Uncle arriving from Japan....no SIM

wilkies5

What is the best thing to do here: Uncle arriving at Stansted from Japan and will need mobile phone access asap after he arrives. Is there somewhere at the airport he could buy a SIM and credit, or is it better if I buy SIM and a voucher in UK and post it to him before he leaves Japan?

I haven't a clue seeing as I don't know if he can buy what he needs in Japan before he leaves.!! You would think Japan would have all types of SIM/PAYG credit answers but I can't seem to find out.

All sensible answers welcome....thank you!

OneADay

Get him a lebra sim card with £5 top up. Pick up in local newsagents etc.

http://www.lebara-mobile.co.uk/

ehlo

You may need to check what phone he has!
I think some networks there may be CDMA (and so not even use SIM cards! ). The phone could also be locked

gjchester

Bearing in mind about the CMDA issue (it may be he has to buy a PAYG phone as well) but many also use 3G whyich will work here. I half remember there are some vending machines in Standtead that may sell sim cards but they'll be overpriced.

There nowhere in before security /arrivals that you could guarantee sell sim cards, WHSmith may have some but it's bnot a core product.

Where is he bound after landing, that may be the easiest way to work out where to buy, If he really needs to make a call or two in the airport (say to get you to collect him) a Payphone may do, or use his mobile and then switch as soon as possible to a PAYG phone.

Guys_Dad

ehlo wrote: »

You may need to check what phone he has!
I think some networks there may be CDMA (and so not even use SIM cards! ). The phone could also be locked

Very true. A lot of UK/European phones don't work in Japan and our guys hire handsets over there.

Best to buy a cheap Nokia from CPW for him.

rejsystems

There is a Dixons Travel in Stanstead maybe phone them see if they have or can order in a suitable phone and credit.

http://www.dixonstravel.co.uk/stores/stansted.aspx

gjchester

rejsystems wrote: »

There is a Dixons Travel in Stanstead maybe phone them see if they have or can order in a suitable phone and credit.

http://www.dixonstravel.co.uk/stores/stansted.aspx

IIRC it's after security so not available to Arrivals...

rejsystems

Sorry my mistake