Moving from monthly contract to SIM free queries...

clearingout

am coming to the end of a contract with Virgin Mobile. Having added up what I've paid (and perhaps more importantly, what I haven't used in terms of minutes/texts/data), I realise that I would be far better off paying for my next phone upfront and then signing up to GiffGaff or similar. I have no desire for the latest phone. Just need something that will call, text, allow me to check my e-mail and take the odd photo.

If I do this, can I keep my number or will I have to accept whatever comes with the phone or GiffGaff (how do phone numbers work anyway?!)?

Any cons to this approach that I haven't though about (other than the number issue if that can't be resolved)?

I am just looking on the Argos website at the moment. Any recommendations for where to buy - I would be interested in a larger range than I am seeing on Argos.

many thanks.

cookie365

When the contract is up, ask Virgin for a PAC code, which you use to transfer your number to your new provider.

Using the PAC code will end your Virgin contract, though you will probably have to pay for a full month from the date you got the code.

If you don't use the PAC in a month, it expires, and your contract with Virgin continues. As does your liability to pay it.

Giffgaff allow you to PAC over any time. So you can try it out first. Some other networks insist you PAC over right at the start.

It makes no difference that you're going to PAYG or a contract.

Giffgaff is good for cheap data, Three is better for PAYG.

Check out handsets at Carphone Warehouse, check if Amazon are cheaper.

clearingout

thanks.

Possibly being dense with this...but if I were to buy a PAYG, for example, with Vodafone, get the PAC code from Virgin and then decide before ever opening the box that I want to go with Giff Gaff is there anything to stop me doing that?

cklass

Most networks give PAYG sims away for free, and whether you choose to use it or not is completely up to you, there are no obligations. So if you order a free PAYG sim from Vodafone and then decide you want to go with Giffgaff instead, you don't have to use the Vodafone sim. Even if you use the sim, you can switch to another provider at any time, but they will not let you take any remaining credit with you, so always use up any remaining credit before moving.

Currently, Giffgaff offers the best value for money for most people, but if you're a very low user, Three's PAYG tariff may work out cheaper. If you go with Giffgaff, you can earn up to £4.72 in cashback via TopCashBack.

cookie365

clearingout wrote: »

thanks.

Possibly being dense with this...but if I were to buy a PAYG, for example, with Vodafone, get the PAC code from Virgin and then decide before ever opening the box that I want to go with Giff Gaff is there anything to stop me doing that?

The phone might be locked to Vodafone and/or have customised firmware that won't play nicely on another network.

Better to get a sim free phone and a separate sim, or get the shop to demonstrate that a sim from say o2 works in the phone.

Frozen_up_north

Another vote for a SIM free phone. Then you are free to move networks as often as you like keeping the same number, subject to the sales offers/haggling that obtaining a PAC code can sometimes involve.

balletshoes

carphone warehouse handsets are usually unlocked, so can be used with any sim.

clearingout

thank you all. I have done a bit of googling today and managed to get my head round it. I have always had contracts so didn't quite 'get it'. I do now! I shall go sim-free - have chosen a phone and am now looking to get it as cheaply as possible but in comparison with my current 2 year contract, I will save a minimum of £200 on the next two years...and my contract is half what it would have been because I was trying to leave for another network 2 years ago! I thought I had it cheap...I don't!

thanks again!

graspandsave

OP
have you considered Virgin's SIM only deals? depending on your usage, you may end up saving on your current monthly deal that way


I think they start at £7 per month




granted the giff gaff mentioned above at £4.72 is cheaper.

DCFC79

Theres also the 3 2 1 plan from Three.

Richard_T_

Before you join a new network, try a pay as you go sim from that network first for a while.