that is available in 3 sizes (Standard/Mini SIM Card, Micro SIM Card, and Nano SIM Card). eSIM UK is a virtual SIM that can be digitally embedded in your phone by a service provider.
Prepaid SIM Card in the UK
Prepaid UK SIM Cards for students are usually called ‘Pay as you go. With a prepaid UK SIM card, users don’t have a fixed subscription. Instead, they need to buy prepaid credit on their phone frequently to make calls, send messages, and use data. Users can get subscriptions from any convenience store or supermarket in the UK. A prepaid UK SIM card gives users the ability to use it as per the usage and not bind to a rambling contract
Contracts / Pass-as-you-go
If you’re planning to stay in the UK for a long duration, such as for students pursuing a master's or a PhD., or prefer calls over messages, then mobile contracts can be a cheap option. A contract can be available for a longer duration. If you exceed your contract limit, charges will be collected from your bank account depending on the usage. Mobile contracts support long-duration calling users. Such agreements offer long-minute dial-up recharges for a longer duration.
eSIM Cards for the UK
An eSIM is a SIM card incorporated into a smartphone and can connect you to any eSIM-enabled provider. An eSIM is essentially a little microchip inside your phone that functions similarly to the NFC chip. It maintains various cellular profiles and thus works effortlessly all around the world. Here are the benefits of eSIM for students. Prominent service providers like Airalo offer access to eSIM Cards for 190+ countries, including UK sim cards.
SIM-only deals in the UK
After opting for a phone contract, you will get an option to select a SIM-only deal UK or include a handset. In a SIM-only deal UK, the service provider will give you a free UK SIM card and charge monthly wherein you will be attached to a 12-month contract so a prior check is vital. These contracts keep rolling until you cancel them.
So, this was our list of the best sim card in the Uk for international students. We hope this will help you in choosing the best option for you. With these options, you are just a sim card away from making a call and accessing unlimited data. Happy calling!
FAQs
Best UK SIM Cards for Students | Amber? ›
Getting a UK SIM card delivered to your home country address
Some UK networks will now send you a free SIM card to your home country address so that when you arrive in the UK, you can start using your phone straight away. You can usually either pay for these before you arrive or pay once you arrive.
| Best SIM only deals 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mobile network | Data | Cost per month |
| SMARTY | 30GB | £10 |
| Plusnet | 15GB | £10 |
| Tesco Mobile | 60GB | £15 |
Getting a UK SIM card delivered to your home country address
Some UK networks will now send you a free SIM card to your home country address so that when you arrive in the UK, you can start using your phone straight away. You can usually either pay for these before you arrive or pay once you arrive.
- Identity proof- Since you are a student, you can show your university ID or legal paperwork for a visa and passport.
- Address proof- Your current address in the UK can be shown through utility bills or bank statements.
- Some operators may also choose a credit score check.
...
Using Your Mobile Phone In The USA
- You can roam on a UK-based SIM card. This is the easiest and most convenient way to use your mobile phone in the USA. ...
- You can buy a US-based SIM card on arrival. ...
- You can buy a data-only eSIM for the USA.
| Best SIM only networks | Winner | Highly commended |
|---|---|---|
| Best SIM only Network | BT | Tesco Mobile |
| Best Network for Customer Service | Tesco Mobile | EE |
| Best Network for Data | EE | Vodafone |
| Best Network for Roaming | O2 | giffgaff |
How to buy a UK SIM card in USA? SIM cards can be bought from various providers. However, these SIM cards often require the payee to sign at least a year-long contract, which is not ideal for people looking to stay less than 30 days or few months.
Can I use UK SIM in USA? ›If your phone is eSIM compatible, you can also buy a similar eSIM card here. While it is operated by a UK-based company, this SIM card can be activated anywhere in the world and you can use the 12GB of data in up to 71 countries including the USA.
How can international students get UK mobile number? ›- Proof of identity.
- Proof of address. This would need to be your UK address (e.g. Utility Bill, Bank statement)
- A UK bank account for payment.
- Some operators may also choose to run a credit check.
Absolutely. You can order a SIM here. The delivery time will vary depending on the country of shipping, but expect anywhere between 3 to 5 working days within Europe and from 5 working days for the rest of the world.
What is the best UK SIM card for abroad? ›
- iD Mobile: The cheapest roaming SIM only deals. Price: From £10/mth | View offers at iD Mobile.
- Tesco Mobile: Best roaming SIM only deals for lower data allowances. Price: From £7.50/mth | View offers at Tesco Mobile. ...
- Smarty: Best roaming SIM only deals for short-term trips.
- Download the Mint Mobile app.
- Create your account.
- Choose your plan & get your US phone number.
- Arrive in the US, install your SIM card into your unlocked GSM phone and open the Mint Mobile app to complete activation.
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
You can get this card online or in-person, depending on where you live. How much is an ISIC card? It costs £12 for a virtual copy and £15 for a plastic card.
