Originally Posted by
gfunkdave
It seems you have to use the mobile app to apply the data pack to your account. When I used 3 maybe 15 years ago I remember I had to send a special sms after topping up credit to convert the credit to a data pack.
https://www.three.co.uk/support/new-...ing-data-packs
During the call where you apply the voucher there is an option to use it to buy the data pack, rather than just leave it there as payg credit.
Just listen carefully to the voice prompts
Thank you both! Googling was not helpful, nor was the Three website, but your advice made it clear.
Basically, if using a store bought 3 PAYG SIM card as a non-UK resident, set up everything by using the SIM in a phone, calling 444 and following the prompts. That was the only way to have access to all of the options. I could not find the special SMS code anywhere (EE makes theirs obvious) and neither the app nor the website offers a conversion option (it's expected that the customer buy the data pack during the introductory 150-200MB provided with the card, when money isn't deducted).
Far from intuitive and it basically means that the GB and GBP price printed on the product is meaningless because the customer is given the option of which pack to buy when they call.