Pay as you go mobile services

This is the most widely used service, especially with newcomers to the UK. If you have purchased one of our 1st Contact packages, you would have received a SIM card in your welcome pack. Alternatively, you are able to purchase a SIM card after you arrive in the UK.

Credit can be purchased over the phone, online or at a number of stores. Rates for phone calls differ between peak and off-peak hours, with the former being more expensive.

Ask your service provider about their add-on packages, including SMS or text bundles, as these tend to be better value for money.

Contract mobile services

Once you open a bank account in the UK and build a credit rating, you will be able to take out a mobile phone contract.

A contract will allow you to select a service to suit your personal needs, with the bonus of a free mobile phone. You will have a direct debit set up against your bank account, which will be billed on a monthly basis. Consider setting a limit on your contract to avoid an unexpected bill at the end of the month.

Mobile SIM providers

Our 1st Contact packages include a UK mobile SIM card from your choice of one of the following providers. 

ProviderHow it keeps you connected1st Contact customers can
Lebara mobile
lebara-mobile-logo
  • Instant connections (Vodafone network)
  • No hidden charges or access codes
  • High-quality network
  • Free multilingual services
  • Cheap international calls
  • View call and usage history
  • Set up auto top-up
  • Get exclusive access to special offers 
EE
EE-logo
  • Super fast, reliable connection wherever you go - EE network gives you the widest 4G coverage in the UK
  • Free EU roaming - use your minutes, texts and data across the EU at no extra cost
  • Wi-Fi calling - make calls, even when there’s no signal
  • UK and Ireland call centres
  • Manage their account quickly and easily
  • See remaining call credit
  • Top-up online
O2
02-logo
  • A faster, smarter, stronger network
  • Free EU Roaming - use your minutes, texts and data across the EU at no extra cost
  • Make calls over Wi-Fi - make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi using O2’s Tu Go app
  • Free O2 Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK
  • Get help from an O2 guru - you can speak to them in store or online
  • Manage your account 24/7 - check your bill, view your balance, add bolt-ons and more
  • Top-up online
Three
02-logo
  • Network covers 98% of the UK population
  • Feel-at-home plan allows you to text and call the UK from abroad at no extra cost.  Available in 60 destinations
  • Pay-as-you-go SIM rates are the UK’s lowest
  • View itemised bills
  • Find out about existing customer deals
  • Update personal details
  • Top-up online
giffgaff
02-logo
  • Free EU roaming - use your data, minutes and texts in the EU at no extra cost
  • Choose a plan or top-up as you go
  • Free calls to giffgaff numbers with ‘goodybag’
  • Top-up online
  • Change your plan
Vodafone
02-logo
  • Free EU roaming - use your data, minutes and texts in the EU at no extra cost
  • Get rewards every time you top up with Vodafone rewards
  • Highly-rated coverage - delivering 3G and 4G coverage to 98% of the UK population
  • Quick and easy set-up
  • Top-up online
  • Manage and change details
  • See recent bills
  • Check credit, minutes, texts and data

Start getting prepared for your UK move

Essential resources for life in the UK


We use cookies to provide the best website experience for you. Using this website means that you agree to this. How we use cookies Close