Moving overseas - cheapest way to keep mobile number 'live'?

Waitrose_Carpark

Hi there

I'm moving overseas with work but would like to keep my uk mobile number for when I move back, which I forsee to be in around 2 years' time.

I'd like to be able to check my voicemail/texts every so often (couple times a month?) to pick up voicemails.

Anyone have any clues as to best tactic for this? I'm thinking GifGaf or Three SIM and to use my work phone to call to check my VMs.

*Edit: I don't intend to use the phone whilst I'm in Amsterdam, I get a company mobile for everyday use.

Kaybenson

Can you check your text and voicemail or free while abroad on giffgaff? I very much doubt that.

Waitrose_Carpark

I seem to remember being able to ring your UK mobile (and type a pin, or something) and you can check your VMs?

But basically, yeah, keep it turned off and only check it for texts every couple weeks. Receiving texts overseas doesn't cost does it??

grumbler

All providers except giffgaff require making/sending a chargeable call/text every 6 months (3 months for some) to keep the sim alive.
AFAIK giffgaff is the only exception where an incoming call or text will do the job. Luckily, incoming texts are free even abroad.

System

I put my daughter on to giffgaff last year when she went to Spain for a year. Worked well. She justy texted us once a month to keep it live. (it was cheaper for her to text us rather than us her)

NFH

I'd choose Orange because an incoming text at least once every six months will prolong the validity of your SIM card, i.e. there is no cost to you.

Orange also allow an extended absence voicemail greeting, so you can use this to give callers your foreign mobile number while denying them the ability to leave a message.

grumbler

NFH wrote: »

I'd choose Orange because an incoming text at least once every six months will prolong the validity of your SIM card, i.e. there is no cost to you.

AFAIK, it isn't the case anymore (or will stop being the case soon).

d123

Waitrose_Carpark wrote: »

I'd like to be able to check my voicemail/texts every so often (couple times a month?) to pick up voicemails.

Be very careful with voicemail, you will need to set an unconditional all calls divert to VMS, and make sure it never resets as you will become liable for 2 international calls for every voicemail left if the voicemail does reset to the standard not available/busy divert.

The cheapest method of keeping it live will probably be an outgoing text message every 3-6 months (depending on network).

Quick look at 3, an outgoing text will cost you 7.4p, incoming texts are free. A call to check voicemail will cost 28.8p per minute.

oopsadaisydoddle

grumbler wrote: »

AFAIK, it isn't the case anymore (or will stop being the case soon).

It has to be an outgoing text/call - although I believe it may work if you just dial someone but disconnect before they answer.

Ypaymore

As Grumbler has already pointed out.

GiffGaff count incoming text/call

Go to : http://giffgaff.com/boiler-plate/terms

Click On : Our rights to bar or disconnect you.

See :11.1 If you do not make or receive a call, SMS or use mobile Internet at least once in any 6 month period your SIM Card will be disconnected and you will lose any remaining credits/balance on your Account. If you wish to be re-connected after this time you will be given a new mobile phone number.

Interesting article on subject. http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/11/12/dont-make-enough-mobile-phone-calls-and-youll-be-cut-off/

Waitrose_Carpark

Thanks everyone, this is all really useful. Much appreciated!