[consolidated] Prepaid SIM cards outside USA
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: KEL (1 Km) or HAM (85 Km)
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 1,129
[consolidated] Prepaid SIM cards outside USA
Hi,
With many of us carrying mobile data devices (iPhone/iPad/BB/Nexus One), I was thinking of getting a sticky organised.
I'd like to have a thread with just information and not too much discussion as to the pros and cons of particular SIM cards. I feel that the How much is a European SIM card, exactly? thread is getting a bit long, and maybe we can move some of the releavant content here.
In the second post, I'm happy to maintain a list of countries/operators which index into single posts in this thread. This will make it much easier for FTers to find the information more quickly.
I'd like to have a few people volunteer to maintain a country or two. I have a template I can PM, that makes the organisation of the information consistent.
At a minimum I'm after...
- The name of the network operator/MVNO
- How to get a SIM card and what you need to do (ID, passport, addresses)
- How to add pre-paid value (top up, voucher, ...)
- The costs of internet access (daily, weekly, by time or volume)
- The APN details (if possible)
Comments, suggestions and ideas for the thread, please post or PM.
Thanks,
Aidan
PS - While I'm creating some initial posts for countries that I'm aware of, and have actually purchased SIM cards, I'm happy to link the index to better, more informed posts about countries or even specific operators. This will work best if everyone contributes a little.
-- Thread History (newest first)
* 2010-10-01 - Add Malaysia
* 2010-09-14 - Add Germany VodaFone (thanks awpoon)
* 2010-09-02 - Add Spain (thanks alanw)
* 2010-08-30 - Add Sweden and New Zealand
* 2010-07-16 - Add Thailand/Hong Kong (thanks to BangkokTraveller and theworld)
* 2010-07-01 - Change 3rd post to be general index of threads, link to ClimbGuy's thread
* 2010-06-16 - Add German Aldi Talk, UK MVNOs, UAE DU - thanks Kgmm77 and Raph
* 2010-06-15 - Update index with Australia and UK. Add post for UK operators.
* 2010-06-08 - Created
Getting started
ClimbGuy has started another thread International mobile phone roaming guide for Americas, sticky please!, which has much of the basics if you've never travelled internationally with your phone.
With many of us carrying mobile data devices (iPhone/iPad/BB/Nexus One), I was thinking of getting a sticky organised.
I'd like to have a thread with just information and not too much discussion as to the pros and cons of particular SIM cards. I feel that the How much is a European SIM card, exactly? thread is getting a bit long, and maybe we can move some of the releavant content here.
In the second post, I'm happy to maintain a list of countries/operators which index into single posts in this thread. This will make it much easier for FTers to find the information more quickly.
I'd like to have a few people volunteer to maintain a country or two. I have a template I can PM, that makes the organisation of the information consistent.
At a minimum I'm after...
- The name of the network operator/MVNO
- How to get a SIM card and what you need to do (ID, passport, addresses)
- How to add pre-paid value (top up, voucher, ...)
- The costs of internet access (daily, weekly, by time or volume)
- The APN details (if possible)
Comments, suggestions and ideas for the thread, please post or PM.
Thanks,
Aidan
PS - While I'm creating some initial posts for countries that I'm aware of, and have actually purchased SIM cards, I'm happy to link the index to better, more informed posts about countries or even specific operators. This will work best if everyone contributes a little.
-- Thread History (newest first)
* 2010-10-01 - Add Malaysia
* 2010-09-14 - Add Germany VodaFone (thanks awpoon)
* 2010-09-02 - Add Spain (thanks alanw)
* 2010-08-30 - Add Sweden and New Zealand
* 2010-07-16 - Add Thailand/Hong Kong (thanks to BangkokTraveller and theworld)
* 2010-07-01 - Change 3rd post to be general index of threads, link to ClimbGuy's thread
* 2010-06-16 - Add German Aldi Talk, UK MVNOs, UAE DU - thanks Kgmm77 and Raph
* 2010-06-15 - Update index with Australia and UK. Add post for UK operators.
* 2010-06-08 - Created
Getting started
ClimbGuy has started another thread International mobile phone roaming guide for Americas, sticky please!, which has much of the basics if you've never travelled internationally with your phone.
Last edited by aidanc; Oct 1, 2010 at 1:25 am
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: KEL (1 Km) or HAM (85 Km)
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 1,129
Index of countries/operators
Note, this information here is provided "as-is", and no warrenty as to it's accuracy. The mobile world changes very quickly, and while I'll keep this post up to date as best I can, check out some of the links before making a decision. You make your own choices.
I found this Wikia link in c't magazine (19/10), which lists quite a few countries, but not always in the details we have below.
Europe
Ireland - All networks
Germany - VodaFone
Germany - Tchibo Mobil (MVNO)
Germany - Aldi Talk (MVNO)
UK - Networks
UK - Asda (MVNO)
UK - Tesco (MVNO)
Sweden - 3/Tre
Spain - Vodafone
Switzerland - Swisscom
North America
USA
Canada
Africa
South Africa
Middle East
UAE - DU
Asia/Australia
Australia
Hong Kong
Malaysia - Digi
New Zealand - 2degrees
Thailand - AIS 1-2-1 also More notes on AIS
I found this Wikia link in c't magazine (19/10), which lists quite a few countries, but not always in the details we have below.
