Using my UK mobile in Australia

[steven9818]

Hi forum users,

I am a UK Vodafone customer and will be living in Australia for the next 12 months. I have just started an Australian Vodafone contract (sim only) to use on my UK phone. Phone is now asking for a SIM network unlock PIN.

Will Vodafone send me this for free? Or should I ask Vodafone Aus to unlock it?

Regards

Steven

[BandOfBrothers]

Hello @steven9818

Even though both share the 'Vodafone' name they are not linked Networks. 

The Australian Network wouldn't be able to help. 

Can I ask which phone make / model your wanting to unlock..

I ask because even if Vodafone U.K provided an unlock code they couldn't guarantee it would work while the phone is outside the U.K.

The iPhone is the exception as it does not unlock via inputting a code but by hooking up to iTunes once Apple arrange its unlock after being requested by Vodafone U.K. 

The Info on Unlocking is in these Links. 

Vodafone U.K Unlocking Form.

Vodafone U.K Unlocking FAQs.

Another less undersirable option is to ask a cellphone shop to unlock it for you but force unlocking can have ramifications such as the phone losing signal. 

Online Unlocking solutions options can leave a person sometimes with a code thst does not work and hard to obtain a refund. 

I do not endorse the above two options. 

[BandOfBrothers]

Just to add.

Unlocking phones on Pay Monthly and Payg On Vodafone U.K is free once the criteria is met which is outlined in the two links I've added in my reply above. 

Just incase this is useful ~ Info on using your U.K Vodafone Sim Card abroad is in > Here.

[steven9818]

Your prediction is correct. Vodafone have sent me a pin code which doesn't work!

My phone is an Xperia Z5

[BandOfBrothers]

I'm sorry that's the case. 

They just can't guarantee it'll work outside the U.K. 

You could ship the phone to someone you know in the U.K and they unlock it using the supplied Pin Code and ship it back after trying another Network SIM card in it, or by them using a Vodafone Payg SIM card in the phone making calls etc for 30 days , unlock it and ship it back. 

Taking into account the shipping fee's. 

To be honest it this was my situation I'd either....

Pack the phone away and buy one that accepts the Australian SIM card. 

Or sell the phone and use the funds to help pay for the new phone. The only issue is even if the new phone is Unlocked to All Networks, Vodafone U.K wouldn't be able to guarantee they could support an import phone even if the Bands and Frequencies of the phone show to work on the U.K network. 

[steven9818]

If I can avoid gettin a new phone I will. My current Vodafone contract in the UK runs until Jan 2018 hence why I wanted a SIM only contract here in Australia. I contacted Vodafone regarding this prior to leaving the UK and the only option offered was to pay up the contract. I was somewhat disappointed given that I have been a customer for about 8 years AND have a second phone on my account that I planned to keep.

[BandOfBrothers]

Appreciate that as it's a good phone. 

However because it's not possible to transfer your account to the Australian network to continue it over there and you've signed up to a contract term they would want the early termination fee paying. 

One other option would be to transfer your contract ownership to someone you know. Which entails them passing a Credit Check. 

https://support.vodafone.co.uk/Account-bill-and-top-up/Leaving-Vodafone/Transfer-of-ownership/403903...

[donnyguy]

I think to bring this to resolution, you need to:

1. Fill out (if you haven't already) the link above to unlock your Vodafone UK handset. Once this is done, you'll be able to use with any other sim (so basically you can stick your Vodafone AU sim in there and use it)

2. If the unlock code doesn't work, contact customer care (or get someone from the tech team to pick up your issue) and get this escalated. They are the only ones (VF-UK) who can unlock your device.

3. As for your UK sim, it does sound like you're stuck with it. I get that it's frustrating but it is what it is. Let someone in your family use it if you're going to be paying for it anyway. Alternatively, take the hit.

4. Good luck in Australia!

[steven9818]

Thank you for all of the replies. I had an online discussion with customer service last night and I am waiting for Vodafone to send another code. We shall have to see if this one works. If not, I will have to take the hit and have a UK and Aus mobile.

Without wishing to sound too sarcastic if we can put a human in a space staion for 6 months at a time surely unlocking a phone is not too difficult?

Watch this space!

[Amanda]

Hi @steven9818

Unfortunately we'd need you to be on the Vodafone UK network, to ensure that the unlock process completes. 

If you have any further questions, please let us know. 

Thanks,