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Find out more about Vodafone and the different mobile phone deals they have to offer
Key points
- According to Vodafone, they have almost 625m customers worldwide, making them one of the largest phone companies on the planet.
- Selected SIM-only plans offer many or the same perks as a monthly phone contracts
- Selective Vodafone mobile phone contracts include your choice of one entertainment membership for 24 months with Prime Video, Now TV, Spotify or Sky Sports.
Who is Vodafone?
With 625 million customers worldwide, operating in 24 countries, the Vodafone Group is one of the largest mobile phone companies in the world [1].
The UK has 99% 4G coverage on the Vodafone network and there are 32 towns and cities in the UK with 5G availability [2].
Vodafone have committed to improve one billion lives and halve their environmental impact by 2025. They plan to do this by producing 50% less greenhouse gases, purchasing 100% renewable energy and reusing, recycling or reselling 100% of their redundant network equipment [3].
Main Benefits
- Free rewards app - With the VeryMe customer rewards programme, you can receive gifts and discounts at high-street retailers.
- Entertainment - Your choice of one entertainment membership for 24 months with Prime Video, Spotify Premium or YouTube Premium on selected contracts.
- Coverage - Vodafone offers good UK coverage across 99% 4G, 3G and 2G population coverage [4]. It also delivers superfast 5G speeds in a growing number of locations.
Mobile Vodafone contract phones
Vodafone offers a variety of mobile phone deals ranging from economical plans with just the essentials, to comprehensive tariffs with added extras. It has a range of pay monthly phones including popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google.
Unlimited texts are included in each package, while unlimited minutes are also included in most plans.
Some plans come with a 24-month subscription so that you can enjoy one of the following entertainment services: Amazon Prime Video, Spotify Premium or YouTube Premium.
Vodafone pay as you go phones
Vodafone usually has savings on certain pay as you go phones.
Some of the pay as you go phones that Vodafone offer include Apple, Samsung, and Google.
SIM-only deals
If you're happy with the phone you have and are looking to save a bit of money, a Vodafone SIM-only contract could be the option for you.
A typical Vodafone sim deal offers all the perks of a standard pay monthly plan without the added expense of the phone. With no cost of the handset padding out your bill, monthly price plans usually last between 12 to 24 months.
If you do use all of your allowances you might need a booster, known as a ‘Vodafone Extra’. These can be expensive though, so consider your circumstances and think about how much data, calls and texts you need before you buy.
If you don’t want a mobile deal with any sort of fixed contract, then pay as you go is worth looking at.
Pay as you go
Vodafone pay as you go bundles are contract-free and include 30 days of data, minutes and texts.
Bundles include:
- Total Rollover: Lets you keep any unused data, minutes or texts from your previous pay as you go bundle.
- VeryMe Rewards: Vodafone's customer loyalty programme available to pay monthly and pay as you go mobile customers. It gives customers rewards from brands like ASOS, Vue, Greggs and Costa.
How to find the best Vodafone deal for me
Vodafone SIMs deliver excellent coverage, much-appreciated sweeteners, and enticing customer rewards.
With that in mind, it is highly recommended that you pay extra attention to the freebies offered by the Vodafone SIM only contract you’re considering to ensure you get the most from your deal.
For instance, you are entitled to a free subscription to Prime Video, YouTube Premium, or Spotify Premium on certain Entertainment contracts. If you already subscribe to one or more of those services, that could translate into significant savings on your bills.
Additionally, all Vodafone SIM only plans include its VeryMe programme, which offers discounts and giveaways from businesses like Greggs, Costa Coffee, Vue and Thorntons. The Vodafone app, which you can download through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, gives you access to all VeryMe features.
However, as always, your top priority when looking for a SIM is almost always the data allowance. The plus side is that Vodafone offers SIMs with data allowances starting at 1GB for light users and going all the way up to unlimited data packages for power users. In addition, Vodafone offers fantastic 20GB, 40GB, and 100GB data plans for those seeking a middle ground.
Open the network app on your mobile device and check your current usage to make sure the plan you select is appropriate for your usage patterns.
Coverage area
More than 99% of the UK is covered by Vodafone’s 4G network, and it currently offers roaming to 212 locations.
Vodafone was highlighted as the best network for voice calls in a number of UK cities, including London, Bristol, Belfast, and Birmingham. Customers can also enjoy Wi-Fi calling, which allows you to make phone calls in areas without any mobile phone signal.
Vodafone customers are soon going to be able to get a 4G signal while on the London Underground, too. It’s currently available on the Jubilee Line, but work is underway to extend it across every TFL line.
