Staying Connected
Calling Internationally
We recommend using WhatsApp or FaceTime for free communication with others. These applications are available on all smartphones and offer texting, video calls, and traditional phone call options.
Local Plan Options
London is known as a 4G city, meaning you can have access to the internet almost anywhere. As well as finding a source of WIFI is never very difficult.
When it comes to phone plans it is up to you; based on your budget and how often you use your phone. We have had students who have bought monthly phone plans, pay as you go plans or lived off access to WIFI.
For us, it is important that you are able to communicate with us in the case of an emergency at all times. We do usually recommend looking into a monthly SIM card (usually £10-£20 depending on provider and the amount of data you are looking for). And we usually suggest waiting until you are onsite to purchase a card because it is known for scammers to use the internet to sell SIM cards. As well as it is better to speak with a professional in person / in store to see what the best options are for you.
International Plan Options
Most of the major phone companies have sister branches here in the UK, such as AT&T and Vodafone. In this case it is much easier for phone plans to transfer.
Also most major phone providers do have international phone plans. If this is something you would prefer, please speak with your provider before you depart to make sure you have it all set up.
How to Get a Phone or SIM Card
In the UK you can find different phone and data providers:
If you wish to purchase a SIM card in London, please make sure you have your phone unlocked before arriving here.
You can easily purchase one right after you land at Heathrow airport or wait till you reach central London and purchase one from a store.
How to Make Calls from Your Phone
From a UK Phone to Another UK Phone
- Enter the phone number.
If it is a cell phone number, it will start with ‘07’ followed by 9 digits. If it is a landline in London, it will start with ‘020’.
- Press the call button.
Once you have entered the full phone number, press the call button on your UK phone to initiate the call. The call should connect, and you will be able to communicate with the person or business you dialed.
From a U.S. Phone Number (calling from within the US) to a UK Phone Number
- Dial the international access code for the US: 011
- Enter the UK country code: 0044 (or +44)
- Omit the leading zero:
020 3911 5645 >> 20 3911 56 45
- Press the call button.
The number will look like this: 011 0044 20 3911 56 45
Communication Apps
We mainly use WhatsApp to communicate with each other. Another app that we use is our Instagram account england_onsite.