A mobile plan is a critical part of a person’s life. Life is going to be insanely difficult without one.
Fortunately, the UK has plenty of affordable mobile plan options, like the ones from Lyca Mobile, that make it easy to stay connected.
But still, some people, especially newcomers to the UK, face many struggles when it comes to purchasing a mobile plan.
A lack of/poor credit history is one of them.
Your past financial difficulties or being new to the UK shouldn’t get in the way of getting affordable mobile service.
So, we have put together this guide that focuses on getting a SIM card without passing a credit check or having a local UK address. Continue reading!
Can You Get a UK SIM Card Without a Credit Check or a UK Address?
Yes, you can get a UK SIM card without passing a credit check or submitting a UK address.
But it is important to be realistic about the options you have.
Since you’re going to skip credit checks, you will be limited to pay-as-you-go (PAYG) options.
But this isn’t going to be a problem, as Lyca Mobile has plenty of affordable SIM-only deals. These mobile plans are available across a range of price points, offering varying amounts of 4G/5G data.
Another cool feature of Lyca Mobile’s PAYG plans is that you get international minutes for no additional cost. All plans include 100 international minutes to 48 countries. This is super beneficial if you have friends and family in a different country and are looking for a cost-effective way to stay connected.
SIM Card Options that Don’t Require Credit Checks
If you’re looking for SIM card options that don’t require credit checks, then your best bet would be PAYG plans.
In the PAYG model, you pay for the benefits before you use them.
Say you pay £5.00, then you get a set number of benefits, like calls, SMS, and data, that you can use for the next 30 days. You have two choices once the 30 days are up. You can either renew the same plan or pick another PAYG plan. You can switch to another plan without paying anything extra.
PAYG plans don’t require credit checks, as there are no risks to the network operator.
Lyca Mobile has some of the most affordable PAYG plans in the UK. Here are some of our best sellers.
| Plan Features | National Plus | UK Plan Unlimited | UK Plan Smart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Price | £10.00 | £25.00 | £5.00 |
| Promotional Price | £5.00 | £12.50 | £3.50 |
| Data Allowance | 30 GB | Unlimited | 5 GB |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1000 Minutes & SMS |
| International Minutes | 100 minutes to 48 countries | 100 minutes to 48 countries | 100 minutes to 48 countries |
| EU Roaming Data | 12 GB | 35 GB | 5 GB |
| China Roaming Data | 500 MB | 5 GB | N/A |
| Credit Check | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled |
Please read the terms and conditions for more information about promotional prices.
Buying a SIM Card Without a UK Address
Yes, you can buy a SIM card in the UK without a local address. This is something that many tourists do.
And since SIM card registration isn’t mandatory in the UK, you don’t need to present any documents either.
Here are the different options you have to buy a SIM card in the UK without a local address.
Visit an Authorised Store
Simply walk into any authorised Lyca Mobile store and leave with an activated PAYG plan. No documents required. Just make sure you have a 4G/5G smartphone that is not locked to any specific carrier. Enter your location in the store locator to find an authorised Lyca Mobile store near you.
Buy an eSIM
This is the recommended and digital route. Choose the eSIM option when you’re purchasing a Lyca Mobile PAYG plan. You will receive the eSIM activation instructions almost immediately after purchase. Just follow them and you’ll have a PAYG plan with national and international benefits in no time.
What You’ll Need to Buy a UK SIM Card
Lyca Mobile’s requirements to buy a UK SIM card are very minimal.
Just make sure you have the following:
- An unlocked smartphone that supports 4G networks and above.
- A valid payment method
- A stable internet connection (if you’re purchasing the SIM card online or an eSIM)
You can buy Lyca Mobile eSIMs from anywhere. Just don’t forget that regardless of the country of purchase, a Lyca Mobile eSIM/SIM card can only be activated in the UK. After activation, you’re free to use it anywhere based on the benefits included in your plan.
Can You Bring Your Existing Number?
Yes, you can bring an existing UK number to Lyca Mobile.
And it’s pretty easy as well!
To start, pick a Lyca Mobile PAYG plan mentioned above. You can also explore more Lyca Mobile PAYG plans here.
Once you have purchased the plan, head to the Lyca Mobile Transfer Your Number page on the official website and follow the instructions there.
The process is completely online and can be done from anywhere. The number transfer process takes approximately 2 days to complete.
How to Activate a Lyca Mobile SIM Card/eSIM
Activating a Lyca Mobile SIM card/eSIM is a lot easier than you think.
For physical SIM cards, just insert your Lyca Mobile SIM card in the SIM1 slot. Wait a minute for your device to recognise the Lyca Mobile network and latch on to it. Once this process is complete, you will receive a confirmation message. Restart your device and you’re all set.
As for eSIMs, look for the order confirmation email from Lyca Mobile. Connect your smartphone to a Wi-Fi network and scan the QR code. Follow the prompts that appear on the screen to complete the installation process.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to the UK, the first few months are going to be a bit difficult. And things can get even more challenging if you don’t have a way to speak with your family back home.
Lyca Mobile’s PAYG plans come in handy when you need to purchase a mobile plan with a non-existent or poor credit history. You can get a mobile plan even without a local address.
These contract-free plans get you everything you need, from super-fast 5G data allowance to international minutes at no extra cost.
Lyca Mobile has an extensive range of SIM-only deals and pay monthly plans. Pick one and enjoy uninterrupted connectivity across the UK.