Europe
Ireland - All networks
Germany - VodaFone
Germany - Tchibo Mobil (MVNO)
Germany - Aldi Talk (MVNO)
UK - Networks
UK - Asda (MVNO)
UK - Tesco (MVNO)
Sweden - 3/Tre
Spain - Vodafone
Switzerland - Swisscom
North America
USA
Canada
Africa
South Africa
Middle East
UAE - DU
Asia/Australia
Australia
Hong Kong
Malaysia - Digi
New Zealand - 2degrees
Thailand - AIS 1-2-1 also More notes on AIS
Last edited by aidanc; Nov 4, 2010 at 10:27 am Reason: UK link was wrong!
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: KEL (1 Km) or HAM (85 Km)
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 1,129
Index of related SIM card threads
This is an index of related threads, which might also be of use
Orange [UK] - roaming in the USA problem
4 iPhone with Prepaid ATT service
Unlimited Pre-Paid Data in Germany
Netherlands Vodafone Prepaid Sim
Canada - pre pay sim card?
Overseas Cell Phone Question.
Data plan 2 months Canada Roger's-Nexus One teathering Roger's
occasional-use US cell phone ideas please
Texting in Europe
Short-term SIM for the US - 2010 edition
Data Enabled Prepaid SIM in the US?
Best Way to Call Home Daily from China Cities?
How much for a prepaid unlimited data in Europe
Prepaid Blackberry connection in the US
Temporary Blackberry access in Thailand?
Prepaid SIM Card For IPhone In New York
Need some international sim card help!
pre-paid international sim cards
Canada mobile broadband pay as you go?
SIM card in China
European Sim Unlimited Data?
Ireland 4 months> internet connection/calls home
Best USB dongle deal(s) in UK?
Help Setting Up an LG Cookie KP 500 with Blau.de Data Package
Costa Rica - sim card?
International SIM Card - Advice requested (South Africa)
2degrees SIM Card New Zealand - Good option
Prepaid USA data -- T-Mobile kinda works
Recommendation for Unlocked Phone and Prepaid US SIM
Shanghai SIM card
Best UK mobile network for data roaming abroad?
Question about Benelux cell phones
Unlocked iPhone - Prepaid+Data plans in USA?
Free Truphone "Local Anywhere" SIM card w/5 pound credit
Germany trip: have locked iPhone 3G + laptop - voice/wireless options?
International SIM cards
Orange [UK] - roaming in the USA problem
4 iPhone with Prepaid ATT service
Unlimited Pre-Paid Data in Germany
Netherlands Vodafone Prepaid Sim
Canada - pre pay sim card?
Overseas Cell Phone Question.
Data plan 2 months Canada Roger's-Nexus One teathering Roger's
occasional-use US cell phone ideas please
Texting in Europe
Short-term SIM for the US - 2010 edition
Data Enabled Prepaid SIM in the US?
Best Way to Call Home Daily from China Cities?
How much for a prepaid unlimited data in Europe
Prepaid Blackberry connection in the US
Temporary Blackberry access in Thailand?
Prepaid SIM Card For IPhone In New York
Need some international sim card help!
pre-paid international sim cards
Canada mobile broadband pay as you go?
SIM card in China
European Sim Unlimited Data?
Ireland 4 months> internet connection/calls home
Best USB dongle deal(s) in UK?
Help Setting Up an LG Cookie KP 500 with Blau.de Data Package
Costa Rica - sim card?
International SIM Card - Advice requested (South Africa)
2degrees SIM Card New Zealand - Good option
Prepaid USA data -- T-Mobile kinda works
Recommendation for Unlocked Phone and Prepaid US SIM
Shanghai SIM card
Best UK mobile network for data roaming abroad?
Question about Benelux cell phones
Unlocked iPhone - Prepaid+Data plans in USA?
Free Truphone "Local Anywhere" SIM card w/5 pound credit
Germany trip: have locked iPhone 3G + laptop - voice/wireless options?
International SIM cards
Last edited by aidanc; Jul 12, 2010 at 11:03 am Reason: create new index
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: KEL (1 Km) or HAM (85 Km)
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 1,129
Germany - MVNO
The German market has a large number of MVNOs. I'll add these over the coming days.
Tchibo
Tchibo operates an MVNO on the O2 network in Germany.
Getting a SIM
Walk into any Tchibo store and purchase one.
Prices
24 hours (until midnight German time, limit of 1G) costs €2.95 per day. (TAGFLAG)
A month (with 500MB limit) costs €9.95 (DATENPACK)
A month (with no limit) costs €19.95. (DATENFLAT)
When you exceed the limit mentioned above, the speed you get drops from (say) 3G speeds to 64Kb/s (ISDN). You can still connect and surf, just a bit more slowly.
Top-up
Most supermarkets, petrol stations and news agents will sell top-up vouchers. A voucher for "O2 Loop" works with Tchibo.
APN
The APN is webmobil1. No username or password is required.
Tchibo
Tchibo operates an MVNO on the O2 network in Germany.
Getting a SIM
Walk into any Tchibo store and purchase one.
Prices
24 hours (until midnight German time, limit of 1G) costs €2.95 per day. (TAGFLAG)
A month (with 500MB limit) costs €9.95 (DATENPACK)
A month (with no limit) costs €19.95. (DATENFLAT)
When you exceed the limit mentioned above, the speed you get drops from (say) 3G speeds to 64Kb/s (ISDN). You can still connect and surf, just a bit more slowly.
Top-up
Most supermarkets, petrol stations and news agents will sell top-up vouchers. A voucher for "O2 Loop" works with Tchibo.
APN
The APN is webmobil1. No username or password is required.
Last edited by aidanc; Jun 8, 2010 at 1:54 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: KEL (1 Km) or HAM (85 Km)
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 1,129
South Africa
Vodacom
(grabbed from another post I made)
I walked into the Vodacom shop in JNB airport and purchased a SIM card (ZAR 120), ZAR139 airtime (the local word), and 2GB prepaid data for about ZAR389, total of ZAR 648. They just needed my passport. With pretty heavy usage, the 2GB lasted the 12 days I was there.
