Best time to switch provider to avoid wasting money on unused days?

bigtrev80

I want to switch from my current monthly SIM contract to a cheaper provider (Lebara).

My contract expires at the end of the month. To avoid wasting days I've already paid for, I'd like to switch as late as possible into the month.

So my questions are:

1. When should I buy the Lebara SIM? Does the contract start as soon as you buy it online or only when you first activate it?

2. When should I use my PAC code to switch?

PHK

As long as port out after your minimum period, you won't be charged any extra. Ofcom rules says providers must refund you for any unused period that you've paid for. 

If you port out before the end of your minimum period then you'll have to pay to the end of the period. 

You are always going to have a slight overlap because both SIMs will be working for a short period on the porting day. 



1) if you buy the SIM in a shop or Amazon then you can activate it and start the plan on any day of your choosing. 

J_B

PHK said:

As long as port out after your minimum period, you won't be charged any extra. Ofcom rules says providers must refund you for any unused period that you've paid for.

Interestingly O2 told me that they don't refund less than a fiver

flaneurs_lobster

PHK said:

You are always going to have a slight overlap because both SIMs will be working for a short period on the porting day. 

Good idea to activate the Lebara SIM and check that it's working OK (coverage, Wi-Fi calling?) before using the PAC.