SIM only deals

How do SIM only plans work?

A SIM only plan is an agreement between you and the provider where you pay a certain amount each month to access the provider’s network and the services included in the plan, such as calls, texts/MMS, and data. You pay a fixed cost to make calls, send messages, and use a set number of gigabytes (GB) over the course of a month. As long as you continue to pay, the subscription remains active until you decide to cancel it.

Today, virtually all SIM only plans offer unlimited minutes and texts, so the difference between the provider’s plans is mainly the amount of data, or in some cases, the data speed.

When you order a SIM only from your selected provider, you will receive a SIM card to insert in your mobile phone. The SIM card contains information about you and your SIM only, and is the actual link between you and your provider.

How do I find the best SIM only deal for me?

• Compare providers’ network coverage in your area. To use your SIM only, the provider must offer good network coverage where you live or use your mobile the most. With most providers, you can check the network coverage in your area by entering your postcode to quickly receive an indication of what to expect.
• Buy data that matches your usage. The range of data levels (or speeds) varies significantly between different providers. Start by matching your own needs with what is on offer from various providers. This makes it easier for you to upgrade or downgrade your plan if you find your data usage habits change over time.
• Ensure the provider offers the support you need. If you have specific preferences or requirements regarding customer support, please check with the provider they can match your needs. Not all providers offer phone support, for example, which can be important for some users.
• Choose the plan that offers you the best value for money. The prices of SIM only plans will vary significantly between various providers, as well as between different types of plans depending on how much data is required or the additional services selected. In other words, you can make significant savings by comparing offers rather than just going with the first one you find. Use the table at the top of the page to quickly and easily find the provider that matches both your price range and preferences.

Which is the cheapest SIM only plan?

is the cheapest SIM only plan right now (checked on ). The cost is when you sign a .

How to get a SIM only subscription

1. Compare offers in the table on this page and choose the one that suits you best. (Further down the page, we explain the steps you take when switching from one SIM only provider to another).
2. Visit the provider’s website to order the SIM only plan and add any additional services (some offers also include a selectable streaming service).
3. If possible, you can choose between a regular SIM card and eSIM.
4. Enter the requested information (see further down the page for the type of information the provider may require).
5. The provider usually conducts a credit check on you.
6. If everything looks good, the provider will send the SIM card to your home. If you have chosen an eSIM, you will receive a QR code digitally, which you use to activate the eSIM on your mobile.
7. If you have chosen a physical SIM, you should receive it within 1–3 working days (but this may vary between different providers). In some cases, you just need to insert the SIM card into your mobile to activate it, but there may be additional steps depending on your contract. The exact details should be available on the provider’s website.
8. Everything is now set up and you can start using your new SIM only. If the provider has its own app (which most do), you can download it to easily manage your subscription.

What is required to get a SIM only subscription?

• ID and proof of address. Most mobile providers require you to present some form of identification, such as a passport or driving licence, to verify your identity. They may also request proof of your address, such as a bill or an official document showing where you live.
• Credit check. To sign up for a SIM only plan, you will likely need to undergo a credit check. This means that the provider checks your creditworthiness to determine if you can cover the monthly charges. If you do not have a UK credit rating or have recently moved to England, you may need to provide additional documentation or pay a larger deposit as security.
• Bank account (if payment is made via direct debit). Most providers require payment by direct debit, which means you need a UK bank account to pay monthly.
• Options if you don’t have UK ID. If you don’t have a UK ID or credit rating, a pay as you go SIM could be your best option. With a pay as you go SIM you pay in advance for your usage and therefore do not need to undergo a credit check.

Are there SIM only plans with unlimited data?

Yes, many providers offer SIM only with unlimited data. However, it’s important to know that many plans advertised as “unlimited” may still have data caps according to the Fair Usage Policy (FUP). This means that the provider has the right to limit the data/speed if your monthly usage exceeds what they consider reasonable. The limit can vary between different providers, but it is generally between 600 GB and 1 TB, which is far more than most people use in a month.

Some SIM only plans with unlimited data may also have a set limit on how much data you can use for tethering – for example, from your mobile to a computer or tablet. Check if your provider has such restrictions for peace of mind.

Can you get a SIM only plan with no contract?

Yes, you can generally choose to sign up for a SIM only plan for 30 days (also known as no contract) or for 12, 18, or 24 months. The biggest advantage of a 30-day subscription is flexibility, allowing you to change or cancel the subscription whenever you wish (in line with the notice period). A subscription with a contract is generally better value and may also include extra benefits or services.

Please note, a SIM only with no contract can still require a notice period

Even if you sign up for a SIM only with no contract, there is usually still a set notice period to keep in mind. The notice period is usually up to 30 days, but check with your provider for their specific terms and conditions.

How does roaming work with SIM only?

Before Brexit, under the EU’s roaming agreement, you could use your SIM only as normal in another EU country with no extra costs. But now, depending on which provider and network you belong to, you may need to pay extra to use your mobile outside the UK. You no longer have free roaming within the EU by law; instead, it is up to each provider to decide the terms for their respective services. If you would like to use your mobile when travelling abroad, pay close attention to any roaming restrictions when considering the various SIM only subscriptions.

Tip! In the table at the top of the page, you can see which SIM only plans include free roaming within the EU.

A few of the larger providers still offer free EU roaming in selected plans, but some also charge a daily fee for usage in various EU countries. To be on the safe side, you should always check with your provider the terms for your specific plan before travelling.

What are the rules for roaming outside the EU?

If you want to make calls, send texts, and use data abroad, you should expect to pay for it. In some cases, the cost can be quite high. Especially considering that the government has added 20 percent VAT on roaming charges outside the EU.

However, many providers offer the option to purchase special roaming packages or add-ons, so check with your provider for any deals. The applicable charges for each country should also be clearly stated on the provider’s website.

How do you switch SIM only plan and provider?

If you want to switch to a SIM only plan with another provider, you should first check your potential contract, which you can often do via your account or the provider’s app. Even if you have no contract remaining, you often need to inform your old provider that you wish to terminate the subscription at least 30 days (the notice period) before you would like the switch to occur. Once you have found a new SIM only that suits you better, inform the new provider that you wish to become their customer.

Tip! In our guide Switching mobile provider you can learn more about how to switch between providers and what you need to keep in mind.

If you want to transfer your existing number to the new provider, you will need a Port Authorisation Code (PAC) from your previous provider. If you do not wish to keep your number, you need to ask your previous provider for a Service Termination Authorisation Code (STAC), which gives you ‘permission’ to switch to a new provider and receive a new number from them. The code also gives your new provider permission to terminate your contract with the previous provider.

The exact process of switching can vary slightly between different providers and also depends on whether you want to keep your existing number or receive a new one. However, you should find all the necessary information on the provider’s website.

Can you switch SIM only plans with the same provider?

Yes, you can switch your SIM only with the same provider, but your options may vary depending on whether your existing contract is fixed or not. If you have a 30-day contract, you should be able to both upgrade and downgrade your plan from month to month (but please double-check with your provider for any specific terms). If you have a fixed contract between 12 or 24 months, for example, you must wait until the contract has expired before you can switch to a better value plan. 

With several providers, however, there is the option to upgrade your subscription even during the contract.