Basic advice please

LastbutFast

My partner & I have been PAYG with Tescomobile for years but don’t wish to have to remain after the changes they are proposing. We are both elderly, not tech savvy and our phone requirements are usually phone calls & texts in the uk or very occasionally in the EU. My partner would also prefer the option of some data for basic internet searches / emails, when WIFI is not available. However, we are due to take various trips to the Caribbean, Canada & USA in 2026, where we might need to make any emergency calls within those destinations or back to the UK. We both have iphone 7 ( so like ourselves, getting rather past it!). We would be most grateful for any advice members might offer in finding the best option for our needs. Thank you.

Vitor

Not sure is OP is asking about a phone upgrade and/or a call plan for North America. However the iPhone 7 is now basically unsupported by Apple and has no 5G capability.

I'd look at upgrading to a refurbished unlocked iPhone 14 as this can hold a physical SIM for UK calls and an eSIM for when in North America and changed when visiting other countries.

For a PAYG call plan with data, there's several options. I used Lebara, they do 5GB/month and plenty of calls/SMS for £10/month and would accept a port in of number from Tesco mobile.

For an eSIM while in North America, you can buy 30day prepaids for £34 - TSIM Prepaid USA eSIM 30 Days | Unlimited 4G/5G High-Speed Data in the USA + 5GB High Speed Data in Canada & Mexico | Unlimited Local Calls + Free Incoming Calls & SMS: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

born_again

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mobiles/

jimjames

It sounds like even the basic Lebara package would be sufficient for your needs. They include 300mins calls and unlimited SMS plus 3Gb data and are on 30 day rolling contract so no tie in for £4.40. Only £1.99 for first 6 months and often deals available for similar amounts.

LastbutFast

Thanks for all responses. Although our iphones are old I wasn’t thinking of upgrading presently, as neither of us make phone calls on a regular basis & tend to use wifi for messages or FaceTime etc when at home, but am looking for an appropriate sim deal. The Lebara 3Gb looks interesting, on a rolling contract. Would I be able to use my phone for infrequent/emergency calls within and from the Caribbean/Canada/USA with Lebara or do I need to add some sort of add-on or top-up? Sorry if this all sounds obvious to most folk but we really are novices at this. Thanks

Vitor

Lebera offer various 'top-up' for roaming - Roaming Rate Finder

LastbutFast

Vitor said:

Lebera offer various 'top-up' for roaming - Roaming Rate Finder

That’s helpful thanks but we will be cruising in the Caribbean for only 9 days visiting 7 countries there. I only need my phone for making urgent/ emergency calls when on land eg medical assistance, calling the ship if there’s a problem etc. I’m not planning to use data for the internet or use texting. Will I need a top-up for each individual country or is there a way to cover all the countries we are visiting with a single top-up? Thanks

LastbutFast

Managed to find Lebara Chat Service. They were so helpful & patient and answer my questions & concerns. Thank you to all here who provided advice.