YOUR SIM CARD MUST BE ACTIVATED BY COMPLETING 


OUR ONLINE ACTIVATION FORM AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE


 YOU WANT TO START USING YOUR SIM CARD



IF YOU DO NOT ACTIVATE YOUR SIM CARD IT WON'T WORK



DO NOT OPEN THE SIM CARD PACKET AND DO NOT INSERT THE SIM CARD INTO YOUR PHONE, UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW


You must fill out the details on our Activation Request Website at least 48 hours before you want to start using the SIM Card as it may take up to 48 hours for your SIM Card to get activated. If you have already inserted the SIM Card into your before requesting activation you must STOP now and send a WhatsApp message to our UK Support Team at +447882165545.


HOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR UK SIM CARD


At least 48 hours before you arrive in the UK/Europe, and NO MORE than 14 days before:


1. Remove your SIM Card from the packaging, but DO NOT insert it into your phone until you arrive in the UK/Europe (this is VERY important). We recommend that you insert the SIM Card into your phone during the flight or when you land in the UK/Europe.


2. Locate the long serial number on the back of your SIM Card - it's 19 digits long and starts with 89. We've included a photo below to show you where it's located on your SIM Card.



3. Click here to complete the SIM Card Activation Request Website where you can also choose to upgrade your data allowance. Click here to access the SIM Card Activation Request Website.


Once you request activation of your SIM Card, then 30 days starts as soon as you insert the SIM Card into your phone so do NOT insert the SIM Card into your phone in the USA (the 30 days will start immediately if you do).


If you've chosen to upgrade your data amount, we'll send to your email address a Paypal payment request (if it's not paid within 48 hours then your SIM Card data allowance will revert to what you originally purchased and you then cannot upgrade the data allowance, so keep a keen eye out for the Paypal payment request, including checking your spam email folder).


WHAT DO I DO ONCE I LAND IN THE UK/EUROPE?


When you land in the UK/Europe and turn your phone on and insert the SIM Card, you'll receive some automated SMS text notifications from the network confirming that your SIM Card has been activated with the data pack you purchased.


Please DO NOT use your SIM Card until you have received these confirmation texts. Do not make any calls, send any texts or use data until the confirmation texts have been sent to your phone.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SIM CARD


We've set out below important information about how to use your SIM Card. It's really important that your read it all, because if you don't, your SIM Card might not work properly or at all and we don't provide any refunds if your SIM Card doesn't work properly or at all because you didn't read the information below. So please take a few moments, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and read through the information below.


What's my phone number?


When your SIM Card first connects to the network in the UK or Europe, you'll receive a text message within a few minutes that includes your phone number. It will be in the format 07XXXXXXXXX, for example 07123456789. 


When people in the USA want to call or text you, they'll need to call or text you in international format. That means removing the first 0 and replacing it with +44 (44 is the UK's dialing code). So if your number was 07123 456 789, they'd call or text +447123456789 from a cell phone or 011447123456789 if calling from a home or office phone.


Anyone in the UK who wants to call or text you just uses your number without any changes, i.e., they would literally call or text 07123 456 789.


Anyone in Europe (i.e., not in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) who wants to call or text you, they also need to convert your number to international format as described above.


If you need to know your phone number before you leave on your vacation, then email us at info@myuksimcard.com, quoting your SIM Card serial number (type the numbers into the email, please do not send photos).


Do I need to register on the Three UK website?


No. You do NOT need to register on the Three UK website, so you can ignore any information that came in the SIM Card packaging about registering an account on the Three UK website. Your SIM Card will work normally even without registering on the Three UK website. By all means register if you wish (you'll need to wait until you get to the UK/Europe), but you do not need to in order to use the SIM Card.


How do I insert the SIM Card into my phone?


First, it's important that you DO NOT insert the SIM Card into your phone in the USA - do it on the flight or when you land in the UK/Europe. If you insert the SIM Card into your phone in the USA it may cause your SIM Card to get permanently and forever blocked by the network, and if the SIM Card doesn't get blocked then it would instantly start your 30 days. We recommend that you insert the SIM Card into your phone during the flight or when you land in the UK/Europe (so remember to take the SIM Card tray eject tool with you).


Second, the SIM Card is a 3-in-1 SIM Card meaning it can be used as a standard SIM, micro SIM or nano SIM. Your SIM Card has all three sizes. It will definitely fit your phone. Simply push out the correct size for your phone. Don't worry, all SIM sizes are included. Just carefully push out the correct size one. 


We've included some photos below:



Do I need to do anything once I get to the UK or Europe?


Just insert the SIM Card into your phone and turn your phone on. The SIM Card will activate itself once your phone first connects to the network. You should receive three text messages from the network to confirm successful activation:


  • A welcome message that contains your UK mobile number.


  • A message confirming that your SIM Card has been topped up with £.


  • A message saying that you cash credit is £0. A £0 balance is normal because the money was immediately converted into the 30 day pack with the data allowance, calls and texts you purchased. 


Don't worry if you don't get some or any of these text messages. So long as your SIM Card is working it doesn't matter if you don't get these texts.


