---
title: How do I get a UK SIM card or mobile plan?
description: Find out how to get a UK SIM card or mobile plan, including where to buy one, what plan types to compare and what to check before choosing.
---

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2. [International students](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb)
3. [Setting up essentials](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#setting-up-essentials)

# How do I get a UK SIM card or mobile plan?

A UK SIM card or mobile plan helps you stay connected as soon as you arrive, whether you need maps, banking apps, university updates or messages from home.

### Where to get a SIM

You can buy UK SIM cards at many airports, supermarkets, convenience stores and mobile phone shops. Popular providers include EE, O2, Three, Giffgaff and VOXI. Availability and offers can change, so it’s worth comparing a few options before you choose.

### What type of plan should I choose?

- **Pay-as-you-go:** a flexible option if you want to top up only when you need to.
- **30-day rolling plan:** useful if you want calls, texts and data each month without a long contract.
- **Longer contract:** may offer better value, but can require a UK address, UK bank account or credit check.

If you have just arrived in the UK, a pay-as-you-go or 30-day plan is often the simplest place to start. You can usually move to a different plan later once you know how much data you use.

Before buying, check whether your phone is unlocked and works with UK networks. You can compare mobile deals at [Uswitch](https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/compare/sim_only_deals/) or [Compare the Market](https://www.comparethemarket.com/mobile-phones/sim-only/).

- [Finding the right room](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Locations and buildings](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#locations-and-buildings)
    - [Room types and layouts](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#room-types-and-layouts)
    - [Availability and pricing](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#availability-and-pricing)
    - [Viewing options](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#viewing-options)
    - [Accessibility and requirements](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#accessibility-and-requirements)
- [Eligibility and requirements](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Who can book](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#who-can-book)
    - [Student status and enrolment](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#student-status-and-enrolment)
    - [Age requirements](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#age-requirements)
    - [Visa requirements](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#visa-requirements)
    - [Guarantors](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#guarantors)
    - [Required documents](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#required-documents)
    - [International student requirements](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#international-student-requirements)
    - [Exceptions and special circumstances](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#exceptions-and-special-circumstances)
- [Before you book](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [What’s included in rent](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#whats-included-in-rent)
    - [Contract lengths and dates](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#contract-lengths-and-dates)
    - [Choosing and securing your room](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#choosing-and-securing-your-room)
    - [Booking with others](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#booking-with-others)
    - [Offers and promotions](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#offers-and-promotions)
    - [Requests and preferences](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#requests-and-preferences)
    - [Before booking considerations](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#before-booking-considerations)
- [Booking your room](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [How to book](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#how-to-book)
    - [Booking process and timeline](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#booking-process-and-timeline)
    - [Payments during booking](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#payments-during-booking)
    - [Booking confirmation](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#booking-confirmation)
    - [Documents and verification](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#documents-and-verification)
    - [Making changes to your booking](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#making-changes-to-your-booking)
    - [Booking help and issues](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#booking-help-and-issues)
- [Payments, fees and rent](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Rent and pricing](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#rent-and-pricing)
    - [Paying your rent](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#paying-your-rent)
    - [Payment methods](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#payment-methods)
    - [International payments](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#international-payments)
    - [Deposits and advance payments](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#deposits-and-advance-payments)
    - [Late and failed payments](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#late-and-failed-payments)
    - [Refunds and cancellations](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#refunds-and-cancellations)
    - [Invoices and receipts](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#invoices-and-receipts)
    - [Managing payment details](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#managing-payment-details)
- [Contracts, cancellations and policies](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Tenancy agreements](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#tenancy-agreements)
    - [Understanding your contract](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#understanding-your-contract)
    - [Cooling-off period](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#cooling-off-period)
    - [Cancelling your booking](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#cancelling-your-booking)
    - [Change of Study Circumstances](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#change-of-study-circumstances)
    - [Replacement tenants](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#replacement-tenants)
    - [Ending your contract early](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#ending-your-contract-early)
    - [Changes before move-in](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#changes-before-move-in)
    - [Policy updates and exceptions](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#policy-updates-and-exceptions)
- [Preparing to move in](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Move-in checklist](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#move-in-checklist)
    - [What to bring](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#what-to-bring)
    - [Arrival planning](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#arrival-planning)
    - [Pre-arrival tasks](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#pre-arrival-tasks)
    - [Travel planning](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#travel-planning)
    - [Deliveries before arrival](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#deliveries-before-arrival)
    - [Setting up essentials](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#setting-up-essentials)
- [Arriving and checking in](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Check-in process](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#check-in-process)
    - [Arrival times and access](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#arrival-times-and-access)
    - [What to bring on the day](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#what-to-bring-on-the-day)
    - [Keys and access](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#keys-and-access)
    - [Room and inventory checks](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#room-and-inventory-checks)
    - [Support on arrival](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#support-on-arrival)
- [Living with Scape](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Your room and shared spaces](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#your-room-and-shared-spaces)
    - [Facilities and amenities](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#facilities-and-amenities)
    - [Wi-Fi and connectivity](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#wi-fi-and-connectivity)
    - [Laundry](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#laundry)
    - [Mail and parcels](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#mail-and-parcels)
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    - [Cleaning and upkeep](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#cleaning-and-upkeep)
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- [Maintenance and repairs](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

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    - [Emergency vs non-emergency](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#emergency-vs-non-emergency)
    - [Repair timeframes](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#repair-timeframes)
    - [Access for maintenance](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#access-for-maintenance)
    - [Common issues](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#common-issues)
    - [Shared spaces and facilities](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#shared-spaces-and-facilities)
    - [Planned maintenance](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#planned-maintenance)
    - [Damage and responsibility](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#damage-and-responsibility)
- [Safety, security and emergencies](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Building security](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#building-security)
    - [Keys and access](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#keys-and-access)
    - [Fire safety](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#fire-safety)
    - [Emergency procedures](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#emergency-procedures)
    - [Medical emergencies](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#medical-emergencies)
    - [Incident reporting](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#incident-reporting)
    - [Personal safety](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#personal-safety)
- [Managing your stay](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Resident account and portal](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#resident-account-and-portal)
    - [Updating your details](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#updating-your-details)
    - [Room moves and transfers](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#room-moves-and-transfers)
    - [Extending or renewing your stay](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#extending-or-renewing-your-stay)
    - [Changes during your stay](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#changes-during-your-stay)
    - [Complaints and feedback](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#complaints-and-feedback)
    - [Escalations and support](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#escalations-and-support)
- [Moving out](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Giving notice](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#giving-notice)
    - [Move-out process](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#move-out-process)
    - [Cleaning requirements](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#cleaning-requirements)
    - [Key return](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#key-return)
    - [Final inspections](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#final-inspections)
    - [Charges and payments](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#charges-and-payments)
    - [Deposit returns](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#deposit-returns)
- [International students](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Before arriving in the UK](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#before-arriving-in-the-uk)
    - [Setting up essentials](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#setting-up-essentials)
    - [Paying from overseas](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#paying-from-overseas)
    - [Healthcare and support](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#healthcare-and-support)
    - [Settling in](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#settling-in)
- [Parents, guardians or trusted person](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Booking for a student](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#booking-for-a-student)
    - [Payments and contracts](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#payments-and-contracts)
    - [Supporting move-in](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#supporting-move-in)
    - [Welfare concerns](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#welfare-concerns)
- [Contact and support](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [How to contact Scape](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#how-to-contact-scape)
    - [Reception and opening hours](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#reception-and-opening-hours)
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    - [Sales and booking support](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#sales-and-booking-support)
    - [Resident support queries](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#resident-support-queries)
    - [Response times](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#response-times)

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