Vodafone SIM Only Deals

With all Vodafone SIMs featuring 5G connectivity, you can enjoy the fastest download and streaming speeds from one of the UK's largest networks. Furthermore, you may be able to enjoy 5G speeds when roaming abroad, thanks to Vodafone's international expansion.
Vodafone SIMs aren't cheap, however you do get a lot of benefits for your money, such as VeryMe Rewards and Entertainment plans.
However, depending on the plan you have, roaming within the EU may not be free. Make sure you choose a qualifying Xtra plan to enjoy free EU roaming.
- Can I get unlimited data with a Vodafone SIM?
- Can I use my Vodafone SIM abroad?
- Can I get 5G with a Vodafone SIM?
- Can I get a Vodafone SIM if I have a bad credit rating?
- Vodafone 30 day SIMs
- Do I need to unlock my phone to use a Vodafone SIM?
- What size SIM cards can I get with Vodafone?
- Can I switch from my current network to a Vodafone SIM?
- Does Vodafone have good coverage?
- Is Vodafone a fast network?
- How reliable is Vodafone?
- Does Vodafone have good customer service?
- Vodafone VeryMe Rewards
- Vodafone Entertainment plans
- Vodafone Xtra plans
- FAQs
Can I get unlimited data with a Vodafone SIM?
Yes, Vodafone have unlimited data options for 24 month, 12 month and 30 day contracts.
However, you should be aware that Vodafone has 3 different Unlimited plans, each with different download speed limits:
- Vodafone Unlimited Lite - 2 Mbps download speed limit
- Vodafone Unlimited - 10 Mbps download speed limit
- Vodafone Unlimited Max - No speed limits
If you don’t want any speed limits, and you wish to enjoy full 5G, make sure you choose an Unlimited Max plan.
All non-unlimited plans do not include speed limits.
Can I use my Vodafone SIM abroad?
You can roam in most countries with a Vodafone SIM, however after Brexit, you may not be able to use your allowance within the EU for free.
If you're on one of the following Xtra plans, you can continue to roam and use your allowance for free within Europe:
- Vodafone Limited data Xtra plan with 4 Xtra benefits
- Vodafone Unlimited data Xtra plan with 4 Xtra benefits (you can also use your allowance in some countries outside Europe, for a total of 83)
For all other plans, you will have to pay:
- £2 for one day
- £8 for 8 days
- £15 for 15 days
If you want to use your allowance in countries outside Europe, you can get the international pass for £6 per day, which works in 105 destinations.
For more information, see Vodafone roaming.
Can I get 5G with a Vodafone SIM?
Yes, all Vodafone SIMs support 5G. As of September 2021, 5G with Vodafone is available in 127 towns and cities across the UK, with new locations being added every month.
Unlike most other networks, Vodafone claims they are building their 5G infrastructure from scratch with their 5G Standalone technology, without converting their existing phone masts. Not only does this have the potential to deliver faster download speeds, but it can also deliver much lower latency speeds, which is important for streaming and online gaming.
As Vodafone is situated in many countries, they are the only UK network that will allow you to roam in 5G within Europe from over 240 locations, such as Germany, Italy and Spain.
However, if you're choosing an Unlimited data plan, you should be aware that Vodafone has 3 different Unlimited plans, each with different download speed limits:
- Vodafone Unlimited Lite - 2 Mbps download speed limit
- Vodafone Unlimited - 10 Mbps download speed limit
- Vodafone Unlimited Max - No speed limits
If you want unlimited data and you wish to enjoy full 5G, make sure you choose an Unlimited Max plan. All non-unlimited plans do not include speed limits.
Currently, 5G with Vodafone is available within the following 127 locations:
- Aberdeen
- Alexandria
- Ambleside
- Ashtead
- Aughton (Sth Yorks)
- Banstead
- Barry
- Basingstoke
- Bebington
- Belfast
- Biggin Hill
- Birkenhead
- Birmingham
- Bishopbriggs
- Blackburn (Lancashire)
- Blaydon
- Bolton
- Bonhill
- Bootle
- Borehamwood
- Bournemouth
- Bradford
- Bristol
- Bristol Airport
- Cardiff
- Cheadle and Gatley
- Cheltenham
- Chesterfield
- Clydebank
- Crawley (West Sussex)
- Crosby
- Dartford
- Dewsbury
- Dinas Powys
- Droylsden
- Dudley (West Midlands)
- Dundee
- Eccles
- Edinburgh
- Epping
- Epsom
- Eston and South Bank
- Felling
- Gateshead
- Glasgow
- Gloucester
- Gosforth (Tyne & Wear)
- Grays
- Guildford
- Hebburn
- Horwich
- Huddersfield
- Huyton-with-Roby
- Inner London
- Isles of Scilly
- Jarrow
- Killingworth
- Kingston upon Hull
- Kingswood (Bristol)
- Lancaster
- Leatherhead
- Leeds
- Leigh
- Lisburn
- Liverpool
- Llandudno
- London Colney
- Manchester
- Mangotsfield
- Middlesbrough
- Molesey
- Morley
- Mosborough
- New Addington
- Newbury
- Newcastle Under Lyme
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Newtownabbey
- North Shields
- Oldbury/Smethwick
- Orpington
- Oxted
- Paisley
- Penarth
- Plymouth
- Poole
- Portsmouth
- Prescot
- Prestwich
- Pudsey
- Rawmarsh
- Reading
- Rochdale
- Rotherham
- Salford
- Sheffield
- Shipley
- Shirehampton
- Solihull
- South Shields
- Southampton
- Stanwell
- Stockport
- Stockton-on-Tees
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Stranraer
- Stretford
- Sunderland
- Sutton Coldfield
- Swanley
- Swansea
- Swindon (Wiltshire)
- Swinton and Pendlebury
- Thames Ditton
- Tilbury
- Tynemouth
- Urmston
- Wallasey
- Wallsend
- Waltham Cross
- Warlingham
- Warrington
- Washington
- Whitley Bay
- Winterbourne
- Wolverhampton
- York
Can I get a Vodafone SIM if I have a bad credit rating?
