PAYG sim for one off use?

teapot2

Hello, I usually use a smartphone which is on a contract but I'm going into hospital soon and don't want to take this with me in case it disappears.

There are quite a few of my OH's old phones kicking about so I wondered about getting a PAYG Sim that would just give me the ability to use the phone for texts and calls. I wouldn't be using it regularly, just on the two occasions when I'm having a few days of hospital stays.

I don't live anywhere near a phone shop and am a bit clueless about where to start as I'm used to a phone on a contract.

Can anyone advise about my options please, many thanks

AndyPK

well Asda ! You even get a free bit of credit. (order off internet)


But why don't you take the sim out of your current phone and put it in your temporary phone. You won't miss any calls/txt then and people will know how to get hold of you.


CHeck sim size is correct and temp phone unlocked to the network before hand though

d123

You could order a free sim from o2 or Three, both allow calls for 3p a minute and texts for 2p. Ideal if you're only wanting calls/texts.

Frozen_up_north

d123 wrote: »

You could order a free sim from o2 or Three, both allow calls for 3p a minute and texts for 2p. Ideal if you're only wanting calls/texts.

Another vote for Three or O2 on PAYG. Good value. In the case of Three the credit currently lasts forever, provided you make a call (or text) every 6 months... testing once a month would keep it active. Note Three is 3G or 4G only, old 2G phones will not work.

I think O2 require a top up every 6 months, but will work with an old 2G phone.

Old batteries are a problem, check before you rely on it.

cranford

If the hospital has wifi and you have a smart phone then you could use whatsapp etc to keep costs down. Otherwise I used an old phone with a Giffgaff sim when in hospital. It used the O2 network and can be used on a phone locked to O2 or unlocked. 15p/ minute, 5p/ text or buy a £5 bundle.
Order from https://www.giffgaff.com/free-sim-cards

d123

cranford wrote: »

If the hospital has wifi and you have a smart phone then you could use whatsapp etc to keep costs down. Otherwise I used an old phone with a Giffgaff sim when in hospital. It used the O2 network and can be used on a phone locked to O2 or unlocked. 15p/ minute, 5p/ text or buy a £5 bundle.
Order from https://www.giffgaff.com/free-sim-cards

Why would anyone use Giffgaff (an o2 MVNO) for 15p per minute calls when o2 direct only cost 3p per minute now?

d123

Frozen_up_north wrote: »

Another vote for Three or O2 on PAYG. Good value. In the case of Three the credit currently lasts forever, provided you make a call (or text) every 6 months... testing once a month would keep it active. Note Three is 3G or 4G only, old 2G phones will not work.

I think O2 require a top up every 6 months, but will work with an old 2G phone.

Old batteries are a problem, check before you rely on it.

I haven't looked at o2's terms recently, but unless they have changed terms fairly recently they have the same usage term as what you describe for 3 (call/text/data use or top up at least every 6 months to remain active).

pmduk

Firstly, check your hospital's policy to mobile phones in the ward to which you are being admitted.

Don't forget to take a charger and, if appropriate a USB charging lead. Sometimes you can charge phones from the bedside TVs.

I understand your apprehension but depending on the smartphone's value I'd be tempted to take it with me. I use mine as an ebook reader, to watch videos, BBC iPlayer and listen to radio etc.

teapot2

Frozen_up_north wrote: »

Old batteries are a problem, check before you rely on it.

thanks FuN that's a good point, I'll check them out.


Thanks to all, I'll look into the suggestions. Got a pre op assessment soon so I'll ask about the ward policy etc

Kernel_Sanders

teapot2 wrote: »

Got a pre op assessment soon so I'll ask about the ward policy etc

I'd ask them if any of the networks have a particularly poor signal while you're at it.

neilmcl

d123 wrote: »

Why would anyone use Giffgaff (an o2 MVNO) for 15p per minute calls when o2 direct only cost 3p per minute now?

On what taiff/service? O2 Simply PAYG charges are 30p per minute.