# Getting a UK mobile phone number

**Source**: https://warwick.ac.uk/students/together/welcome/internationalstudents/ukphone/
**Parent**: https://warwick.ac.uk/students/together/welcome/

## Quick start- What do you need to know?

If you are moving to the UK for the first time, you may need a UK mobile phone number to use some services in the UK such as:

- Registering with a GP
- Online shopping from UK supermarkets
- [Opening a UK bank account](https://warwick.ac.uk/students/opportunities/worldatwarwick/internationalstudents/bank/)
- Providing to UK employers or organisations, if you are considering part time jobs, internship or volunteering
- Accessing UK services

### **Before you depart for the UK**

This [guide](https://help.giffgaff.com/en/articles/240405-can-i-order-a-sim-from-outside-the-uk) provides helpful information on using your existing phone in the UK and offers an introduction to local mobile phone services.

**SIM Lock**

Some operators lock the handset to their network so that it can't be used with another provider's SIM card. In the UK, this usually happens if you get a free phone by take out a fixed-term contract and make monthly re-payment.

Watch [this video Link opens in a new window](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XK5dNUfFps)to check if your phone is locked. If it is locked, you may need to contact your current network provider in your home country.

**Virtual UK Number**

Consider signing up for a virtual UK phone number before you arrive; while you wait to arrange a more permanent number. Examples of companies include:

- [RingOverLink opens in a new window](https://www.ringover.com/virtual-number-united-kingdom)
- [SwytchLink opens in a new window](https://www.swytch.com/)
- [EasyRingerLink opens in a new window](https://www.easyringer.com/ "https://www.easyringer.com/")

**'Pay-as-you-go' (PAYG) SIM Cards**

With PAYG, you would need to add credit to your phone to use data, send texts and make calls.

You can also buy a monthly plan, which may be fixed for 12 months or automatically renewed on a rolling basis.

**Ordering a UK SIM to your home address abroad**

Some companies, e.g. [Giffgaff Link opens in a new window](https://www.giffgaff.com/help/articles/can-i-order-a-sim-from-outside-the-uk)also offer delivery of their pre-paid SIM cards around the world.

Some overseas Visa Application Centres (or other organisations) may also offer UK SIM cards that you can activate as soon as you arrive.

### **Once you arrive**

**Keep your Student Records up to date**

Once you have completed [course registrationLink opens in a new window](https://warwick.ac.uk/students/welcome/enrolment/ "https://warwick.ac.uk/students/welcome/enrolment/"), you need to keep your contact details up to date.

This means when you have a new UK phone number (including every time you change number), remember to update your [Student Records Online Link opens in a new window](https://warwick.ac.uk/evision "https://warwick.ac.uk/evision")as soon as possible.

**Buying a SIM card in person**

**Please note** that many other providers are available and the University does not recommend any of the providers listed on this page. It is your responsibility to ensure that your chosen product works for your individual needs.

There are several network providers who offer pay-as-you-go services; and [this comparison site Link opens in a new window](https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mobiles/best-pay-as-you-go-sim-cards/)can help you decide which service suits you.

**Obtaining a SIM card on arrival**

Most airports or supermarkets will also offer pre-paid SIM cards. Note that many retail outlets at UK airports are operating shorter opening hours than normal.

During the Welcome Week, we will have a limited number of free SIM cards to hand out, on a first-come, first-served basis.