It has never been easy to choose a SIM card in the UK. There are a few things that one should consider when looking for a SIM card. These include better SIM deals, more data, reliability and speedy 4G/5G coverage. With so many choices available, it is hard for you to get the best deal in one go.
Can I buy a UK SIM card online? ›Getting a SIM card is quick and painless. You can buy one online or in a mobile phone shop. Bear in mind, however, that you'll need a UK address to receive the SIM card should you order it online. You can also pick up a prepaid SIM in some supermarkets and most convenience stores.
Can I use my US phone number in the UK? ›If your phone's locked to your home network, it won't work in the UK (and it won't work on any other network anywhere in the world). The super easy way to check if your phone is already network unlocked is to insert a different carrier's SIM Card into your phone and check if it connects to the network.
Can I use O2 SIM in USA? ›If you have O2 Travel Inclusive Zone included in your tariff, then you'll get unlimited minutes, texts and data roaming in 27 destinations worldwide. These include the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
Can a tourist buy SIM card in UK? ›If you are traveling to The UK and need connectivity for your stay, you could buy a tourist SIM card or even better a tourist eSIM card with a prepaid data plan.
What does a UK SIM card cost? ›| Length of plan | Amount of data | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 days | Unlimited data | $54 |
| 30 days | Unlimited data | $64 |
| 60 days | Unlimited data | $84 |
| 90 days | Unlimited data | $99 |
In a survey from the first quarter of 2022, EE (a subsidiary of BT) emerged as the most popular mobile service provider in the United Kingdom (UK), with about 26 percent of respondents reporting that they used that provider.
Can I just purchase a SIM card? ›
If your phone rings (with their SIM card), you have an unlocked GSM device and can purchase a new SIM card.
What SIM people use in USA? ›If you want to buy the best SIM card in the United States, I recommend going with AT&T, T-Mobile, Google Fi, Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, or Ultra Mobile. They offer the best value, options, and quality compared to the competition. AT&T has the best nationwide coverage, especially on 3G.
Which SIM is USA using? ›Until recently, the US used a network called CDMA while most of the rest of the world uses a cell network called GSM. CDMA phones generally won't work with GSM networks, because CDMA phones don't use SIM cards. Fortunately, AT&T and T-mobile now use GSM.
Is WhatsApp free for abroad? ›If you use WhatsApp while your phone is roaming, data charges might apply. Contact your mobile provider for more information about roaming in other countries. If you don't have an international data plan, we recommend you turn off: Mobile data and data roaming to avoid data roaming charges.
Does Vodafone work in USA? ›Vodafone Americas provides hundreds of customers in the US and around the world technology and telecommunication services such as mobile, fixed, and IoT connectivity, hardware, and platforms.
How do I avoid international roaming charges? ›Turn off Data Roaming or prepare for a trip. Need to avoid roaming charges because you arrived at your destination without an international data plan? Check your Cellular Data options and turn off Data Roaming. In the Settings app, tap Cellular, or Cellular Data, or Mobile Data.
Is it worth getting an international SIM card? ›If you travel more often, or you're planning an extended stay in one country or region, you can save money by using an international SIM card. Pay-as-you-go lets you stay in control of how much you use your phone and what you pay for it. Just figure out how often, and for what purposes, you think you'll use your phone.
Does SIM have a student card? ›You will need to complete a new Student's Pass application form via 'Self-Service' function SIMConnect. Thereafter, SIM will apply to ICA on your behalf.
How to open an account in the UK as an international student? ›- Your passport/photo ID card.
- A 'bank letter' from the University confirming your registration, your home address in the UK and your overseas address – and the fact that the University has corresponded with you at your overseas address.
Most UK based students will get a student loan to help pay for their tuition fees and other expenses, but the majority of international students must prove they have enough money to pay for their course and support themselves in the UK before being granted a visa to study in the UK.
How do I give a UK mobile number in USA? ›
The UK mobile phone number '07911 123456' in international format is '+44 7911 123456', so without the first zero. Secondly in the E. 164 notation all spaces, dashes ['-'] and parentheses [ '(' and ')'] are removed, besides the leading '+' all characters should be numeric.
Can I put a UK SIM card in my US iPhone? ›Let's assume your US phone is unlocked and you have checked that you are able to put in SIM cards on other networks (ie, the answer to “will a UK SIM card work in a US phone” for your phone is, yes!)
Can I buy a UK SIM at the airport? ›Avoid high roaming charges when traveling to Europe! Are you flying to London for your trip to the United Kingdom? You can easily buy a UK sim card on arrival at London Heathrow Airport.
Do I need ID to buy a SIM card UK? ›You don't need ID when purchasing a SIM card in the UK. In fact there is a self service kiosk in London's Oxford Circus (ICE Bureau-de-change) that sell a preloaded SIM card with calls. texts and data. Payment is via credit or debit card.
Can I buy an international SIM card at the airport? ›Local prepaid sim cards are often pretty cheap and come with big value data bundles. Most countries and operators have special tourist sim cards. Downside is that you can only buy them on arrival, so you have to visit a phone store during your holiday or get one from the airport.