MTN
(coming soon)
CellC
(coming soon)
Virgin Mobile
(coming soon)
(grabbed from another post I made)
I walked into the Vodacom shop in JNB airport and purchased a SIM card (ZAR 120), ZAR139 airtime (the local word), and 2GB prepaid data for about ZAR389, total of ZAR 648. They just needed my passport. With pretty heavy usage, the 2GB lasted the 12 days I was there.
MTN
(coming soon)
CellC
(coming soon)
Virgin Mobile
(coming soon)
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sydney - Australia
Programs: BD, QF, QR/EY/GF & HH Gold/SPG, Hertz#1G
Posts: 11,079
Australia
Telstra
Fastest network (NextG 3.5G), best coverage by far, generally the most expensive by far
Optus
No.2 to Telstra and heavily reliant on its mobiles business, so lots of product offerings.
(coming soon)
Vodafone
Another step down in performance/coverage but generally comparable to Optus. Often some great deals.
AUD$79 3G modem with 2Gb usage; $29 recharge expires in 30 days; recharging allows unused data to be hoarded up to a total of 14Gb
(coming soon)
Three
Hutchison (three) merged with Vodafone in their network and operations, so is almost the same as Vodafone in many aspects, but sometimes has cheaper deals.
(coming soon)
Virgin Mobile
Uses Optus network; lowish cost
(coming soon)
Low-cost/high-use/no-support geek favourites:
exetel.com.au
pennytel.com.au has a phone SIM plan with v. cheap rates
Where to geek out the details:
whirlpool.net.au forums
Fastest network (NextG 3.5G), best coverage by far, generally the most expensive by far
Optus
No.2 to Telstra and heavily reliant on its mobiles business, so lots of product offerings.
(coming soon)
Vodafone
Another step down in performance/coverage but generally comparable to Optus. Often some great deals.
AUD$79 3G modem with 2Gb usage; $29 recharge expires in 30 days; recharging allows unused data to be hoarded up to a total of 14Gb
(coming soon)
Three
Hutchison (three) merged with Vodafone in their network and operations, so is almost the same as Vodafone in many aspects, but sometimes has cheaper deals.
(coming soon)
Virgin Mobile
Uses Optus network; lowish cost
(coming soon)
Low-cost/high-use/no-support geek favourites:
exetel.com.au
pennytel.com.au has a phone SIM plan with v. cheap rates
Where to geek out the details:
whirlpool.net.au forums
Last edited by BiziBB; Jun 8, 2010 at 6:58 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: KEL (1 Km) or HAM (85 Km)
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 1,129
UK - Operators
I was recently in the UK, and did a bit of research before choosing a SIM card for my Nexus One.
In the end, I choose T-Mobile because it was cheaper - I didn't want to have to pay for a SIM card. The downside was that t-mobile block SIP packets, so I could not use SIP Droid on the N1.
UK Network Top-ups
When you get a SIM card in the UK, you also get a mag-stripe card for top-ups. You hand over (say) 10 to the cashier with the top-up card. The card is swiped through the till or credit card machine, and the 10 gets credited to your phone automatically. No need to key in codes from the phone.
Most supermarkets, petrols stations, and newsagents will be able to do a top-up.
VodaFone
Getting a SIM
Walk into any VodaFone, Carphone Warehouse, or The Link store and purchase one. Pay cash, get SIM.
Prices
The SIM only price was 5.
Data prices are:
- 50p per day up to 25MB
- 7.50 for 30 days up to 250MB
3
Getting a SIM
Walk into any 3 Store, Carphone Warehouse, or The Link store and purchase one. Pay cash, get SIM.
Prices
The SIM only price was free with a 10 top-up.
Data prices are:
- 150MB free per topup (I think)
- 10 for 1GB
- 15 for 3GB
- 25 for 7GB
The 3 credit expires after 30 days.
O2
Getting a SIM
Walk into any O2, Carphone Warehouse, or The Link store and purchase one. Pay cash, get SIM.
Prices
The SIM only price was 5.
Data prices are:
- 2.00 for 250M (24 hours)
- 7.50 for 1GB (7 days)
- 15 for 3GB (30 days)
I think that O2 pre-paid credit expired after 60 days.
T-Mobile
Getting a SIM
Walk into any T-Mobile, Carphone Warehouse, or The Link store and purchase one. Pay cash, get SIM.
Prices
In a T-Mobile store, the SIM was free. Carphone Warehouse was looking for 5.
There's a ceiling of 2 per day with data usage, with no particular limit.
You can also bulk buy "x days of internet usage". T-Mobile call these "internet boosters".
- 2.50 for 5 days
- 5 for a month
- 20 for 6 months
Credit will expire after 6 months of no use, but a text message or top-up will refresh the expiration date.
In the end, I choose T-Mobile because it was cheaper - I didn't want to have to pay for a SIM card. The downside was that t-mobile block SIP packets, so I could not use SIP Droid on the N1.
UK Network Top-ups
When you get a SIM card in the UK, you also get a mag-stripe card for top-ups. You hand over (say) 10 to the cashier with the top-up card. The card is swiped through the till or credit card machine, and the 10 gets credited to your phone automatically. No need to key in codes from the phone.
Most supermarkets, petrols stations, and newsagents will be able to do a top-up.
VodaFone
Getting a SIM
Walk into any VodaFone, Carphone Warehouse, or The Link store and purchase one. Pay cash, get SIM.