Customer service
Vodafone has an online support page with answers on a range of topics, a virtual assistant named TOBI who can address queries 24/7 as well as a customer service line should you wish to discuss anything with an advisor. You can access Vodafone’s support through its website or mobile app.
Mobile app
You can use the My Vodafone mobile app to handle your bills, to monitor their spending, upgrade or modify your plan as well as purchase additional data if needed.
From here, you can also access the VeryMe rewards portal. There you’ll find exclusive fantastic deals, discounts, contests, and giveaways.
You can also use the app to get in touch with Vodafone’s customer support network.
Contract lengths
With Vodafone, you can find a variety of SIM only deals to suit all customers. You can choose from 12-month plans, longer 24-month plans and short term one-month rolling SIM deals.
Upfront costs or set-up fees
There are no set up costs involved with a Vodafone SIM only deal. Just sign up to the plan you prefer, wait for Vodafone to send over the SIM, pop it into your mobile phone and you’ll be ready to roll.
Data rollover
Vodafone offers data rollover to all Big Value bundle customers. However, you’re only allowed to carry over data from the month prior, preventing you from accumulating an infinite amount of data, which is the norm with most rollover policies.
Customers can roll over unused data into the following 30 days by simply topping up to the Big Value plan within the 30-day window.
Wi-Fi calling
Vodafone customers have a great benefit that keeps them connected in areas where there’s no mobile signal – Wi-Fi calling. So even if there’s no 4G or 5G, as long as you connect your device to a Wi-Fi connection you can still make phone calls. It even works on the London Underground.
Tethering policy
Vodafone allows you to use as much of your allowance as you like to turn your mobile into a mobile hotspot. The only limitations to its tethering feature is the amount of data you have on your plan.
Roaming with Vodafone
Sadly, roaming charges have returned for lots of Vodafone customers. You’ll now need to pay £2.42 per day to access your mobile phone plan when travelling in 51 European countries.
If you’re travelling further afield, like the US or Australia, you may have to pay £7.39 per-day.
However, some special Vodafone deals, such as Xtra plans and Unlimited Xtra plans continue to include free roaming in Europe and the rest of the world.
Please see below for a breakdown of the charges by roaming destination* :
Pay monthly customers aside from those with 4Xtra benefits and Vodafone Basics
- Zone A (Ireland, Isle of Man, Iceland and Norway) – Included at no extra cost
- Zone B (47 European destinations) - £2.42 per day (also available as £12 for 8 days or £17 for 15 days with a European Roaming Pass)
- Zone C (32 worldwide destinations) - £7.39 per day
- Zone D (73 worldwide destinations) - £7.39 per day
Limited data Xtra plan with 4 Xtra benefits
- Zone A (Ireland, Isle of Man, Iceland and Norway) – Included at no extra cost
- Zone B (49 European destinations) - Included at no extra cost
- Zone C (32 worldwide destinations) - £7.39 per day
- Zone D (73 worldwide destinations) - £7.39 per day
* https://www.vodafone.co.uk/mobile/global-roaming#destinations
Unlimited data Xtra plan with 4 Xtra benefits
- Zone A (Ireland and Isle of Man) – Included at no extra cost
- Zone B (49 European destinations) - Included at no extra cost
- Zone C (32 worldwide destinations) - Included at no extra cost
- Zone D (73 worldwide destinations) - £6 per day
Vodafone Basics Plan
Roaming not included
Discover more
Still not sure? Take a look at our other network guides:
Vodafone FAQs
Will I need to sign a contract?
If you sign up for a 12 or 24 month deal you will be committing to a financial agreement to pay a monthly fee for the duration of the plan. If you’re not keen on signing a contract, you can opt for a monthly rolling out plan instead.
Can I get a Vodafone SIM only deal with poor credit?
If you’re stressed about having poor credit, then you should avoid long term deals altogether. We suggest finding a cheap 30-deal that doesn’t involve committing to a payment plan.
Does Vodafone only do 36 month contracts?
No, Vodafone offers a selection of contract lengths to choose from. You can opt for a rolling monthly plan if you don’t want to commit at all, or go for 12, 24 or 36 month options.
If I get a Vodafone SIM only deal, can I keep my current mobile number?
Yes. You simply need to get in touch with your current network and request a PAC code, which you then give to Vodafone to transfer your number over to your new SIM.
You can either call your network to request your PAC or text the word “PAC” to your network.
[2] Vodafone, UK, as of 6 December 2019