Phones Overseas

Disclaimer: I have no relationship to anyone I mention nor are any of the embedded links revenue generating in any form. I simply offer this information that it may be of use to others.

I've been asked a dozen or more times about my arrangements for phone service when I travel, and each time I've  cobbled together a response by hand. Today I thought it might be helpful for others, and time-saving for me, to publish everything in a blog post.

For several years I'd buy a pre-paid SIM card from a vending machine upon arrival, swap it out, and go about my merry way. If I had a driver picking us up at the airport I would have to initiate contact, since I had no idea of knowing what my number would be until after I arrived. A chunk of the first day would be spent texting local friends to give them my new number and after that I was ready to behave like a local.

Then, I finally figured it all out.

For about five dollars you can order a SIM card for 3 (Three) three.co.uk from Amazon. (Here is the link.) It fits all three form factors (standard, micro, and nano) - all you have to do is pop out the appropriate size for your phone.

Here's where things can get a little tricky.

• If you don't want to top up your card until after you arrive, then do nothing else. Just visit a shop when you arrive and purchase a top-up voucher.
• If you want to hit the ground running, visit https://www.mobiletopup.co.uk/three (have your new UK phone number handy) and set up an account.
• Purchase a voucher for an appropriate amount (check out the "All In One" add-ons at http://www.three.co.uk/support/top_up - scroll down to the bottom of the page - to determine which voucher is best for you. If you're going to be traveling for more than two weeks I suggest you give the £20 option serious consideration.)
• Now, take your newly purchased voucher code and go back to http://www.three.co.uk/ to set up your account and top up your new SIM.
• If you foresee additional travel in the next year or two, I suggest leaving £5 credit on your SIM so that it remains "alive" for future use.

There are other providers, but I've stuck with 3 for the past several years, based largely on the recommendation of British friends.

Safe travels!