Prices
The SIM only price was 5.
Data prices are:
- 50p per day up to 25MB
- 7.50 for 30 days up to 250MB
3
Getting a SIM
Walk into any 3 Store, Carphone Warehouse, or The Link store and purchase one. Pay cash, get SIM.
Prices
The SIM only price was free with a 10 top-up.
Data prices are:
- 150MB free per topup (I think)
- 10 for 1GB
- 15 for 3GB
- 25 for 7GB
The 3 credit expires after 30 days.
O2
Getting a SIM
Walk into any O2, Carphone Warehouse, or The Link store and purchase one. Pay cash, get SIM.
Prices
The SIM only price was 5.
Data prices are:
- 2.00 for 250M (24 hours)
- 7.50 for 1GB (7 days)
- 15 for 3GB (30 days)
I think that O2 pre-paid credit expired after 60 days.
T-Mobile
Getting a SIM
Walk into any T-Mobile, Carphone Warehouse, or The Link store and purchase one. Pay cash, get SIM.
Prices
In a T-Mobile store, the SIM was free. Carphone Warehouse was looking for 5.
There's a ceiling of 2 per day with data usage, with no particular limit.
You can also bulk buy "x days of internet usage". T-Mobile call these "internet boosters".
- 2.50 for 5 days
- 5 for a month
- 20 for 6 months
Credit will expire after 6 months of no use, but a text message or top-up will refresh the expiration date.
Last edited by aidanc; Jun 15, 2010 at 2:49 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AB Platinum (AB4EVA), IHG Diamond, Dominos Gold
Posts: 956
Germany:
Aldi Talk / Medion Mobile
Medion Mobile is a MNVO using the E-Plus Network
Available in any Aldi Supermarket.
Price: €13 including €10 Airtime.
Airtime is available as €15 or €30 top-up at Aldi, also any E-Plus "Free and Easy" Top-Up will work (available pretty much anywhere, Supermarkets, Petrol Stations...)
Data:
€0,24 / MB without Data Package
Packages:
€1,99 / 24 Hours Unlimted (GPRS speed after 1GB of Traffic)
€14,99 / 1 Month Unlimited (GPRS Speed after 5GB of Traffic)
In Germany all SIMs have to be registered. A registration form comes in the package, you can also register online at http://www.medionmobile.de
All National (Landline + Mobile) calls are €0,11 / Minute. National SMS cost € 0,11 / SMS, International SMS are € 0,13/SMS Medion Mobile to Medion Mobile is €0,03 per Minute.
Note that the E-Plus Network uses standard 3G (384k Max) in most areas. They do provide HSDPA in big cities (e.g. FRA), but that's the exception.
APN is internet.eplus.de
Skype is not blocked on this carrier.
Aldi Talk / Medion Mobile
Medion Mobile is a MNVO using the E-Plus Network
Available in any Aldi Supermarket.
Price: €13 including €10 Airtime.
Airtime is available as €15 or €30 top-up at Aldi, also any E-Plus "Free and Easy" Top-Up will work (available pretty much anywhere, Supermarkets, Petrol Stations...)
Data:
€0,24 / MB without Data Package
Packages:
€1,99 / 24 Hours Unlimted (GPRS speed after 1GB of Traffic)
€14,99 / 1 Month Unlimited (GPRS Speed after 5GB of Traffic)
In Germany all SIMs have to be registered. A registration form comes in the package, you can also register online at http://www.medionmobile.de
All National (Landline + Mobile) calls are €0,11 / Minute. National SMS cost € 0,11 / SMS, International SMS are € 0,13/SMS Medion Mobile to Medion Mobile is €0,03 per Minute.
Note that the E-Plus Network uses standard 3G (384k Max) in most areas. They do provide HSDPA in big cities (e.g. FRA), but that's the exception.
APN is internet.eplus.de
Skype is not blocked on this carrier.
Last edited by raph; Jun 15, 2010 at 5:58 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AB Platinum (AB4EVA), IHG Diamond, Dominos Gold
Posts: 956
UAE:
DU
You can buy a "visitor mobile line" on Arrival at DXB and at any DU Outlet. You are required to present your Passport as the Sim will be registered to your name.
The SIM costs 49 AED and includes a 20 AED Top-Up.
The following Data Bundles are available:
5MB - 10 AED
50MB - 40 AED
200MB - 100 AED
2000 MB - 200 AED
Unlimited - 360 AED
All Bundles are valid for max. 1 Month.
Data charge without Bundle is 0,01 AED / KB.
The APN is "du"
DU
You can buy a "visitor mobile line" on Arrival at DXB and at any DU Outlet. You are required to present your Passport as the Sim will be registered to your name.
The SIM costs 49 AED and includes a 20 AED Top-Up.
The following Data Bundles are available:
5MB - 10 AED
50MB - 40 AED
200MB - 100 AED
2000 MB - 200 AED
Unlimited - 360 AED
All Bundles are valid for max. 1 Month.
Data charge without Bundle is 0,01 AED / KB.
The APN is "du"
#10
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,818
O2 Ireland have had a micro-sim for iPad available since May 28th.
It's available from O2 stores and is nominally free, although you are required to purchase €20 credit at the time of purchase. No ID required iirc.
Packages are both pre-pay, €3.95 daily (500mb). €19.90 30 day validity (5Gb)
Top up online.
APN: open.internet
Username: gprs
Password: gprs
It's available from O2 stores and is nominally free, although you are required to purchase €20 credit at the time of purchase. No ID required iirc.
Packages are both pre-pay, €3.95 daily (500mb). €19.90 30 day validity (5Gb)
Top up online.
