How to get connected from day one - PAYG, SIM-only deals, international calls to Nepal, and what to know about contracts.
Getting a working UK number is one of the very first things to sort when you arrive - you will need it for banks, employers, NHS registration, and staying in touch. The good news is that you do not need to sign a long contract to get affordable, reliable mobile service.
Monthly phone contracts (where you get a handset included) typically require a credit check and a UK bank account with a track record. As a new arrival, you are very likely to be rejected even if you are financially stable, simply because you have no UK credit history. Do not be discouraged - there are much better options available without a credit check.
A PAYG SIM is the easiest option on arrival. You buy credit and use it as you go - no contract, no credit check, no direct debit. Pick up a SIM free or for £1–£2 from a supermarket, newsagent, or phone shop as soon as you land. Top up by card, cash, or app. PAYG rates per minute and per MB of data can be higher than a monthly plan, so it is best treated as a short-term solution while you get settled.
Once you have a UK bank account (even a basic one), a SIM-only rolling monthly plan is usually the best value. You keep your own handset, pay monthly by direct debit, and can cancel with 30 days’ notice. No credit check is required by most providers for lower-cost plans. These plans typically offer large data allowances, unlimited calls and texts, for a competitive monthly fee - check comparison sites for current prices as deals change frequently.
Standard UK SIMs charge high rates for international calls. To call Nepal cheaply, look for plans that include international minutes, or use an add-on. Alternatively, many in the community simply use WhatsApp, Viber, or Facebook Messenger over Wi-Fi or data for calls home - these are free and the quality is usually good. Some networks offer bolt-on international call packs; compare the per-minute rate to Nepal before buying.
If your phone supports eSIM (most modern smartphones do), you can buy a UK eSIM online before you even travel and activate it the moment you arrive. This is useful for getting data immediately at the airport without hunting for a physical SIM. Several providers offer eSIM-only plans; search for “UK eSIM” to compare options.
If you switch networks later and want to keep your UK number, ask your current provider for a PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code). Give it to your new provider and your number transfers, usually within one working day. You can request a PAC code by text or in your account - providers are legally required to give it to you within two hours.
The main UK networks are EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone. Many budget “virtual” operators (MVNOs) run on top of these networks and often offer cheaper deals with the same coverage. Coverage varies by area - check the network’s coverage map for your home address and workplace before committing. Asking friends and the Nepali community in your city is often the fastest way to find out which network has the best signal locally.
Prices and deals change often. Use a comparison site to find the latest SIM-only or PAYG offers for your budget and data needs.