Best value reliable source for PAYG SIMs?

oldwiring

I am considering changing my PAYG provider from O2 to Vodafone.
Please, where are the best sources of reliable SIM cards for the proposed new provider, and what are likely costs?

Also, do all phones take the same SIMs or must I look for a SIM that is compatible with a particular model?

My phone is a Nokia 3100.

redux

all networks offer free SIMs directly from their websites

there are no SIM compatibility issues, though the 3 network don't want you to use theirs in a 2g only phone

you may need to get your phone unlocked from O2 to use a Vodafone SIM

you can do ths yourself using a code calculated on some websites, such as Trycktill, or there is a thread at the top of the board where some members offer to work out the code for you

will-in-estoril

Aside from the big four networks, also remember the virtual networks: Tesco (uses o2), Asda (uses Vodafone) and Virgin (uses T-Mobile) to name but three.

Asda provides great value for low users 8p/min calls and 4p UK texts; Tesco offer a similar deal called Tesco Mobile Lite. They also offer tariffs for heavier users.

As stated above it is very easy to unlock your handset, should it be necessary.

oldwiring

Thanks

I looked the Vodafone site
https://www.v-store.co.uk/index.cfm?go=consumercheckoutFreeSims.details
but although it appears to have free PAYG cards on offer, you have to state how long your contract has to run. As I am a PAYG user with O2, it looks that I would be excluded. Is that so and if yes, what are the best other sources.

will-in-estoril

You would not be excluded. However, why would you want to pay 20 per minute for calls, when they are available with the same network coverage (Asda Mobile) for 8p per min? Asda uses the Vodafone network.

http://www.asdamobile.com/

The sims cost 50p but if you buy instore with £5 credit they waive the 50p. Thereafter you can top up in newsagents, post offices etc.

oldwiring

Thanks will-in-estoril!
How does Asda manage to do it so cheaply? It seems to good to be true.Surely there has to be a catch somewhere.

Are on-line credit card top ups available too?

Bowling_4_Gold

oldwiring wrote: »

Thanks will-in-estoril!
How does Asda manage to do it so cheaply? It seems to good to be true.Surely there has to be a catch somewhere.

Are on-line credit card top ups available too?

I assume they buy in massive bulk from Vodafone. There are a couple of other virtual networks offering the same tarrif.

I recommend you go with Asda, you will save a lot compared to Vodafone, and they use the same physical network, so no signal concerns there. Their helpline is also very good - you get to speak to someone in the UK within about 2-3 rings (so 3-5 seconds )

You can register your Credit/Debit card details and top-up whenever you want using the automated service, or you can use a top-up card, and do it the conventional way of going to a shop, or you can buy a voucher from any Asda store. Also, the minimum top-up is £5, so handy if you are a light user.

oldwiring

Thanks for info

elfen

Asda/Tesco seem to have the best system...my dad's on Tesco and he's a very light user....so £10 top-up can last three or four months.