APN: open.internet
Username: gprs
Password: gprs
Last edited by Kgmm77; Jun 15, 2010 at 6:06 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AB Platinum (AB4EVA), IHG Diamond, Dominos Gold
Posts: 956
UK:
ASDA Mobile
Available at all Asda Supermarkets. Not sure about the price anymore, I believe 1 for the SIM or Free with Top-Up.
Data is generally 0.20 / MB
National Calls and SMS are generally 0.08 / Minute
Asda Mobile is a MNVO using the Vodafone UK Network.
ASDA Mobile
Available at all Asda Supermarkets. Not sure about the price anymore, I believe 1 for the SIM or Free with Top-Up.
Data is generally 0.20 / MB
National Calls and SMS are generally 0.08 / Minute
Asda Mobile is a MNVO using the Vodafone UK Network.
#12
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AB Platinum (AB4EVA), IHG Diamond, Dominos Gold
Posts: 956
UK:
Tesco Mobile
Another very good option is Tesco Mobile.
Available at all Tesco Stores, Tesco Mobile is a MNVO using the O2 UK Network.
Unlimited Browsing is 2 per Week (Starting Monday)
Calls are 20p / Minute; 10p / Text.
Tesco currently runs a "Triple Credit" promotion which adds 200% of your top-up free of charge (valid for one month).
Tesco Mobile
Another very good option is Tesco Mobile.
Available at all Tesco Stores, Tesco Mobile is a MNVO using the O2 UK Network.
Unlimited Browsing is 2 per Week (Starting Monday)
Calls are 20p / Minute; 10p / Text.
Tesco currently runs a "Triple Credit" promotion which adds 200% of your top-up free of charge (valid for one month).
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: KEL (1 Km) or HAM (85 Km)
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 1,129
Thanks guys...
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: KEL (1 Km) or HAM (85 Km)
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 1,129
Ireland - All networks
Mobile Networks Networks
THere are four primary mobile phone networks in Ireland:
- VodaFone
- O2
- Meteor
- Three
with one MVNO
- Tesco Mobile
GSM handsets and frequencies
In Ireland VodaFone, O2, and Meteor run both 2G and 3G networks. 2G is on GSM 900/1800 MHz, 3G on 1900/2100.
www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_ie.shtml
Any standard GSM handset capable of 2G or 3G will work in Ireland.
SIM Card Size
All networks suppy SIM cards in a full size (ISO-0) package. A "Mini" SIM can be popped out for most modern phones. Some operators have micro SIMs (for iPad).
Lots of detail here
Getting a pre-pay SIM
Walk into most larger newagents' shops, supermarkets, or mobile phone stores, and ask for one. There are no requirements for ID, address, residence - pay cash, get SIM card.
Meteor will send you a free SIM card, but only to addresses in the Republic of Ireland.
VodaFone have a Prepay SIM Pack which gives you a new number, and costs 9.99 online. You get 0.50 preloaded credit.
Tesco Mobile charges 2.50 online for their SIM card. Delivery to an Irish address.
ThreeThree has a free SIM that they also ship to Irish addresses.
Bonus top-up credit
Many SIM cards come with little or no credit pre-loaded. Many networks give you a bonus (5 or 10) for signing up at their website.
A second mechanism is they offer monthly bonus, 10 a month for 6 months, as long as you top-up every one of those six months by a minimum amount, say 20. For 6 months loyalty, you get 50% extra free.
Tesco have BOGOF promotion
There are also occasional offers, linked to internet banking or ATM top-up, where you can get 10% or 20% extra credit for a minimum amount, usually 20 or more.
Terms and conditions apply.
Which Price Plan
.. What do you mean there are multiple pre-pay plans? I hear you cry.
Yes, there are many plans within each network. An excellent independent place to look is Call Costs, which is operated by the Irish Telecom Regulator.
Tesco "Anyone, Anytime Price Plan" http://www.tescomobile.ie/OurPricePlans.aspx
o2 http://www.o2online.ie/shop/plans/
VodaFone http://www.vodafone.ie/planscosts/prepay/current/
Meteor http://www.meteor.ie/plans/pay_as_you_go/
Three http://www.three.ie/priceplans/3pay....dex-3pay-angel
Getting topped up
All news agents, post offices, phone shops and quite a few other shops will sell you a "top-up code". These are generally in 5, 10, 15 and 20 denominations. You generally ask for a "xyz top up voucher for an 08x mobile" where 08x is the national dialling code for your network:
086 - O2
087 - VodaFone
083 - Three
085 - Meteor
082 - Tesco Mobile
Having number porting for the past few years, the national dialling code you see for someone's phone might not actually be that network. You can get 086 numbers on the VodaFone network for example. Confusing?
If you have an Irish ATM card, it's possible that your bank will have top-up at ATM for your network, or it's available as part of your internet banking.
Quite a few shops have vending machines selling top-up credit.
When you get your top-up voucher, you need to dial a short number on your phone, and enter the long stream digits from the voucher.
Pre-pay Broadband
Many of you will arrive in the country with a data hungry device, such as iPhone or Nexus One. Can suggest the following...
Short < 5 days
Three http://www.three.ie/broadband/3pay.htm - 5 per day, 500MB Max per day.
O2 http://www.o2online.ie/shop/broadband/mobile/ - 3.97 per day, 500MB Max per day.
VodaFone http://www.vodafone.ie/vlive/cost/ - 0.99 per day 50MB Max
Meteor http://www.meteor.ie/bbtg/payg/ 2.99 perday 500 MB Max
Medium 1 - 2 Weeks
Three http://www.three.ie/broadband/3pay.htm - 10 per week, 2GB Max.
