UK Data Plan and SIM for US Traveller

[Tocard]

I currently have a Lumia 900 and iPhone 4 both on the AT&T network -- both GSM and both with microSIM cards -- and will be in the UK for about 10 days. I would like to have relatively inexpensive voice and data (and maybe even text/SMS) while there for both of my phones. The main goal is data usage (for Skyping back to the States and for mapping/navigation); we'd use the voice mainly to make short, UK-only calls, so I don't need a lot of minutes.

Which carrier(s) should I consider, how much should I expect to pay, and where is a good place to pick one (or two) up?

(Extra info: I don't need 4G or LTE, but would like at least 3G coverage. The iPhone is unlocked and I have the unlock code from AT&T for the L900. We'll be in the Midlands, London, and Cardiff during the trip.)


For reference,
L900 frequencies:
GSM 1900/850/900/1800 MHz
WCDMA 850/1900/2100 MHz
LTE 700/1700/2100 MHz

iPhone frequencies:
GSM 3G 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz
EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

Thanks in advance!
-- G

 

[Bearach]

Deleted.

 

[Tocard]

There is a few options.

GiffGaff which uses the O2 network, though, it may be hard for you to get a sim. They offer unlimited data, 250 minutes of calls, and unlimited texts for ?10 on "pay as you go". Since they're using O2, they use the 2100 band for 3G.

3 Mobile which is 500MB of data, 100 minutes of calls, with 3000 texts for ?10 on "pay as you go", they do offer more data for ?15, which is unlimited data, 300 minutes of calls, 3000 texts. They too use the 2100 band for 3G.

Most of the other networks data is limited to 500mb (O2), and some you have to pay extra on top of the usual "?10" to get data, like T-Mobile, they will allow data if you top up with ?15, but you're limited to that 500mb.

Thank you for the information, Bearach! I will research some of those. Giffgaff looks promising, but seems to only sell to the UK. However, any of those options would fit the bill for what we will need for our trip.

 

[HishamElfar]

Most if not all UK networks offer a Pay as you Go sim card, many of them include a data allowance or the facility to add data.

Most of the operators make their SIM cards available over the counter. Most supermarkets will sell them too.

 

[Tocard]

Great! Thank you, Hisham.

 

[tboard24]

How did you get att to give you the unlock code? I'm studying abroad in Rome this semester and couldn't get them to give me the code. They just kept telling me Oct 8-10th.

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express

 

[Tocard]

How did you get att to give you the unlock code? I'm studying abroad in Rome this semester and couldn't get them to give me the code. They just kept telling me Oct 8-10th.

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express

Tboard, I just called and told them I was going to be travelling overseas in a few weeks and wanted the unlock code for both phones. They told me I had to have had the phone for at least 90 days -- it just so happened I was close to my 100th day when I called for the Nokia. Maybe that's why they're saying October for you? How long have you had your phone?

 

[tboard24]

I got mine at release so it's been well over 90 days. You must have talked to somebody much nicer than me, cause I've spoken to three different representatives and it took til the third one to admit to me that ATT actually had the codes.

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express

 

[Tocard]

It did take them forever to figure out how to get me the code, but there basically weren't any problems. I was careful that I said that I was travelling and wanted the unlock so I could get a local number until I got back. I wanted to make sure they knew I wasn't selling the phone -- not that they should care.
Hope it works out for you!