Which UK SIM works best in Europe? ›- Orange Holiday Europe SIM with 20GB Data.
- Three Prepaid SIM with 12GB Data.
- Orange Holiday Zen with 8GB Data.
- LycaMobile Prepaid SIM Card with 6GB Data.
- Giffgaff Prepaid SIM with 20GB Data.
- Cellhire Prepaid SIM Card with 12GB Data.
Prepaid plans are a great fit for international students.
This is why prepaid plans are the way to go for most international students! International students can sign up for prepaid plans without needing any of the visa paperwork and financial history that would be required for postpaid plans.
The ISIC card, the only internationally accepted student identity card which can provide proof, various benefits and more!
Do student cards work abroad? ›The card is recognised by shops, universities, academic institutions, national governments, and ministries of education around the world.
What can students get for free UK? ›- Best UK things and experiences that are free for students.
- Freshers Fair.
- Sign up for free trials.
- Visit one of many free museums.
- Keep a lookout for any birthday freebies.
- Take advantage of this free CV review.
- Join product testing websites.
Do students get discounts in UK? ›
To get a student discount in the UK, you need to be shopping at places which actually offer them. Then, you need to prove that you are a student. This can be done by showing your student ID card. Similarly, you can get discounts by applying for student discount cards, which you can easily show at the checkout.
What is Oyster card UK student? ›If you're 18 or over, a full-time student and living in a London borough, you may be eligible for a 30% travel discount on most Transport for London (TfL) services with an 18+ Student Oyster photocard. The 18+ Student Oyster photocard can be used to purchase discounted weekly and monthly season tickets.
Is there a free SIM card UK? ›Is there a free SIM card in the UK? Yes, Asda Mobile provides free SIM cards powered by Vodafone, you can order online and receive your free SIM within 2 - 5 working days.
What documents are required for SIM card in UK? ›- proof of identity.
- proof of address in the UK (e.g., a utility bill)
- UK bank account for payment.
The right size of SIM card to fit in your handset will depend on the manufacturer and model of your smartphone. Today, most new smartphones typically require either a Micro SIM or Nano SIM: If you buy a mid-range or entry-level handset, the chances are it'll require a Micro SIM.
Which SIM network is best in UK? ›EE: The best mobile network for performance
While Three offers faster 5G performance in some locations, EE remains the UK's fastest mobile network overall.
If you want to buy the best SIM card in the United Kingdom, I recommend going with EE, Vodafone, or Three. EE is the best overall without free EU roaming anymore. Vodafone is great overall (fast, great coverage & EU roaming). Three has the fastest 5G NR speeds but is the worst in all other aspects.
What is the best student bank account for international students UK? ›Barclays International Account
Barclays offers a Student Additions Account designed for international students arriving to study in the UK. Notably, this account comes with an interest-free overdraft.
You can use giffgaff in the USA, no problem. You'll require PAYG credit on your giffgaff account to use your phone in the USA (as goodybags don't work outside of the UK and EU). Please Add Credit to your giffgaff account, if required.
Should I get a UK SIM? ›In advance of your travel to the UK, you should check with your cellular provider on the costs of using your phone in the UK. You should also ensure that international roaming is enabled on your account. If you're planning to stay in the UK for a little bit longer, it's normally worthwhile getting a local UK SIM card.
Is Vodafone or EE better? ›
EE vs Vodafone: Coverage and 5G coverage
EE has 99% UK coverage for 4G, as does Vodafone. However, when it comes to 5G, EE wins out with 160 locations compared with 124. That number is changing all the time, however, so it's best to check what you can get where you live.
If you're looking for speeds, then EE is the fastest 4G network in the UK.
Can I buy a UK SIM in the USA? ›How to buy a UK SIM card in USA? SIM cards can be bought from various providers. However, these SIM cards often require the payee to sign at least a year-long contract, which is not ideal for people looking to stay less than 30 days or few months.
Can I use my US cell phone in the UK? ›But the good news is that your phone is most likely going to work in the UK! In fact, if you've got a network unlocked iPhone it will work in the UK. And if you've got a network unlocked Smartphone (eg a Samsung, HTC, Android, Google etc) then it'll probably also work.
Can I buy UK SIM online? ›Can I buy a UK sim card online? One of the easiest ways to buy a sim card in the UK is online. However, you'll usually need a UK residential address for delivery. In some cases, such as for a pay monthly sim card, a UK address is required for a credit check.
Which account should a student open in UK? ›Current account: a current account allows you to deposit and withdraw money as often as you like. Usually when you open a current account you receive a chequebook and a debit card. Most international students will only need to open a current account when studying in the UK.
Can international students get UK student bank account? ›Yes, you can open a bank account in the UK as an international student. To open an account, you will need the following items: Your photo ID card, such as a passport.
Can I open a UK bank account as a student? ›You will need to bring the following items with you to open an account: Your passport/photo ID card. A 'bank letter' from the University confirming your registration, your home address in the UK and your overseas address – and the fact that the University has corresponded with you at your overseas address.