Long (Monthly)
O2 http://www.o2online.ie/shop/broadband/mobile/ - 19.90 per month, 5GB Max
Three http://www.three.ie/broadband/3pay.htm - 25 per month, 10GB Max
Vodafone http://www.vodafone.ie/vlive/internetmobile/ - as low as 12.09 for a month, but terms and conditions apply.
Meteor http://www.meteor.ie/bbtg/payg/ 19.99 7.5GB Max
Not recommended for data
Tesco Mobile - http://www.tescomobile.ie/MobileInternet.aspx Does not support 3G speeds
At the airports - Getting a SIM
Dublin
Since VodaFone closed their store at the airport, I think the only place you can get a SIM is the shop between the 'A' and 'B' car parks. Exit customs, head slightly to the right and exit the airport building by the end of the taxi rank. Cross over the road, and enter the building between the sets of parking payment machines. In here is a shop.
Cork
Try the Londis, located on the lower level in the Arrivals Hall, next to the Information Desk.
Shannon
Again, a Londis, or WHSmith on check-in area.
APN Details
According to this thread on boards.ie, using the live.vodafone.com APN will charge roaming data at a max of 99c per day up to 50MB. This 99c cost is referenced also in the European SIM thread.
THere are four primary mobile phone networks in Ireland:
- VodaFone
- O2
- Meteor
- Three
with one MVNO
- Tesco Mobile
GSM handsets and frequencies
In Ireland VodaFone, O2, and Meteor run both 2G and 3G networks. 2G is on GSM 900/1800 MHz, 3G on 1900/2100.
www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_ie.shtml
Any standard GSM handset capable of 2G or 3G will work in Ireland.
SIM Card Size
All networks suppy SIM cards in a full size (ISO-0) package. A "Mini" SIM can be popped out for most modern phones. Some operators have micro SIMs (for iPad).
Originally Posted by Kgmm77
O2 Ireland have had a micro-sim for iPad available since May 28th.
It's available from O2 stores and is nominally free, although you are required to purchase 20 credit at the time of purchase. No ID required iirc.
Packages are both pre-pay, 3.95 daily (500mb). 19.90 30 day validity (5Gb)
Top up online.
It's available from O2 stores and is nominally free, although you are required to purchase 20 credit at the time of purchase. No ID required iirc.
Packages are both pre-pay, 3.95 daily (500mb). 19.90 30 day validity (5Gb)
Top up online.
Getting a pre-pay SIM
Walk into most larger newagents' shops, supermarkets, or mobile phone stores, and ask for one. There are no requirements for ID, address, residence - pay cash, get SIM card.
Meteor will send you a free SIM card, but only to addresses in the Republic of Ireland.
VodaFone have a Prepay SIM Pack which gives you a new number, and costs 9.99 online. You get 0.50 preloaded credit.
Tesco Mobile charges 2.50 online for their SIM card. Delivery to an Irish address.
ThreeThree has a free SIM that they also ship to Irish addresses.
Bonus top-up credit
Many SIM cards come with little or no credit pre-loaded. Many networks give you a bonus (5 or 10) for signing up at their website.
A second mechanism is they offer monthly bonus, 10 a month for 6 months, as long as you top-up every one of those six months by a minimum amount, say 20. For 6 months loyalty, you get 50% extra free.
Tesco have BOGOF promotion
There are also occasional offers, linked to internet banking or ATM top-up, where you can get 10% or 20% extra credit for a minimum amount, usually 20 or more.
Terms and conditions apply.
Which Price Plan
.. What do you mean there are multiple pre-pay plans? I hear you cry.
Yes, there are many plans within each network. An excellent independent place to look is Call Costs, which is operated by the Irish Telecom Regulator.
Tesco "Anyone, Anytime Price Plan" http://www.tescomobile.ie/OurPricePlans.aspx
o2 http://www.o2online.ie/shop/plans/
VodaFone http://www.vodafone.ie/planscosts/prepay/current/
Meteor http://www.meteor.ie/plans/pay_as_you_go/
Three http://www.three.ie/priceplans/3pay....dex-3pay-angel
Getting topped up
All news agents, post offices, phone shops and quite a few other shops will sell you a "top-up code". These are generally in 5, 10, 15 and 20 denominations. You generally ask for a "xyz top up voucher for an 08x mobile" where 08x is the national dialling code for your network:
086 - O2
087 - VodaFone
083 - Three
085 - Meteor
082 - Tesco Mobile
Having number porting for the past few years, the national dialling code you see for someone's phone might not actually be that network. You can get 086 numbers on the VodaFone network for example. Confusing?
If you have an Irish ATM card, it's possible that your bank will have top-up at ATM for your network, or it's available as part of your internet banking.
Quite a few shops have vending machines selling top-up credit.
When you get your top-up voucher, you need to dial a short number on your phone, and enter the long stream digits from the voucher.
Pre-pay Broadband
Many of you will arrive in the country with a data hungry device, such as iPhone or Nexus One. Can suggest the following...
Short < 5 days
Three http://www.three.ie/broadband/3pay.htm - 5 per day, 500MB Max per day.
O2 http://www.o2online.ie/shop/broadband/mobile/ - 3.97 per day, 500MB Max per day.
VodaFone http://www.vodafone.ie/vlive/cost/ - 0.99 per day 50MB Max
Meteor http://www.meteor.ie/bbtg/payg/ 2.99 perday 500 MB Max
Medium 1 - 2 Weeks
Three http://www.three.ie/broadband/3pay.htm - 10 per week, 2GB Max.