If your SIM Card isn't working and/or you don't get the text messages above, try restarting your phone -- that means turning the power completely off for two (2) minutes and back on. If first use of your SIM Card is in Europe and your SIM Card doesn't immediately activate, read more under the heading "Will you first use your SIM Card in Europe?"


Will you first use your SIM Card in Europe? That is, will you first use the SIM Card in a country other than the UK?


Europe is a big continent with many countries. Each country usually has several mobile networks. Mobile networks are complex, with many roaming agreements between carriers. As a result, sometimes your SIM Card might have temporary issues activating if you first use it in Europe. The issues are temporary and are usually quickly resolved.


Here's how to fix any issues that may arise if you first use your SIM Card in Europe:

  • Restart your phone;
  • Reset the network settings in your phone's settings;
  • Toggle mobile data off then back on;
  • Make sure that data roaming is switched ON in your phone settings;
  • If you have a dual SIM phone (including a phone that has an eSIM and a physical SIM), then turn off the other line so that your UK SIM Card is the only active line.


Will you be using the SIM Card in Europe?


When you're in Europe (i.e., not in the UK) there's a few important things you need to do:


  • You need to turn data roaming to ON in your phone settings when the SIM Card is in your phone. That's because it's a UK SIM Card that roams in Europe;


  • If you want to call or text a UK number (including other people using our SIM Card) you need to call/text in international format. That means removing the first 0 of the UK number and replacing it with +44;


  • If you want to call or text a Europe number you need to call/text in international format. That means removing the first 0 of the number and replacing it with +COUNTRY CODE. For example, the country code for France is 33, so you would call/text +33 then the French number with the first 0 removed. To find the country code for other countries just Google "dialing code for COUNTRY" to get the dialing code for your selected country.


IMPORTANT! What numbers can I call?


When you're in the UK your SIM Card includes unlimited calls to UK landline numbers beginning with 01 and 02, UK mobile numbers beginning with 07, UK national numbers beginning with 03, UK free phone numbers beginning with 080, and to other people using our SIM Card.


Calls to UK numbers starting with 087 or 084 are not included in your unlimited calls. 087 and 084 numbers are premium rate numbers charged per minute. 087 and 084 numbers are sometimes used by businesses (airlines, tour companies, rental car companies etc). They are not included in your unlimited calls. However, there will be another regular number (01 or 02) that you can call, instead of the 087 or 084 number. Look on the company's website to find this number (often it's stated as the number to call from overseas) or search for a different number on this website.


When you're in Europe (i.e., not in the UK) your SIM Card includes unlimited calls to UK landline numbers beginning with 01 and 02, landlines and mobiles in the same country you're in, landlines and mobiles in other EU countries and to other people using our SIM Card.


How do I call/text back to the USA?


The included minutes and texts with your SIM Card can't be used to call/text to USA numbers (that includes calling/texting a USA phone that's roaming in the UK/Europe - it is still a USA number).


Our customers tell us that the most popular way to call/text back to the USA is to use apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime or Viber. These apps use your data and so are free to use. They work on Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G and 5G. 


Alternatively, if you want to make a regular call/text back to the USA, you'll need to refill on our website with extra money. It costs £1.50/minute to call, 25.2p/text, 40p/MMS.


How do I check my data balance?


Log into your account on the Three website by clicking here. Or download the "Three" app from your phone's app store. We don't provide any support with creating your account, downloading or installing the app -- if you have any issues please contact Three UK support.


Free wi-fi on the London Underground


There's no mobile signal on London Underground tube stations. To connect to free wi-fi just follow the instructions here.


Can I refill if I'm staying longer than 30 days?


Yes you can keep refilling indefinitely, subject to the "Europe Usage Restriction". To refill just go to our website by clicking here.


The "Europe Usage Restriction" means you can only use the SIM Card for a maximum of 30 days in Europe (i.e., not in the UK). That's because it's a UK SIM Card intended only for temporary roaming in Europe. 


But each time you use the SIM Card in the UK, the Europe Usage Restriction is reset so you can then use the SIM Card again in Europe for a maximum of 30 days. If you're planning on being in Europe for more than 30 consecutive days, consider buying another (or multiple) SIM Cards.


How do I access adult content on my phone when using the SIM Card?


If you want to use apps like Tinder or Grindr, unfortunately UK law imposes very strict internet filtering for accessing content considered to be "adult only".


By default, adult content is blocked until you unblock it. This is outside of our control. To unblock adult content, click here to read more.


How to change APN settings on your phone?


If you're not using an iPhone, for example you're using a Samsung, Huawei, HTC, Android, Sony, you may need to manually set what's called the "APN" on your phone in order for data to work. 


You DO NOT need to change the APN if you are using an iPhone.


Data/internet on your phone should automatically work, once your sim card has been set-up.  Sometimes though you need to manually change some settings if you're not using an iPhone (for example, you're using a Samsung, Sony, HTC, Android etc).  We've set out below how to change the APN settings - it takes just a few minutes to do.  If you have any difficulties changing the APN settings on your phone, please call the Three UK Customer Support line by dialling 333 on your phone (or 07782 333 333 from a landline).


