Best UK SIM Cards for migrants in 2025
When you first arrive in the UK, getting a SIM card should be a top priority. A UK mobile number is essential for applying for jobs, opening a bank account, booking appointments, and staying in touch with services and people. But many immigrants face the same initial challenge: no fixed address and no UK bank account.
This guide helps you cut through the confusion. We’ve selected UK mobile providers that offer pay-as-you-go SIM cards without needing proof of address or a UK payment method. These options are ideal for your first weeks or months. We’ll also explain how to switch to better value monthly plans once you're more settled.
This guide focuses on SIM card providers that work well for immigrants and short-term residents who need pay-as-you-go service without proof of address. We also cover how to switch to better long-term plans once you're settled.
Top UK SIM Card Providers That Don’t Require Address Verification
1. GiffGaff
- ✅ No address verification required
- 🚫 No contract
- 📦 SIM delivered to UK addresses (Airbnb, hostel, friend’s address OK)
- 💳 Online top-up via PayPal or international debit/credit cards
- 📞 UK minutes/texts + mobile data (from £6/month)
- 🔁 Easily switch to long-term plans later
Example plan: £10/month = 15GB data, unlimited UK calls & texts
✨ Join GiffGaff Now
2. VOXI (by Vodafone)
- ✅ No address proof needed (just UK delivery address)
- 💻 Order online, SIM arrives in 1–2 days
- 💳 Accepts PayPal and international cards
- 📱 Endless social media usage included
- 🔁 Upgrade to full Vodafone plans later without switching number
Example plan: £12/month = 30GB data, unlimited calls/texts, endless social apps
✨ Order a VOXI SIM
3. Lebara Mobile
- ✅ No address proof or ID required
- 🏪 Buy a SIM in shops or order online (delivers to any UK address)
- 🌍 Free international minutes to over 40 countries
- 🔁 Contract-free, ideal for frequent international calling
- 🧾 Switch to monthly bundles when you're ready
Example plan: £10/month = 15GB data, 100 international mins, unlimited UK calls/texts
✨ Try Lebara
What About the Major Networks?
EE, Vodafone (Main), O2, Three
- ❌ Typically require a UK address proof and a local payment method
- ✅ Better long-term performance and support once settled
- 💳 Suitable for monthly/contract plans after 3–6 months in the UK
- 🏦 Long term contracts require UK bank account
What to Know Before You Buy
- 📬 You need a UK delivery address – this can be a temporary one (e.g., a hostel, hotel, Airbnb, or a friend's address).
- 💳 Most pay-as-you-go plans accept foreign cards, or let you top up at local shops.
- 🔁 You can keep your number when switching – once you settle, you can port your number to a better long-term plan.
- 📶 Check coverage – VOXI and GiffGaff use Vodafone and O2 networks, which are widely available.
Recommended for Immediate Arrival
| Provider | Address Proof | Pay-as-you-go | Data | Int'l Calls | Foreign Card Accepted | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GiffGaff | ❌ | ✅ | 15GB | ❌ | ✅ | from £6 |
| VOXI | ❌ | ✅ | 30GB | ❌ | ✅ | from £10 |
| Lebara | ❌ | ✅ | 15GB | ✅ | ✅ | from £5 |
Switching to Long-Term Plans
After you settle (have proof of address, a UK bank account, and steady income), consider switching to:
- Vodafone or O2: better roaming, high-speed 5G, extras like free entertainment
- EE: fastest speeds, great for remote work or content creators
You can request a PAC code from your current provider and transfer your number easily within 1 day.
Get Connected in Minutes
- 📱 Join GiffGaff – simple, fast, and low-cost
- 📱 Try VOXI – great for social media and youth
- 📱 Get a Lebara SIM – ideal for staying in touch internationally