So I’m going back home for the first time in 5 years for a few days. I don’t really need my phone but I’m wondering what most people do in this situation.
Also, I’d like to use Apple Pay on the tube instead of the Oyster card, but I believe it doesn’t need to be connected to the internet to work?
I’m sure someone has the same experience and I’d appreciate you sharing it.
I’m with AU. The phone is Japanese and I’d rather not pay for the roaming abroad charges as I don’t trust them lol
7 comments
Check your mobile plan; it may already have some gb of roaming outside of Japan included in the base price (or for a small extra fee).
Check for included calls/data. If not get a data SIM from UK eBay or Amazon maybe (you can make cheap calls from LINE Out).
Tube should work with Apple Pay NFC – there’s no mobile signal down there. You can use any contactless card also – just use the same payment method when getting on and off.
Edit: GiffGaff will send you a PAYG UK SIM to Japan for free – takes about 2 weeks which may be too late for you.
Giffgaff sim. Can order it to Japan for free. Top up 10-20£ for a month.
Unlike japan the UK doesnt rob people so you’ll get unlimited calls and texts and about 20gb for £10. Its not a contract so once you buy tue package after that month thats it unless you buy another
I bought a new SIM at a vending machine at Heathrow. Think it was £25 for 15gb or so… You can definitely get cheaper but it was very convenient!
Which airline are you flying with? Are you paying out the nose or did you find a deal somewhere?
I really want to go back and visit family but so far I’ve only found flights which are over a grand to fly for 35 hours lol
You could get an Ahamo sim to use just for that month, which lets you use 20gb abroad (up to 14 days). Then cancel once you get back?
If you have a reasonably modern phone, you can get an e-SIM (no need to change cards). We’ve used NOMAD and Smarty. Otherwise, a £5 SIM card from ASDA.