---
title: "Mobile phone and SIM preparation"
description: "Mobile phone and SIM preparation | Arden University"
canonical: "https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/international-students/study-in-the-uk/pre-arrival-guide/arrival/mobile-phone-and-sim-preparation"
published: 2026-02-05
updated: 2026-03-11
author: "Arden University"
---

# Mobile phone and SIM preparation

[ Back to Arrival guide home ](https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/international-students/study-in-the-uk/pre-arrival-guide/arrival) [ Go to Pre-Arrival in the UK guide ](https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/international-students/study-in-the-uk/pre-arrival-guide/pre-arrival) [ Next step: NHS Healthcare ](https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/international-students/study-in-the-uk/pre-arrival-guide/arrival/nhs-healthcare)

To make calls, send texts, and use mobile data in the UK, you will need a UK SIM card. There are many providers to choose from, so it’s worth taking a little time to compare options and find one that suits your needs.

UK SIM cards are easy to buy and can be purchased from supermarkets, convenience stores, phone shops, or online.

Before travelling, you may want to check that your phone is **unlocked**, as locked phones cannot be used with a UK SIM.

#### Common SIM options

**SIM-only contract**

If you already have a phone and expect to use calls, texts, and data regularly, a SIM-only contract may be a good option. These typically run on a monthly basis, with costs usually ranging from **£5 to £20 per month**, depending on your usage.

**Pay As You Go (PAYG)**

If you use your phone less frequently or prefer flexibility, Pay As You Go SIMs are widely available. These do not involve a long-term contract and usually include a bundle of minutes, texts, and data with your credit.

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