Unable to convert a rolling plan to pay as you go

[Squall86]

My plan has ended this week (27/12/2023) and I would like to change the monthly plan to pay as you go, as I don't live in the country anymore. However, the customer service rep told me that I could do this before 20/12/2023 and due to the 'system upgrade', they are unable to make such change now and future. My options are 1) cancel the contract and number completely, 2) change to pay as you go, but will have to top up at least £10 per month to keep it going (which is higher than the price of my plan), 3) cancel and change to another provider. She has done her best to explore the options for me, but the fact that it cannot change to pay as you go, or before certain date, is ridiculous. Is this a permanent system change, or a system glitch? 

[Officina-red]

I don’t think a Three pac code will work outside of the UK. 

[Anonymous]

As regards the system change being permanent or temporary Ive no idea but it seems to me you have two choices; take it or leave it. Personally I think it comes down to how much you want to stay on the Three network. I would get a couple of local sims from other networks to check coverage (as someone else on here has said) don't rely on the coverage maps and go for the cheapest or perhaps try Smarty who are owned by Three and may be a better option. Hope I’ve provided you with food for thought.

[Squall86]

Do you know if I can get  a e-sim pay as you go that I can transfer my number? As I'm overseas now, so getting a physical sim is less easy now. 

[sc1999]

Best bet is to move to Smarty, owned by 3. Request a pac code and job done. If you set up the payg first you will be able to check that you can register if using a foreign bank.

[Squall86]

Thanks for the advice. I'm outside the UK now so getting a new physical sim is bit of hassle. I do have uk bank cards/account, so payment is not an issue. Do you know if I can get a E-sim pay as you go?