Long (Monthly)
O2 http://www.o2online.ie/shop/broadband/mobile/ - 19.90 per month, 5GB Max
Three http://www.three.ie/broadband/3pay.htm - 25 per month, 10GB Max
Vodafone http://www.vodafone.ie/vlive/internetmobile/ - as low as 12.09 for a month, but terms and conditions apply.
Meteor http://www.meteor.ie/bbtg/payg/ 19.99 7.5GB Max
Not recommended for data
Tesco Mobile - http://www.tescomobile.ie/MobileInternet.aspx Does not support 3G speeds
At the airports - Getting a SIM
Dublin
Since VodaFone closed their store at the airport, I think the only place you can get a SIM is the shop between the 'A' and 'B' car parks. Exit customs, head slightly to the right and exit the airport building by the end of the taxi rank. Cross over the road, and enter the building between the sets of parking payment machines. In here is a shop.
Cork
Try the Londis, located on the lower level in the Arrivals Hall, next to the Information Desk.
Shannon
Again, a Londis, or WHSmith on check-in area.
APN Details
Originally Posted by Kgmm77
O2
APN: open.internet
Username: gprs
Password: gprs
APN: open.internet
Username: gprs
Password: gprs
#15
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 2,068
Hong Kong
Further edit on 23 January 2013. The market has changed quite a bit since this post. I've posted on the HK forum with more details here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hong-...ellers-hk.html
Further edit on 15 Sept, as have found another operator which offers prepaid data plans. This operator is called CSL. The price is not competitive, but I'm adding it in for completeness.
I'm editing this post, as Three HK has changed its prepaid data plan options. Also China Mobile has updated its prepaid data plan
As far as I know there are three networks in HK that provide prepaid SIM data plans, I have got most of the information from the various network's websites, however I have also got additional information from speaking to people, which I have added in here.
Two networks are on 3G/HSDPA and the other is on 2G EDGE.
Networks
Three (3HK)
CSL One2Free
China Mobile (Peoples)
Plan information on websites
3HK HSDPA Broadband Access Rechargeable SIM ("3HK HSDPA")
3HK International Roaming Rechargeable SIM ("3HK IRRS")
3HK Rechargeable SIM ("3HK Rechargeable")
Mobile Data prepaid SIM
Peoples Mobile Data Prepaid SIM Card
Frequency
3HK: 3G/HSDPA 2100 MHz
CSL: 3G/HSDPA 900 & 2100 MHz
Peoples: 2G EDGE 1800 MHz
Where to get the SIM cards
You should be able to pick them up at the airport, but I am not sure of this.
You can definitely pick them up at 3HK, CSL or Peoples stores in HK.
In addition you may be able to pick up the SIM cards from various 7-11's or Circle Ks (but I have not verified this).
3HK also sell their SIM cards at the following locations: ParknShop (supermarket), Fortress (electronics retailer), Watsons (pharmacy), Taste (supermarket) and Citicall (electronics retailer).
For all three companies if you go to the market stalls on Apliu Street, in Sham Shui Po some of them will sell the SIM cards at a discount (around HK$60).
There are no requirements in terms of proof of address, ID, etc. Just pay the cash and you will get the SIM card.
Initial costs & other information
3HK HSDPA
- HK$98 (this counts towards your credit) [Apparently, while the card costs HK$98, it comes with HK$150 credit on it]
- Validity = 180 days from last top up
- Can use the daily data roaming rate
- APN = ipc.three.com.hk
3HK IRRS
- HK$98 (HK$55 stored value with an additional HK$52 of calling credit)
- APN = mobile.three.com.hk
3HK Rechargeable
- HK$198 (this counts towards your credit)
- This is marketed as an Ipad SIM, so it comes with a Micro SIM card. To use with other phones that use the Mini SIM card you need to pick up a Mini SIM card adaptor. These are readily available in Hong Kong and should cost no more than HK$20
- Can use the daily data roaming rate
- APN = imobile.three.com.hk
CSL
- HK$178
- Validity = 60 days from last top up over HK$50
- APN = CSLP2
Peoples
- HK$139 (this counts towards your call credit)
- Validity = 180 days from last top up
- APN = peoples.net
Charges
3HK HSDPA
- Data: HK$2 per MB, capped at HK$28 per day and HK$298 per month
- Full list of charges: http://www.three.com.hk/website/appm...10594&lang=eng
- User guide
3HK IRRS
- Data: HK$2 per MB, capped at HK$28 per day and HK$338 per month
- Full list of charges: http://www.three.com.hk/website/appm...10594&lang=eng
- User guide
3HK Rechargeable
- Data: HK$18 a month, which includes 50MB of data, then HK$2 per MB, capped at HK$28 per day and HK$168 per month
- Wifi: Free Wifi provided by Y5Zone. You do have to register for this service
- Full charges: http://www.three.com.hk/website/appm...10594&lang=eng
- User guide
CSL
- Data: Unlimited = HK$50 1 day pass, HK$178 5 day pass, HK$788 30 day pass
- Full list of charges: http://one2free.hkcsl.com/jsp/prepai...es/charges.jsp
Peoples
- Data: HK$0.04 per KB, unlimited = HK$9 1 day package, HK$38 7 day package, HK$78 30 day package
- Full list of charges: http://www.hk.chinamobile.com/p_prep..._charge_en.jsp
Refill methods (for travellers)
3HK
- Voucher (can be purchased at 7-11's, Circle K, 3HK shops & various other retailers)
- Internet via credit card (note, the recharge website is only compatible with Internet Explorer)
- [There are other refill methods, but these normally are reserved for HK residents]
- More information: http://www.three.com.hk/website/appm...10594&lang=eng
CSL
- Voucher (can be purchased at 7-11's, Circle K, CSL shops & various other retailers)
- Internet via credit card
- [There are other refill methods, but these normally are reserved for HK residents]
- More information: http://one2free.hkcsl.com/jsp/prepai...rge_method.jsp
Peoples
- Voucher (can be purchased at 7-11's, Circle K, Peoples shops & various other retailers)
- Internet via credit card
- [There are other refill methods, but these normally are reserved for HK residents]
- More information: http://www.hk.chinamobile.com/p_prep...sim_vam_en.jsp
I think I have provided all the information required, however do let me know if anything is missing.
