Setting Up a UK Mobile Phone Contract

  • July 18, 2024
 

Just arrived in the UK, how do I set up my mobile phone?

There are many things to consider when setting up your new life in the UK, one of which is how to get yourself a mobile phone contract. In this article we’ll help overseas doctors arrange a mobile phone contract by addressing the following questions: 

First, some general advice

At IMG Connect we strongly recommend doing some research by using several trusted market-comparison websites and looking at the reviews to help decide on your network provider.

The wrong contract might leave you stuck with a long contract, that proves to be unnecessarily expensive whilst offering poor signal in your area. If you rush this process and take out a contract that is not right, you will regret it. This comes from personal experience, so please do your homework!

Main Providers in the UK

The main providers are:

  • EE
  • 02
  • Vodafone
  • Three Mobile

There are numerous other providers that ‘piggy-back’ off their service, but do not have their own network. The package you can get from a ‘piggy-back’ provider is potentially cheaper than the main provider who’s service they use – however the network quality will always be poorer than the main providers.

How can I check for the best coverage in my area?

Make sure to check the coverage and network availability in your area by using the Ofcom mobile and broadband checker.


Ofcom are the government approved authority for communications and tasked with ensuring people get the best service from their provider. You can raise any issues you have, free of charge, with Ofcom.



What do I need to set up a contract?

Once you’ve decided on your provider and package, most mobile phone companies will only require the following to open a contract:

  • Two proofs of address (utility bills, rental contracts etc.) which must show both your name and address.
  • Proof of Identification
  • Active bank account in order to set up a direct debit

Packages on offer:

There are two types of package you can consider; Contract or Pay-as-you-go

Contract:

Most providers offer a minimum contract of 12 months, SIM only. To get a handset included as part of your contract package typically you need a 24-month contract.

Pay-as-you-go:

Another option to consider is a pay-as-you-go sim card with no contract or handset. This will cost about £10 and can be up and running immediately.

Can I use my current mobile phone handset? 

Yes, all sim-only packages will work with the device you already have.

What if I plan to be in the UK less than 12 months?

Whilst most IMGs prefer taking out a contract, if you do plan to be in the UK less than 12 months, a pay-as-you-go contract may be a better option.

In summary:

Only you will know what you are going to use your phone for, and which package will be right for you. If you are someone looking to call overseas regularly, think about WhatsApp calls, VOIP calling packages, face time etc. 

With regard to phone contracts, just make sure to get a number of different quotes on similar packages and use these to try and get a bargain for yourself with one particular provider. All networks tend to be flexible at some point and the general rule is, if you don’t ask, you don’t get!


IMG Jobs 

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IMG Resources

In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!  

Get in Touch

Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

 

Relevant Jobs

105,504 to 139,882
An NHS Trust is looking for a Consultant Histopathologist with an interest in GI & dermatopathology. The Histopathology department comprises a team of consultants and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors. This role is open to both international and UK-based doctors, with portfolio support for CESR available.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
  • FRCPath or equivalent and Full GMC Registration are required.
  • The salary will be competitive and dependent on experience.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
  • Provide histopathology services for diagnostics.
  • Participate in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
  • Collaborate in academic and educational activities.
  • Contribute to digital Histopathology system development.

LIFE IN THE REGION
The position is based in a city offering a mix of urban amenities and scenic rural living options. Families will find excellent schools, easy access to transport, and a range of leisure activities. The region has a rich cultural and historical significance.
96990 - 107155

An NHS acute hospital in the South East is looking for a Specialist Acute Physician with an interest in Same Day Emergency Care and Ambulatory Medicine. The Acute Internal Medicine department comprises a team of 13 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Acute Medicine job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCP (UK) qualifications are most encouraged to apply.

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

MBBS or equivalent, full GMC registration, MRCP, and a minimum of 4 years’ post-graduate NHS experience (with at least 2 years in Acute Medicine) are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in expanding SDEC and short stay services should apply. The salary will be between £96,990 - £107,155 dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Provision of the Acute Internal Medicine service, including same day emergency care, inpatients on the AMU, and the Short Stay Unit

  • Receiving referrals from primary care to provide clinical advice and triage for potential admissions

  • Supervision of junior doctors and alternative workforce, including advice on treatment plans

  • Participation in clinical education and governance activities, and supporting development of the department

LIFE IN THE SOUTH EAST

This role is based in a major coastal city in the South East, with nearby living options ranging from lively urban centres to scenic rural towns. The region offers strong transport connections, reputable schools, and a wide range of leisure pursuits including historic attractions, beaches, and outdoor activities. Known for its maritime heritage, this area has longstanding ties to British naval and defence history.

HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?*

When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care

105,504 - 139,882

An NHS teaching hospital in the West Midlands is looking for a Locum Consultant in Microbiology with an interest in clinical microbiology, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship. The Microbiology department comprises a team of 5 consultant microbiologists and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Microbiology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCPath qualifications are most encouraged to apply.

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

FRCPath (or equivalent) and significant experience in microbiology and infectious diseases are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in antimicrobial stewardship and infection control should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Provide clinical microbiology advice for inpatients and outpatients, including infection control and antimicrobial therapy recommendations.

  • Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings such as OPAT, diabetic foot, and spinal infection MDTs.

  • Be part of a 1:7 on-call rota, providing microbiology advice out-of-hours to hospital and community services.

  • Contribute to laboratory report validation, audit activities, and CPD, including teaching junior doctors and medical students.

LIFE IN STOKE

This role is based in Stoke-on-Trent. Many staff choose to live in Stoke itself for urban convenience, or in nearby towns like Stone or rural Cheshire for a quieter lifestyle. The area is well-served by excellent transport links, schools, and local amenities, with plenty of leisure activities including country parks, theatres, and restaurants. Stoke-on-Trent has a rich industrial heritage and is famously known as the heart of the UK’s pottery industry, offering cultural and historical interest alongside modern healthcare innovation.

HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?

When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:

  • CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists

  • Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice

  • At least two video calling interview preparation sessions

  • Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
    Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:

  • Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable

  • Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation

  • Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care

105,504 to 139,882

A Yorkshire based general hospital is looking for a Locum Consultant in Gastroenterology with an interest in inflammatory bowel disease, hepatology or advanced therapeutic endoscopy. The gastroenterology department is staffed by a team of consultants and supported by middle grade doctors. This opportunity welcomes applications from both UK-based and international doctors, especially those holding European Specialist or MRCP(UK) qualifications.

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

MRCP (or equivalent), extensive experience in gastroenterology, and ideally some NHS experience will be required for this role, and anyone with an interest in inflammatory bowel disease, hepatology or therapeutic endoscopy should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Deliver consultant-level care for inpatients and outpatients in gastroenterology.

  • Participate in a shared on-call rota and cover gastroenterology services on a rotational basis.

  • Conduct at least two endoscopy sessions and two outpatient clinics each week.

  • Support departmental audit, teaching, research, and development initiatives.

LIFE IN YORKSHIRE

Located in South Yorkshire, the hospital is near vibrant city living in Sheffield or quieter countryside communities such as Wickersley. The area offers good schools, strong public transport links, and leisure activities suitable for families and professionals alike. Yorkshire has a rich industrial past and plays a notable role in British history, contributing to its unique character and charm.

HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?

When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:

  • CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
  • Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
  • At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
  • Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more

Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:

  • Document gathering and checking
  • COS and Visa Application support if applicable
  • Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
  • Travel Arrangements
  • Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
£59,175 - £95,400

An NHS acute hospital trust in the West Midlands is looking for a Specialty Doctor in Emergency Medicine with an interest in Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Major Trauma or Ultrasound. The Emergency Medicine department comprises a team of 16.7 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Emergency Medicine job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCEM qualifications are most encouraged to apply.

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

Full GMC registration, MBBS or equivalent and at least four years of postgraduate training (including at least two years in Emergency Medicine) are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Major Trauma or Ultrasound should apply. The salary will be between £59175 and £95400 dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Provide timely clinical care across all areas of the Emergency Department, including resuscitation, majors, minors, and paediatrics.

  • Support junior doctors and participate in departmental teaching, training, and induction programmes.

  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure safe and effective patient flow and management.

  • Participate in the middle grade rota covering 24/7 Emergency Department services, including cross-site working.

LIFE IN WEST MIDLANDS

This post is based in Worcestershire, offering access to both Worcester and Redditch, with the choice of vibrant city living in Worcester or rural tranquility in the surrounding countryside such as Malvern Hills. The region boasts excellent transport links via rail and road, a strong selection of schools, and a wide range of leisure options including countryside walks, sports clubs, and cultural attractions. Historically, Worcestershire is steeped in British heritage, known for the Battle of Worcester and as the home of composer Edward Elgar, offering rich cultural and historical experiences.

HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?

When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care

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