If you have a bad credit rating, you may struggle to get a long term plan with a Vodafone SIM, such as a 12 month contract or 24 month contract.
However, Vodafone do offer 30 days plans. You’re likely to be accepted with a 30 day plan even if you have a bad credit rating.
Vodafone 30 day SIMs
Vodafone offer several different 30 day SIM plans, however they are generally more expensive compared to their longer 12 month and 24 month contracts.
A 30 day SIM allows for greater flexibility, allowing you to change your plan at any time you wish. Plus as you’re no tried to a long term contract, you can easily switch to a different network if you find a better deal elsewhere.
Do I need to unlock my phone to use a Vodafone SIM?
If you bought your phone from Vodafone, or it originally came with a Vodafone SIM, then you shouldn’t need to unlock your phone in order to use a Vodafone SIM.
Since December 2021, it is illegal for any network to sell a mobile phone that is locked to a specific network.
If you bought your phone before this date, it may be locked to your current network. If you’re unsure if your phone is unlocked, simply insert a SIM from a different network - if your phone is locked, an error message will be shown.
All providers must unlock your phone for free. You will need to contact your current network to do this. They will ask for your IMEI number, which you can obtain by dialing *#06# from your phone.
What size SIM cards can I get with Vodafone?
Vodafone offer all SIM cards sizes, including eSIMs. You will be sent a standard SIM card size, which will have cutouts that can be broken down to a micro SIM or nano SIM. You can switch to an eSIM if you have a phone which supports the technology.
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Standard - the largest SIM card size, which is generally used with older non-smartphones. Newer phones are likely to use micro or nano SIMs.
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Micro - Once considered a smaller replacement for standard SIMs, micro SIMs are less prevalent today, being replaced by the even smaller nano SIM. Older smartphones or budget phones may still use a micro SIM.
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Nano - The smallest and most common SIM card size used in phones sold today. Used by the newer iPhones and Samsungs.
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eSIM - A digital SIM card. eSIMs are still a new technology, and are not commonly used in the UK right now. However, Vodafone do offer eSIMs for newer phones which support it, such as the Apple iPhone 15.
Can I switch from my current network to a Vodafone SIM?
Yes, it’s easy to switch to Vodafone. From your current network, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply text within 5 minutes, which will contain your PAC code.
You will need to give this PAC code to Vodafone. You can do this at the time of purchase, or by contacting Vodafone after you have received your Vodafone SIM card.
After you have given your PAC code to Vodafone, they will begin the switch or your behalf, which normally takes 3 working days. Once the switch has completed, you will lose signal with your current network. When this happens, you can insert your Vodafone SIM to complete the switching process.
For more information, see transferring your phone number to a new network.
Does Vodafone have good coverage?
Vodafone has excellent coverage, with 4G that can reach 99% of the population, with an ever growing 5G infrastructure.
According to P3, Vodafone has the best coverage for voice calls and data in many major cities across the UK with their 4G network.
In addition, Vodafone currently has 127 5G locations, and are continuously adding new sites. They were also awarded London’s best 5G network in 2020.
To check the signal you can receive from your location, you can enter your postcode at the Vodafone coverage tool. You will be given a breakdown of the type of signal you will receive, and its strength. You can also enable alerts via text or email for information whenever the network status changes in your area, such as downtime or planned upgrades.
Is Vodafone a fast network?
Vodafone is a very fast network, ranking 3rd in Opensignal's September 2021 report.
On average, you can expect download speeds of 21.6 Mbps and upload speeds of 7.4 Mbps.
However, when it comes to 5G, Vodafone is actually the slowest out of the 4 major networks, with an average download speed of 59 Mbps and average upload speed of 10.8 Mbps.
How reliable is Vodafone?
With a vast network infrastructure from 2G to 5G, Vodafone is a very reliable network, with minimal downtime throughout the year.
In July 2021, users across the UK reported signal issues with Vodafone, with some struggling to make calls and use the internet. However, Vodafone were quick to fix the disruption, with normal service resumed within a few hours.
You can set up alerts with Vodafone’s coverage tool, to receive an email or text message whenever there is unexpected or planned downtime in your area.
Does Vodafone have good customer service?
