Overseas Sim Cards

[Hopkirk]

Are there any compatibility issues putting an overseas SIM card into a UK purchased phone?

In particular, can a Swiss card be used?

[spathiphyllum]

"Are there any compatibility issues"
No there shouldn't be. you'd just have a swiss number.

Only thing is, in the UK you obviously won't be able to get a swiss network, it will use a UK network whilst in the UK.

[Hopkirk]

Thanks Spathy.

[Old_Geezer]

Provided it's allowed to roam to the UK, presumably.

[Hopkirk]

My son will be taking a job over there and plans to get a Swiss card.

I'll suggest he checks he can get UK roaming before he commits, OG. Thanks for that.

[spathiphyllum]

If he is taking UK phone to swiss and then using a swiss card all will be fine providing the phone he is taking is "unlocked" to any network.

If the phone is restricted to a specific network, or specifically uk networks then it will not work.

This is important to note

[237SJ]

If he's signed up to the 3 network in the UK, he can use data roaming in Switzerland.

[Hopkirk]

237sj, he gets roaming now with Tescomobile. However they say it is intended for UK residents visiting for short periods. He is going for an undetermined time, possibly forever.

He always gets unlocked phones.

[gingejbee]

^^^I've no idea....but I wish it were me. I love Switzerland (in the Summer!).

[spathiphyllum]

Sounds like all should be fine then

[Hopkirk]

Thanks all

[KARL]

As said, an "unlocked" phone should accept any SIM, the SIM's number will be what the phone then operates on. Currently a UK SIM can be used in Switzerland and vice versa. What will happen after 29th March is unknown although your son would do well to get a firm explanation what his provider(s) think(s)/intend(s) after that date - this should be in writing one way or other. If no firm answer/commitment is forthcoming then assume roaming may/will no longer be free (i.e. no longer same charges as at "home", whichever applies).

[KARL]

I should have mentioned that Brexit or no Brexit, a Swiss SIM will continue to have free roaming within the EEA.

[Hopkirk]

He doesn't go until the autumn. Perhaps we'll know what's going on by then.

[spathiphyllum]

I don't think it'll change much to be honest obviously this is just speculation.

All the systems and other mobile tecie stuff are set up it'd probs cost more to shut em down

[237SJ]

I think some people here are getting confused with roaming and data roaming (two different things)

[KARL]

In short, it is entirely uncertain whether after Brexit this will still apply to the use of mobile phones with UK numbers:
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/internet-telecoms/mobile-roaming-costs/index_en.htm

[Hopkirk]

Mind you, Switzerland isn't in the EU.

[237SJ]

The 3 network allows you to use the same data services that you have in the UK - it's available in many countries worldwide and nothing to do with the EU. If one is going to live in Switzerland though, it's probably best to just get a Swiss phone and use a UK sim when over here

[Hopkirk]

Oh I don't think he will need a UK SIM at all, he will just roam here on his Swiss one.

He will take a phone from the UK and get a Swiss SIM only contract.