Further edit on 15 Sept, as have found another operator which offers prepaid data plans. This operator is called CSL. The price is not competitive, but I'm adding it in for completeness.
I'm editing this post, as Three HK has changed its prepaid data plan options. Also China Mobile has updated its prepaid data plan
As far as I know there are three networks in HK that provide prepaid SIM data plans, I have got most of the information from the various network's websites, however I have also got additional information from speaking to people, which I have added in here.
Two networks are on 3G/HSDPA and the other is on 2G EDGE.
Networks
Three (3HK)
CSL One2Free
China Mobile (Peoples)
Plan information on websites
3HK HSDPA Broadband Access Rechargeable SIM ("3HK HSDPA")
3HK International Roaming Rechargeable SIM ("3HK IRRS")
3HK Rechargeable SIM ("3HK Rechargeable")
Mobile Data prepaid SIM
Peoples Mobile Data Prepaid SIM Card
Frequency
3HK: 3G/HSDPA 2100 MHz
CSL: 3G/HSDPA 900 & 2100 MHz
Peoples: 2G EDGE 1800 MHz
Where to get the SIM cards
You should be able to pick them up at the airport, but I am not sure of this.
You can definitely pick them up at 3HK, CSL or Peoples stores in HK.
In addition you may be able to pick up the SIM cards from various 7-11's or Circle Ks (but I have not verified this).
3HK also sell their SIM cards at the following locations: ParknShop (supermarket), Fortress (electronics retailer), Watsons (pharmacy), Taste (supermarket) and Citicall (electronics retailer).
For all three companies if you go to the market stalls on Apliu Street, in Sham Shui Po some of them will sell the SIM cards at a discount (around HK$60).
There are no requirements in terms of proof of address, ID, etc. Just pay the cash and you will get the SIM card.
Initial costs & other information
3HK HSDPA
- HK$98 (this counts towards your credit) [Apparently, while the card costs HK$98, it comes with HK$150 credit on it]
- Validity = 180 days from last top up
- Can use the daily data roaming rate
- APN = ipc.three.com.hk
3HK IRRS
- HK$98 (HK$55 stored value with an additional HK$52 of calling credit)
- APN = mobile.three.com.hk
3HK Rechargeable
- HK$198 (this counts towards your credit)
- This is marketed as an Ipad SIM, so it comes with a Micro SIM card. To use with other phones that use the Mini SIM card you need to pick up a Mini SIM card adaptor. These are readily available in Hong Kong and should cost no more than HK$20
- Can use the daily data roaming rate
- APN = imobile.three.com.hk
CSL
- HK$178
- Validity = 60 days from last top up over HK$50
- APN = CSLP2
Peoples
- HK$139 (this counts towards your call credit)
- Validity = 180 days from last top up
- APN = peoples.net
Charges
3HK HSDPA
- Data: HK$2 per MB, capped at HK$28 per day and HK$298 per month
- Full list of charges: http://www.three.com.hk/website/appm...10594&lang=eng
- User guide
3HK IRRS
- Data: HK$2 per MB, capped at HK$28 per day and HK$338 per month
- Full list of charges: http://www.three.com.hk/website/appm...10594&lang=eng
- User guide
3HK Rechargeable
- Data: HK$18 a month, which includes 50MB of data, then HK$2 per MB, capped at HK$28 per day and HK$168 per month
- Wifi: Free Wifi provided by Y5Zone. You do have to register for this service
- Full charges: http://www.three.com.hk/website/appm...10594&lang=eng
- User guide
CSL
- Data: Unlimited = HK$50 1 day pass, HK$178 5 day pass, HK$788 30 day pass
- Full list of charges: http://one2free.hkcsl.com/jsp/prepai...es/charges.jsp
Peoples
- Data: HK$0.04 per KB, unlimited = HK$9 1 day package, HK$38 7 day package, HK$78 30 day package
- Full list of charges: http://www.hk.chinamobile.com/p_prep..._charge_en.jsp
Refill methods (for travellers)
3HK
- Voucher (can be purchased at 7-11's, Circle K, 3HK shops & various other retailers)
- Internet via credit card (note, the recharge website is only compatible with Internet Explorer)
- [There are other refill methods, but these normally are reserved for HK residents]
- More information: http://www.three.com.hk/website/appm...10594&lang=eng
CSL
- Voucher (can be purchased at 7-11's, Circle K, CSL shops & various other retailers)
- Internet via credit card
- [There are other refill methods, but these normally are reserved for HK residents]
- More information: http://one2free.hkcsl.com/jsp/prepai...rge_method.jsp
Peoples
- Voucher (can be purchased at 7-11's, Circle K, Peoples shops & various other retailers)
- Internet via credit card
- [There are other refill methods, but these normally are reserved for HK residents]
- More information: http://www.hk.chinamobile.com/p_prep...sim_vam_en.jsp
I think I have provided all the information required, however do let me know if anything is missing.
Last edited by theworld; Jan 22, 2013 at 7:31 pm Reason: further additional information