Welcome to the UK! Whether you are a tourist or a student, getting your mobile phone and transport cards sorted as soon as possible is essential. With many options available, we know it can be overwhelming for first-timers, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! This blog will provide you with all the necessary information on applying for your mobile phone and transport cards in the UK. So, let’s get started!
Mobile Phone Card
Giffgaff
Giffgaff familiar operators introduce the main user groups, especially Chinese students. Many UK flats will give you a GG card in the welcome box when you move in. Giffgaff’s packages are divided into ordinary goody bags and gigabags with traffic only; most users usually choose goodybags, which contain different amounts of traffic, call hours and SMS messages at different prices, and you can select the traffic package that suits your needs, which can be stopped at any time. Giffgaff’s international calls are cheap, with international calls to China costing 2p per minute. The disadvantages of Giffgaff are that the signal is not very good in some areas; there is no physical shop, so if you have any problems, you can only find the relevant links on the official website to solve them by yourself; there are seldom any preferential activities, and the price of the packages has been increasing steadily.
O2
O2 is one of the oldest telecom companies in the UK, with over 23 million subscribers and high user satisfaction. The advantage is that O2 has a lot of physical shops in the UK, so if you have any problems, you can find a 02 on the street and ask for advice at any time, providing telecommunication services, electronic products and sales and so on. O2 Wi-Fi is available all over the UK. It can also be connected to the Wi-Fi in the London Underground. Disadvantages: The price of international long-distance calls is higher, and the price of intra-EU calls is 30 per minute, the same as that of international long-distance calls. Calls within the European Union are 30 per minute, while calls to China are generally charged at £1.50 per minute.
Vodadone
Vodadone is the world’s second-largest network communication company. Coverage is very wide, it has physical shops in the UK, after-sales service is more convenient, and there are student discounts; choose Pay Monthly can enjoy a 10% discount; details can check the official website. Vodadone also has international phone packages, cost-effective (3 pounds / 100 minutes), and has a stronger signal. Cons: Vodadone’s price is not very friendly; for example, 10 pounds can buy Giffgaff 6GB traffic and unlimited talk time, but can only buy 500MB traffic and 500 minutes of call in Vodadone; international long distance is prohibitive, outside the EU is 2 pounds per minute.
EE
EE is the largest operator in the UK and has a good reputation for its speed and service; it has physical shops, so after-sales service is very convenient; EE’s signal is relatively stable, and its 4G network is rated as the fastest among the four major operators in the UK (O2, Vodadone, EE, and Three); it has set up a cost-effective The International Extra (20 pounds/500 minutes) and International Pack (10 pounds per month including 1,000 minutes of international calling, which is equivalent to 1p per minute) for international calling; drawbacks: international calling is more expensive, and calls to China are 1.8 pounds per minute. The International Extra (20 pounds/500 minutes) and International Pack (10 pounds per month, including 1,000 international minutes, equivalent to 1p/minute) are available for international calls; drawbacks: international calls are expensive, at 1.8 pounds/minute to China.
Three
Three’s traffic accounted for 40% of the UK network use, is the first UK telecoms company to support 5G; unlimited traffic package cost-effective, a one-time payment of 12 months, then together with 22 pounds/month (giffgaff to 25 pounds/month), in addition, Three for the international long-distance set up international saver discount package (3p / minute). Disadvantages: the signal is not as stable as O2, Vodadone, or EE, such as going to the Scottish Highlands area is not recommended to choose Three; the price is high, beyond the package of airtime charges for the United Kingdom domestic calls is 55p / minute, to China to call 1.75 pounds/minute
How to buy a phone card?
Operator’s official website: Apply for free on the official website, activate the card after receiving it and then buy the package.
Taobao: Search for UK phone cards on Taobao. Different packages correspond to different prices, but the packages on the UK’s official website are the same. Then, the Taobao shop will send a new card, phone number activation code, etc., which you can activate after arriving in the UK or let customer service activate it before you get on the plane. Then, you can use it after you change the mobile phone card upon your arrival in the UK.
Brick-and-mortar shops: Phone cards are sold at counters and vending machines in airports, but they are a bit more expensive than outside; you can also buy them in supermarkets.
Train Ticket Discount Card
Young Person Card
Target group: 16-25 year olds and students over 25 years old studying full-time in the UK.
Benefits: 30% discount on all train tickets; 30% discount on London buses and tubes during off-peak hours when combined with an oyster card; occasional travel, food and drink offers on the website.
Cost: £30/year or £70/three years
How to apply?
Offline application
Bring your photo and ID (BRP/passport/driving licence) to the manned counter at the railway station, but the counter only provides the service of applying for a one-year card.
Online application
Visit the young person railcard website, upload your photo and ID information, select a year or three-year card and pay the fee.
Paper card
After you make the online purchase, they usually send the card to your address within 3-5 days.
E-card
You will receive a confirmation email with an activation code for your e-card after completing your application. Download the “Railcard” app from the app store and enter the activation code to get your personal Young Person Card!
FAQ
What documents do I need to apply for a mobile phone and transport card in the UK?
To apply for a mobile phone, you will need to provide proof of address, identification documents (such as a passport or driver’s license), and bank statements. For transport cards, you may need to provide similar documents along with a passport-sized photo.
Do I need to have a UK bank account to apply?
It depends on the provider. Some may require you to have a UK bank account, while others may accept international bank accounts. It’s best to check with the provider beforehand.
Are there any additional fees or charges?
Some providers may require a deposit or upfront payment for your mobile phone contract. There may also be fees for late payments or exceeding data limits. Transport cards typically have
