Calling the outside world

Mobile phones

It is essential that you either get a mobile number before you arrive in the UK or immediately on arrival.  The agencies will need your mobile number.  The UK is GSM - this means that your Australian mobile should work with a UK Sim card.  In New Zealand, only Vodafone mobile phones will work in the UK.

Our Get Set package has a UK SIM card included and you will get sent your UK mobile number before you arrive so you can give it to your friends and family before you leave for the UK.

Find out more information on our Get Set pack.

Internet calls

Companies such as Skype allow you to talk over the Internet for free by simply downloading their software onto your computer.  The technology works on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and Pocket PC platforms.

'Skype zones' are becoming increasingly widespread, where users can, for a small fee, use their laptop and headset to connect to the Skype network on the high street or airport.

Phone cards

Pre-paid phone cards usually come in £5, £10, £20 and £50 denominations, and each card has a unique PIN for activation.  When you call the number on the card, your remaining credit is given as a voice prompt, and then you can dial as normal, with credit being deducted in the same way as a pre-pay mobile phone.

Cards can be purchased from most convenience shops and newsagents.  Our Get Set package includes a £5 overseas phonecard that you can continue to top up to take advantage of the highly competitive international rates.

Useful phone numbers:

• Emergency Services - 999
• International operator - 155
• International directory - 153
• New Zealand High Commission - 020 7930 8422
• Australian High Commission - 020 7887 5776
• South African High Commission - 020 7451 7299
• London Tourist Board - 0906 866 3344
• Weathercall - 0906 850 0401
• London Bus & Underground Travel Information - 7222 1234
• Docklands Light Railway - 7363 9700
• Radio Taxis - 7272 0272
• Dial-a-cab - 7253 5000
• UK Reverse call number - 0800 REVERSE
  
  

Getting on the Net

London is littered with Internet cafes and other places to log-on.  In London, like most cities, the touristy areas offer the most expensive and busiest cafes.  Around Oxford Street or Leicester Square, expect to pay at least twice as much per hour as you would further from town.  Some Internet cafes charge as much as £6 per hour.  You can generally find Internet access for £1 per hour or less, although prices depend on location, quality of equipment and whether the cafe serves food or drink.

Free Internet

Not all public libraries have free Internet access but a large number do, although there may be time restrictions and you may have to wait.  If you become a member of your local library, you can often save a fortune on Internet costs.

Home Internet

The traditional 'dialup' Internet connection uses a modem, and allows Pay-as-you-go access from any location with a telephone line.  In recent years, however, the faster 'broadband' connection has become the principle method of personal PC Internet connection in urban areas of the UK, which operates on a subscription basis.

There are a number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to choose from, such as:

• AOL
• BT
• Pipex
• TalkTalk
  
  

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