Travel Technology - Gsm Sim Card In Scotland

Does anybody know whether or not Scotland uses the GSM system? I have searched the web and it does not list Scotland on there. Basically, my parents are going to England/Scotland for 2 weeks and they are leaving this Saturday. I need to know whether they are better off getting an intl SIM card which will work in both countries or getting a country specific card....

Pls help with a quick reply..

Scotland and England are not distinct countries at all, both are part of the UK (United Kingdoms of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). There is no problem with using GSM in the UK at all, even in Scotland.

I would recommend getting either Vodafone or O2 though - the coverage of T-mobile and to a lesser extent Orange can be patchy in some more remote parts of Northern UK (i.e. Scotland).

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom. The UK uses GSM. So yes, Scotland uses GSM :) .

As for which SIM card, this will depend on how they want to use the phone. SIM cards for unlocked phones operating on 900 or 1800 frequency (note: most North American phones are 1900) are readily available when you arrive using the Virgin, O2, Vodafone, Orange etc etc brands from airport shops and convenience stores. No need to buy in advance unless they absolutely must have their new number in advance.

Hope this helps.

thanks for all the replies...they have an unlocked phone....just need infor on a sim card...

just need infor on a sim card...And I think that's what you have, twice over.

I was first, yipee :D :D

I was first, yipee :D :DBy one minute, and my message was longer, trying to educate our cousins. ;)

I was typing with only one finger.
And I had to calm my anger first..
:D :D :D

The rule of thumb is pretty simple; EVERYWHERE uses GSM except for Japan.

Next time just check out this list:

http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/index.shtml

But I can't see England or Scotland on that list.... :D :D :D

But I can't see England or Scotland on that list.... :D :D :D

Scotland doesn't have electricity. Everything is still run using carrier sheep.

Scotland doesn't have electricity. Everything is still run using carrier sheep.

All you need do is hook up a bunch of portable crepitation catchers and use the methane as fuel... all the electricity you could want!

thanks for all the replies...they have an unlocked phone....just need infor on a sim card...

When are they going?

I have an Orange sim that needs to be recharged soon. This could be good for both of us.

The rule of thumb is pretty simple; EVERYWHERE uses GSM except for Japan.

Next time just check out this list:

http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/index.shtml

Not strictly correct. Both Japan and Korea allow roaming on their 3G networks, not GSM. I've not tried 3G roaming in Korea because I've not been there for years but it does work OK in Japan.

Pedantic, I know, but it's unlike ScottC to get a detail wrong on this forum :D :D

The detail about carrier sheep in Scotland is correct though. In the more mountainous parts where the sheep can't get to, they use wild haggis to carry the signal.

When are they going?

I have an Orange sim that needs to be recharged soon. This could be good for both of us.


they leave saturday morning...

Scotland doesn't have electricity. Everything is still run using carrier sheep.You're going straight to hell for that one, watch out down there. :D