Vodafone has good customer service, winning several rewards throughout the years. Their call centres open everyday for 12 hours, and are split between the UK and abroad.
You contact Vodafone via phone, online chat or by visiting their physical stores.
Vodafone’s call centres are open everyday from 8am to 8pm, and are free to call:
- 191 from a Vodafone mobile
- 03333 040 191 from any other UK number
- +44 7836 191 191 if you’re abroad (free for Vodafone mobiles)
Alternatively, you can chat online using the Vodafone Tobi service.
Vodafone has more than 400 physical stores across the UK. You can enter your postcode at the store checker to find your nearest location.
In Ofcom’s July - September 2021 complaints report, Vodafone pay monthly received an average of 3 complaints per 100,000 customers. This is 1 complaint more than the average of 2 complaints.
Vodafone VeryMe Rewards
Vodafone offers all customers a loyalty scheme with VeryMe Rewards, with free prizes, competitions and giveaways.
You can view and choose VeryMe Rewards by downloading the My Vodafone app for Android and iPhone. VeryMe Rewards is only available through the My Vodafone app.
For once every week, you can get a Costa drink for £1 with an exclusive code, ranging from cold drinks, hot chocolate and coffee.
Every Friday, you will also be eligible for exclusive offers with #FeelgoodFriday, including free coffees, sweets and other gifts.
You can also get an Eat Local subscription for 1 year, where you can get 2 for 1 meals and a 25% discount at selected independent restaurants and cafes.
Vodafone Entertainment plans
With Vodafone Entertainment plans, you can get Amazon Prime, Spotify Premium or YouTube Premium for free of charge.
If you don’t have an Entertainment plan, you can still pick a service, however a charge will be added to your bill.
You can choose your plan by texting Entertainment to 97613 from your Vodafone mobile for free. You can’t change your plan until it expires.
Vodafone Xtra plans
Xtra plans are available for select SIM only and pay monthly plans.
Depending on the type of Xtra plan you have, you may be eligible for some of the following Xtra benefits:
2 Xtra Plan | 3 Xtra Plan | 4 Xtra plan | |
---|---|---|---|
Unlimited Picture Messaging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Device Care | Yes | Yes | Yes |
£3.50 off Smartwatch Connectivity Plan | No | Yes | Yes |
Unlimited Data Booster | No | No | Yes |
Global Roaming Plus (81 free roaming destinations) | No | No | Yes |
All Xtra plans include Device Care and Unlimited Picture Messaging.
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Unlimited Picture Messaging - send as many picture messages within the UK as you wish. Normally worth £3.50 per month.
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Device Care - an in person health check of your device at any of Vodafone’s 400 stores. Your phone will be checked for battery health, storage and software issues. You’ll need to book an appointment online before you visit.
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£3.50 off Smartwatch Connectivity Plan - Purchase a smartwatch plan from Vodafone and get £3.50 off each month. Use your data, minutes and text allowances with your smartwatch.
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Unlimited Data Booster - Get unlimited data for 30 days. If you’re on a 12 month contract, you get 3 boosters (90 days), whereas a 24 month contract will get you 6 boosters (180 days).
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Global Roaming Plus (81 free roaming destinations) - Use your data, minutes and texts allowances at no additional cost when roaming in 81 destinations. See Vodafone roaming for more information.
FAQs
Can I get 5G with a Vodafone SIM?
Yes, all Vodafone SIMs support 5G. As of September 2021, 5G with Vodafone is available in 127 towns and cities across the UK, with new locations being added every month.
However, if you're choosing an Unlimited data plan, you should be aware that Vodafone has 3 different Unlimited plans, each with different download speed limits:
- Vodafone Unlimited Lite - 2 Mbps download speed limit
- Vodafone Unlimited - 10 Mbps download speed limit
- Vodafone Unlimited Max - No speed limits
If you want unlimited data and you wish to enjoy full 5G, make sure you choose an Unlimited Max plan. All non-unlimited plans do not include speed limits.
Can I roam for free in the EU with a Vodafone SIM?
After Brexit, you may not be able to use your allowance within the EU for free with a Vodafone SIM.
If you're on one of the following Xtra plans, you can continue to roam and use your allowance for free within Europe:
- Vodafone Limited data Xtra plan with 4 Xtra benefits
- Vodafone Unlimited data Xtra plan with 4 Xtra benefits (you can also use your allowance in some countries outside Europe, for a total of 83)
For all other plans, you will have to pay:
- £2 for one day
- £8 for 8 days
- £15 for 15 days
If you want to use your allowance in countries outside Europe, you can get the international pass for £6 per day, which works in 105 destinations.
For more information, see Vodafone roaming.
Where can I find the best Vodafone SIM Only deals?
You can use our comparison tools to find the best Vodafone SIM Only deals.
How fast is Vodafone?
Vodafone is a very fast network, ranking 3rd in Opensignal's September 2021 report.
On average, you can expect download speeds of 21.6 Mbps and upload speeds of 7.4 Mbps.
However, when it comes to 5G, Vodafone is actually the slowest out of the 4 major networks, with an average download speed of 59 Mbps and average upload speed of 10.8 Mbps.