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Can anyone recommend a free PAYG SIM on another network?

genian
Regular

My current 24-month contract is ending and I want to switch to Three's PAYG as bizarrely, it offers the best deal if you frequently travel abroad. 

I got a free SIM and was all ready to switch my number, but was told via webchat that they don't support PAYG anymore and it's impossible to switch my number internally from a monthly contract to PAYG. However if I was on Three PAYG and wanted to switch to a monthly contract, then strangely that was possible.

I was told the only option available to me is to get a PAC code, get a SIM from another provider, switch my number over to them, get another PAC code and then switch back.

It's a faff, but one I'm willing to do - however I've now discovered a lot of PAYG SIMs from other providers require you to  top up with credit before you can actually activate the SIM card. O2/Vodaphone/EE/GiffGaff all have a minimum £10 top up to activate the card.

Can anyone recommend a PAYG SIM that doesn't require you to pay to activate it? I only need it for the purposes of switching my number over and back - I guess for no more than 24hrs - I'd rather not have to pay £10 for the privilege. I'm guessing it's unlikely Three would reimburse me for this cost to do something they should be able to, but can't/won't...

11 REPLIES 11
sc1999
Local celebrity

Try Smarty, they are owned by 3 and offer free roaming. 

genian
Regular

Thanks for the suggestion - unfortunately I've just tried a Smarty SIM and it also requires a top up, although slightly cheaper at £6. Smarty's free roaming is EU only and I travel to the US mostly, so Three's free Go Roam on PAYG is the clear winner when most other networks charge £6/day to roam there or per MB.