Staying Connected
There are two essentials for effective communication when in Scotland and the rest of the UK:
1. Download Whatsapp on your mobile phone
2 Purchase (or have access to) a local UK SIM card as soon as possible upon arrival
WhatsApp is a free and easy-to-use app that is essential to communication with CIS Staff and fellow participants. This free application is available on all smartphones and offers texting, video calls, and traditional phone call options. You can also load it and sync messages on your laptop or tablet.
A local SIM card (or access to one is required) if seeking medical assistance off-hours (see Emergencies, Health & Safety section). This will be covered during the on-site orientation and Jeanna will facilitate visits to local cell phone shops to purchase.
Local Options for Mobile Connection
There is widely available free Wi-Fi on campus, at housing, in local cafes, and many public areas. The majority of Scotland has 3 or 4G networks and increasingly 5G coverage. You do not need a plan or contact to use a local SIM card but can 'top off' your data and calls as needed. £10-£15 will give you ample coverage for at least a month given the wide availability of free WIFI. That is why we do not recommend a long-term arrangement of an international plan with your US phone carrier. If you wish to keep your phone with an international plan, you can purchase a basic mobile (cell) with a local SIM for around £40. There are lots of cell phone shops in both Edinburgh and Stirling high streets with O2, Vodaphone, Three, and Virgin being the most popular. For an overview of the different cell phone providers available in Scotland, see this article.
International Plan Options
If you you have a decent international data and calling plan and wish to keep your US number abroad, just be aware that you won’t be able to communicate locally quite as easily and will need to rely on WhatsApp to communicate with others in-country. You will need to have or access to a UK SIM card to fully access Scotland's NHS 24 Out of Hours health service.
Check with your US phone carrier for options but note that they will likely charge more than a local UK plan.
Also most major phone providers do have international phone plans. If this is something you would prefer, please speak with your provider before you depart to make sure you have it all set up.
Remember to switch off data roaming before you travel and when in Europe, otherwise you will run up costly charges.
How to Get a Phone or SIM Card
In the UK you can find different phone and data providers:
You can easily purchase a SIM card right after you land at Edinburgh airport or wait till you reach your destination and purchase one from a store. Just make sure you have your phone unlocked before arriving here!
How to Make Calls From Your Phone
International calls are expensive so we recommend using Wi-Fi and apps, such as WhatsApp, Zoom or FaceTime when possible. Be aware that each country has its own distinct country code (Scotland's is +44).
To call a Scottish number from an American number: dial "011", then "44," followed by the person's number.
To call an American number from the UK: dial 001 then the person’s number.
To call a UK number within the UK: each town uses an area code.
Local calls within the UK are usually free/covered under your 'pay as you go' (or Top up plans) as is your cell data. When using a mobile you will need to prefix the telephone number with an area code (Edinburgh is 0131, Stirling 01786).
Example: Edinburgh local doctor at Ponton Street is 0131 538 9800.
Stirling Viewforth Medical Practice is 01786 434720.
Roaming Charges (Outside the UK)
Check with your local Scottish cell phone provider (ex. Vodaphone) for any hidden charges, such as roaming. Most UK telecommunication providers do not apply roaming charges within Europe. When traveling outside of the UK keep the roaming option on your phone turned OFF and enable only when needed for Google Maps, etc. if cell coverage or WIFI is not available.