Can I activate a new SIM outside the UK?

[milesb]

I want to send a SIM to a friend in Canada and know that it's set up and working before they depart for the UK and Europe.  Basically, it needs to just work as soon as they land.

Does anyone know if that's ok? Is there any requirement for first use/activation/etc to be in the UK?

Thanks

[LouisK · Accepted solution]

Hi @milesb 

Thanks for getting in touch. 

There's no requirement for a SMARTY SIM to be activated in the UK, as the activation process is done via your dashboard. Once the person you're sending the SIM to receives it, you'll just need to login to the account you created upon ordering the SIM (www.smarty.co.uk/login) and click on 'Activate SIM'. 

Once the SIM has been activated, just ask the person to insert the SIM into their device before they depart for the UK and it should work without any problems when they land, providing the device is unlocked and compatible with either 3G/4G/5G. 

Hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Louis K

[GrahamA_2860565]

I received a 5Gb SIM card as a gift to give to someone else when I ordered one which I'm currently using. It looks like the person I'll gift it to will be in Europe when they need to activate it but they're not sure if they will be getting back to England. Is this ok to do and then get a 40Gb plan set up for use in Europe? Hope that makes sense.

Kind regards 

Graham

[MSF]

@GrahamA_2860565  From the Accepted Solution given by @LouisK , the person can activate the sim outside the UK.

The problem is that they will then be EU Roaming and are restricted to 12Gb data and can only roam for up to 60 days. (I am assuming that they will be in the EU)

[GrahamA_2860565]

Oh thanks that's fantastic. I noticed you mentioned up to 60 days. Does that mean the 40 Gb plans I'm currently on is also up to 60 days?

[MSF]

@GrahamA_2860565  No, each plan lasts for a month. If you renew a plan while away, this could get you to the 60 day limit (or the third plan certainly would!)

[GrahamA_2860565]

Thanks again for all your help guys.