Some people need two things from their phone without compromise: data that never runs out, and the freedom to call family or colleagues abroad as often and for as long as they like. Most plans give you one or the other, with a small bundle of international minutes on the side. A SIM with unlimited international minutes and unlimited data covers both, so a long Sunday call to Lagos, Lahore or Lisbon never comes with a second thought.
Who Needs Both
Families spread across countries. If your parents, siblings or children live abroad, daily calls quickly outgrow a 100 minute allowance.
People who work across time zones. Calls to overseas clients and colleagues, plus video meetings and file sharing on the go, demand both minutes and data.
Heavy streamers with roots abroad. Streaming at home and calling home are both daily habits, and neither should be rationed.
If you recognise yourself in any of these, an allowance of 100 international minutes will feel tight within the first week. Unlimited minutes remove the need to time calls or ration them across the month, and unlimited data means video calls and photo sharing with the same people never eat into a cap either.
Four Ways to Get Unlimited Calls Abroad
UK Plan Unlimited Plus, Pay As You Go
The pay as you go route: unlimited data, unlimited UK calls and texts and unlimited international minutes for £30.00 per 30 days, with no contract and no credit check. There is no promo on this plan, but you are free to stop renewing at any time.
24 Months Unlimited Plus, Pay Monthly
The lowest monthly price for the same combination. You get unlimited data, unlimited international minutes, unlimited UK minutes and texts and 35GB of EU roaming, with no annual price rises. It costs £24 a month and is half price at £12 for the first six months.
1 Month Unlimited Plus, Pay Monthly Rolling
The flexible contract version: the same unlimited combination on a rolling monthly term you can end after any month. It lists at £30 a month and is £15 for the first month.
All In One Plus 20, the High-Data Alternative
If you do not quite need unlimited data, All In One Plus 20 pairs 100GB with unlimited international minutes and EU, China and India data roaming for £20.00 per 30 days, with no promo.
What Six Months Costs on Each
| Option | First six months | Then per month |
|---|---|---|
| UK Plan Unlimited Plus (PAYG) | £180 | £30 |
| 24 Months Unlimited Plus | £72 | £24 |
| 1 Month Unlimited Plus | £165 | £30 |
| All In One Plus 20 (100GB) | £120 | £20 |
If you are happy to commit for two years, the 24 month contract is clearly the best value, at less than half the cost of the other unlimited options over the first six months. The pay as you go and rolling options cost more but let you change course at any time, and the 100GB plan is the lower-cost route if unlimited data is more than you need.
Getting the Most From Unlimited International Minutes
- Save overseas numbers in full international format, starting with the country code, so calls connect first time.
- Check that the countries you call most are covered by the international minutes before you choose.
- Use your EU roaming allowance on trips to Europe, so the plan keeps working when you visit.
Switching Without Losing Your Number
- Text PAC to 65075 from your current number to get your Porting Authorisation Code.
- Choose your plan or contract and select eSIM at checkout if your phone supports it.
- Activate the new SIM and enter your PAC so your number moves across.
- Keep the old SIM in place until the move completes, usually within one working day, then call abroad as much as you like.
Final Word
Whether you prefer pay as you go, a two year contract or a rolling month, there is a way to get unlimited data and unlimited calls abroad in one plan. Choose the term that suits you and enjoy an international calling SIM with unlimited data, or look at the full range of SIM only plans with unlimited calls abroad.
All four options come from Lyca Mobile. Dressing for a family celebration abroad? Find occasion outfit inspiration on Feedfashion.