APN settings for Samsung Phones and for any other phone using the Android Operating System


  1. Tap the Menu button
  2. Tap Settings
  3. Tap Wireless and networks or More... (depending on your version of Android)
  4. Tap Mobile Networks
  5. Tap Access point names
  6. Tap the Menu button
  7. Tap New APN
  8. Enter the following data into the onscreen form, without changing any other settings;
    Name - 3 Internet
    APN - three.co.uk
    MMSC - http://mms.um.three.co.uk:10021/mmsc
    MMS Proxy - mms.three.co.uk
    MMS Port - 8799
    APN type - If given a choice, select internet+mms, if the keyboard appears enter *
  9. Tap the Menu button
  10. Tap Save
  11. Enable the newly-added APN by ensuring the line is ticked, or the radio button is lit by tapping on it
  12. Check the notification bar for 4G, H, 3G, E or G with up and down arrows beside it, which will indicate your connection is working


APN settings for Blackberry


Internet APN

From the home screen:

  1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen
  2. Tap Settings
  3. Tap Network Connections
  4. Tap Mobile Network
  5. Tap APN
  6. At the top of the screen, tap on the Mobile Plan selector to choose Contract or Prepay
  7. Enter the following information in the on screen form, without changing any other settings:
    Access Point Name - three.co.uk
  8. Tap Save in the top right corner
  9. You should now see 4G, 3G, H, E or G next to the signal bars at the top of the display. This indicates you are connected to the data network

MMS APN

From the home screen:

  1. Swipe left-to-right across the screen to access the Hub
  2. Tap Menu (3 dots)
  3. Tap Settings
  4. Tap Text Messages
  5. Tap Advanced
  6. Scroll down past the SMS Settings
  7. Enter the following settings into the on screen form, without changing any other settings:
    APN Settings:
    APN - three.co.uk
    MMSC Settings:
    MMSC URL - http://mms.um.three.co.uk:10021/mmsc
    Proxy URL - 217.171.129.2:8799
  8. Tap Save at the bottom of the screen


APN settings for Windows Phone


Windows Phone 8.1

From the home screen:

  1. Swipe your finger from right to left across the screen to access the Apps list.
  2. Find and tap on the Settings icon.
  3. Scroll down this list until you find cellular + SIM or Mobile + SIM, then press on it to continue.
  4. Make sure your Data connection is set to On, then scroll down and tap on SIM settings.
  5. At the bottom of the SIM settings page are options to edit internet APN and edit MMS APN. Tap on edit Internet APN to modify your internet connection settings. (Please note: On some handsets these buttons are not in the SIM settings page. If this is the case, go back to the main settings menu and tap on access pointwhich will then allow you to edit the APN settings as described in the Windows Phone 8 section below).
  6. Enter the following settings into the onscreen form, without changing any other settings:
    APN - three.co.uk
  7. Press the Save button to save and quit this screen. The save icon looks like a floppy disk, for those of us who remember them!
  8. Now select edit MMS APN.
  9. Enter the following settings into the onscreen form, without changing any other settings:
    APN - three.co.uk
    WAP gateway (URL) - mms.three.co.uk
    WAP gateway port - 8799
    MMSC (URL) - http://mms.um.three.co.uk:10021/mmsc
  10. Press the Save button at the bottom of the page to save and quit this screen.
  11. You should now see 4G, 3G, H, E or G on the top line of the display, next to the signal bars. This indicates you are connected to the data network


Windows Phone 8

From the home screen:

  1. Swipe across the screen to bring up the apps list
  2. Open the Settings app
  3. Tap Mobile network and ensure the data connection is switched on
  4. Go back to the apps list, scroll down and tap on Settings
  5. Tap on Access point
  6. If your network name is showing in the list, tap it to make it active, otherwise tap add
  7. Enter the following settings into the on screen form, without changing any other settings:
    Connection name - 3 Internet
    Internet APN:
    Access point name - three.co.uk
    MMS APN:
    Access point name - three.co.uk
    Proxy address - mms.three.co.uk
    Proxy port - 8799
    MMSC address - http://mms.um.three.co.uk:10021/mmsc
  8. Tap the tick at the bottom to save
  9. You should now see 4G, 3G, H, E or G on the top line of the display. This indicates you are connected to the data network


Windows Phone 7/7.5/7.8

From the home screen:

  1. Tap the right arrow or swipe across the screen to access the apps list
  2. Tap Settings
  3. Tap Mobile network
  4. Tap Add apn
  5. Enter the following settings into the onscreen form, without changing any other settings;
    Name - 3 Internet
    Tick the box to make this the default apn (if option exists)
    Internet APN:
    APN - three.co.uk
    MMS APN:
    MMS Access Point Name - three.co.uk
    Proxy address - mms.three.co.uk
    Proxy port - 8799
    MMSC address - http://mms.um.three.co.uk:10021/mmsc
  6. Tap the tick or disk icon to save
  7. Confirm the APN change
  8. You should now see 3G, H, E or G on the top line of the display. This indicates you are connected to the data network