Keeping Your UK Mobile Number While Abroad

expat network

Keeping Your UK Mobile Number While Abroad

Roaming and international call charges can be avoided by expats using a new service which allows them to keep their UK mobile number.

Swytch, the UK-based start-up providing multiple mobile numbers on an existing mobile phone, has said that people in 130 countries around the world now have UK mobile numbers thanks to their app.

Swytch numbers are available from any connected device, anywhere in the world. Expats are using Swytch’s UK mobile numbers to communicate with family and friends at home with no international call charges or roaming fees.

Calling the UK from abroad can cost more than £1.50 per minute when using roaming and international call plans. Swytch charges a standard rate of less than 6p/min to call back to the UK – regardless of where in the world you are – and Swytch-to-Swytch calls are always free.

There is no need to change phone, SIM or network operator if you need a UK mobile number while living abroad. The Swytch app lets users have multiple mobile numbers on their existing mobile phone, all of which can be used for both incoming and outgoing calls.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.