Should I get a cell phone in London?

Question

I will be studying in London for a full year, and I'm unsure if I will need a cell phone while in the UK. I know that I use my cell a LOT here in US, but will I need one over there, or can people live without one? I'll be keeping in touch with everyone in the US using Skype and other internet means, so I would just need a phone for local calls. Does everyone in London have a cell phone? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

There is no hurry.

If you find you want one when you get here they are easy and very cheap to buy (much easier than in the USA) , everyone sells them including supermarkets, high street stores and online.

I think you'll get one, as everyone here has at least one mobile. But it might be best to check what service provider your mates use*. There might be special deals at your Uni, and being on the same network as your mates could save costs.

But as I say, no hurry.

*I'll add this time, that unlike the USA, in UK the person making the call to a mobile pays for the call, and it is cheaper (sometimes free) to call phones on the same network as you. Thats why it makes sense to see what srevice provider yourmates are using. Person receiving the call does not pay in UK.

Answer 2

Of course you could live without one, they aren't compulsory! But they are in extremely common usage here and, these days, very few people dont have one.

If you only intend to use it for local calls for a year, the best choice is to buy a cheap "pay-as-you-go" phone for less than £40 once you get here, and then buy additional credit time as you require it. Its not expensive, and its convenient.

Answer 3

if you want to make and keep friends when you move to the uk london then yes GET A CELL PHONE or as we here call them a mobile they are cheap and are sold every where

Answer 4

It is physically impossible to survive life in the UK without a mobile, so yeah, get one, lol.

Answer 5

Of course you need one! UK is not a jungle!!!
I live there and If you dont have a mobile you will DIE!