Sachin Walls
London Gatwick Airport offers a variety of options for travellers looking to purchase a mobile phone or SIM card. While there are no dedicated mobile phone shops within the airport, sources suggest that there is a shop called The Link in the non-security area of the North Terminal that sells pay-as-you-go phones and SIM cards. In addition, Carphone Warehouse has been known to operate a temporary site at the airport. For those looking for a cheaper option, supermarkets such as Tesco and ASDA offer pay-as-you-go phones for as little as £9, although these may be harder to find in London. SIM cards can be purchased from vending machines or WHSmith shops at the airport, with prices ranging from £20-£50. However, it is worth noting that SIM cards bought at the airport tend to be more expensive than those bought from resellers in town.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mobile phones available at Gatwick Airport | Yes, at The Link in the non-security area of the North Terminal |
| Pay-as-you-go phones available | Yes, at The Link |
| Pay-as-you-go phone price | £10, £15, £20 |
| SIM cards available | Yes, at WHSmith, Excess Baggage Company, and vending machines |
| SIM card price | £20-£50 |
| SIM card providers | EE, Three, Vodafone, Lycamobile, Lebara Mobile |
| Required documents for SIM card purchase | Passport |
| Payment methods | Cash, credit card |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy a mobile phone at Gatwick Airport
It is unclear whether there are any shops at Gatwick Airport that sell mobile phones. However, there are a few shops and vending machines that sell SIM cards.
Excess Baggage Company
The Excess Baggage Company, located in the North Terminal, sells SIM cards.
WHSmith
WHSmith shops, located in both the North and South Terminals, sell a range of prepaid SIM cards, including EE, Three, and Lebara Mobile. The EE SIM card offers 10.5 GB of data for £20, while the Three SIM card offers unlimited 4G internet for £45.
Vending Machines
Vending machines selling SIM cards can be found at baggage claim in both terminals. The vending machines sell Vodafone, Lycamobile, EE, and Three SIM cards.
It is worth noting that SIM cards purchased at Gatwick Airport may be more expensive than those bought from mobile operators or resellers in the city. Additionally, some travellers have reported issues with SIM cards purchased from vending machines at Heathrow Airport.
If you are unable to find a suitable mobile phone or SIM card option at Gatwick Airport, you may want to consider visiting a store in the city, such as Carphone Warehouse, Tesco, or ASDA. These stores may offer a wider range of options at more competitive prices.
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Pay-as-you-go mobile phones at Gatwick Airport
If you're looking for a pay-as-you-go mobile phone at Gatwick Airport, there are a few options available. The Link, located in the non-security area of the North Terminal, sells pay-as-you-go mobile phones to arriving passengers. You can also purchase a Nokia phone for $49 from Mobal Communications, which can be used in 139 countries. Alternatively, you can buy a pay-as-you-go phone from supermarkets such as Tesco and Asda, which offer phones for £9 and £15, respectively. These options may be more convenient if you're looking for a cheaper pay-as-you-go phone.
It's worth noting that Gatwick Airport also offers SIM cards from various providers, including EE, Three, Vodafone, and Lycamobile. These SIM cards can be purchased at WHSmith shops or vending machines located in the baggage claim area of both terminals. However, keep in mind that the prices at the airport may be higher than those offered by resellers in town.
Therefore, while Gatwick Airport provides options for pay-as-you-go mobile phones and SIM cards, you may find more affordable alternatives by purchasing from supermarkets or resellers outside the airport.
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Buying a SIM card at Gatwick Airport
If you're looking to buy a SIM card at Gatwick Airport, there are a few options available to you.
Firstly, it's important to note that there are no mobile network carrier stores at Gatwick Airport. You can, however, purchase a SIM card from a vending machine or from one of the WHSmith shops located in both the North and South Terminals. The vending machines can be found at baggage claim, and the WHSmith stores are in the Arrival Hall. The Excess Baggage Company in the North Terminal also sells SIM cards.
The SIM cards available at Gatwick Airport include Vodafone, Lycamobile, EE, and Three. The prices for these SIM cards vary, but you can expect to pay around £20-£25 for a plan with around 10-12 GB of data and some amount of calls and texts. There are also unlimited data plans available for a higher price, typically around £45-£50.
It's worth noting that SIM cards purchased at airports tend to be more expensive than those bought from resellers in town or directly from mobile operators. You may also encounter issues with SIM cards purchased from vending machines, as some reports indicate that they don't always work as expected.
If you have the time, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a SIM card from a shop in the city or online before your trip. However, if you need immediate internet access upon arrival, getting a SIM card at Gatwick Airport is a convenient option. Remember to bring your passport for ID proof and a payment method, such as cash or a credit card.
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Mobile phone shops near Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick Airport does not have any mobile internet operator stores. However, there are a few options for purchasing mobile phones and SIM cards near the airport.
Vending Machines
There are vending machines selling UK SIM cards for tourists at baggage claim in both the South and North terminals. The vending machines sell prepaid UK SIM cards from various providers, including Vodafone, Lycamobile, EE, and Three. The prices for these SIM cards range from £20-£50, with data allowances from 9GB to unlimited.
WH Smith
WH Smith shops, located in the arrival halls of both terminals, sell a range of prepaid UK SIM cards from different providers, including EE, Three, and Lebara Mobile. The prices for these SIM cards range from £20-£45, with data allowances from 1GB to unlimited.
Nearby Shops
If you are looking for a basic pay-as-you-go mobile phone and SIM card, there are a few shops near Gatwick Airport that may sell these items, including Asda and Tesco. Additionally, there are Carphone Warehouse stores in London that are open on Sundays.
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Using a mobile phone bought at Gatwick Airport in other countries
It is possible to buy a mobile phone at Gatwick Airport. There is one shop in Gatwick that sells mobile phones to arriving passengers: The Link, in the non-security area of the North Terminal. It is also possible to buy a Pay as You Go phone from Asda or Tesco supermarkets for £9-£15, although these are not located within the airport.
When buying a mobile phone at Gatwick Airport, you can purchase a phone that can be used in the UK and pay for the minutes used. This phone can then be used in other European countries with only minor modifications. You can also buy a UK SIM card at Gatwick Airport, either at a vending machine or at one of the WH Smith shops in the Arrival Halls of both terminals. However, SIM cards bought at the airport are more expensive than those bought in phone stores in the London city centre.
If you are looking to use your Gatwick-bought mobile phone in other countries, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check that your phone is unlocked and compatible with SIM cards from other countries. You may need to modify your phone's settings to accept a new SIM card. Secondly, research the mobile network operators in your destination country and choose a SIM card plan that suits your needs. Some countries may have different SIM card sizes, so ensure that you purchase the correct size for your phone.
When using your phone in other countries, be mindful of roaming charges and slow overseas data plans. You may be able to avoid these by purchasing a local prepaid SIM card in your destination country. Alternatively, you could consider using an eSIM, which can be purchased online and downloaded directly to your phone. This option may offer better value and convenience when travelling to multiple countries.
Additionally, be aware of any restrictions or limitations on using your phone internationally. For example, certain countries may have censorship laws or restrictions on accessing certain websites or services. Familiarise yourself with the local laws and regulations to ensure you use your phone within the legal boundaries.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy a mobile phone at Gatwick Airport. The Link, located in the non-security area of the North Terminal, sells mobile phones. You can also buy a basic Pay as You Go mobile phone from WHSmith, which is available in both the North and South Terminals.
You can buy a £10 or £20 package of airtime at Gatwick Airport. You can then top up your airtime from practically every shop in the country.
If you can wait until you get to your destination, you can buy a mobile phone from a shop in the city. Tesco and ASDA sell mobile phones for £9 and £15, respectively. Carphone Warehouse also has shops in Crawley, near Gatwick Airport.
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Gatwick Airport. SIM cards are available at vending machines in the baggage claim area of both terminals and at WHSmith shops in the Arrival Hall.
