Compare Virgin Mobile SIM-only deals
Virgin Mobile offers two main SIM-only plans to suit both light and heavy phone users.
SIM-only deals for existing customers
Existing Virgin Media customers can get the Virgin Mobile unlimited plan for €5 per month for the first 6 months, saving €120.
The plan comes with unlimited calls, texts and data, so it should work well for heavy users.
This is a SIM-only, 30-day bill-pay contract, so you won’t be tied into any long contracts if you sign up.
If you don’t think you need an unlimited plan, you could opt for Virgin Mobile’s 5GB plan instead.
This plan is also a SIM-only, 30-day bill-pay contract and comes with 500 minutes, 500 texts and 5GB of data - and you’ll get this full allowance when roaming, too.
SIM-only deals for new customers
The table below shows Virgin Mobile’s SIM-only deals for new customers.
Virgin MobileVirgin MobileIf you’re choosing one of these plans, you’ll need to consider whether a set allocation of minutes, texts and data works for you, or if you’d prefer an unlimited deal.
Why choose Virgin Mobile?
- Virgin Mobile has two distinct SIM-only plans, to suit light and heavy users.
- With ‘Roam like at Home’, you can get the exact same allowance on calls and texts while roaming in the EU as you have at home. With the Virgin Mobile’s unlimited plan, you’ll get 13.6GB of data, while with the 5GB plan, you’ll get the same allowance in the EU as you do at home.
- Customers can manage their account quickly and easily online with My Virgin Media.
- Customers can get an International Add-On - which includes 350 international minutes a month to The USA, Canada and 44 EU and other European destinations - for just €5 per month.
- If you like, you can move to a cheaper plan, or add more minutes, texts and data, at any stage - and the change will take affect on your next billing date.
- Switching is super easy - and you can even bring your current mobile number with you! Once you receive your SIM, you can register or sign in to your My Virgin Media account to move your number to your new Virgin Mobile SIM.
Virgin Mobile’s network coverage
Virgin Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), which means that rather than having its own network, it uses one that’s already established to provide its customers with network service.
Virgin Mobile runs off Three’s network (which merged with O2 in 2015). Virgin Mobile says that, with this network, it has 99.6% population coverage (97.2% coverage for 3G data and 86.8% for 4G data services).
What this means in practice is that if you - or people in your local area - have good reception from Three, Virgin Mobile should work well for you, too.
Virgin Mobile FAQs
Can I keep my mobile number?
Yes, this is called ‘porting’ your number and is a huge benefit - it means you won’t have to communicate a new number to all your contacts. Your new provider can sort out moving your old number to your new network when you’re signing up.
Can I upgrade to a handset plan from a Virgin Mobile SIM-only plan?
With a 30-day SIM-only plan, you have the freedom to upgrade or change your plan at any time, without worrying about exit fees or charges.
Virgin Mobile is also really flexible, even if you don’t want to upgrade - you have the option move to a cheaper plan, or add more minutes, texts and data, at any stage, and the change will take affect on your next billing date.
How long will it take for my SIM to arrive from Virgin Mobile?
If you place your order before 8pm you’ll be offered next day delivery from Virgin Mobile. Once the order goes through, you’ll get an email and text with delivery details, and ways to change them if they don’t suit you.
What are the advantages of SIM-only deals?
SIM-only plans are cheaper than deals that include a phone. So, if you’ve paid off your phone - and are still happy with your handset - you’ll make a saving by switching to a SIM-only deal.
If you’re out of contract, you can also move to a SIM-only deal with your current provider, rather than rolling on your contract which includes the cost of your handset - although it’s worth noting that some networks will automatically move you to a plan-only price once your handset is paid off, so make sure to check with your provider.
SIM-only plans are also a good way to check how a new network performs without locking into a 2-year deal.
You could also decide to buy your phone outright, and then go for a SIM-only deal - it may work out cheaper than paying it back as part of your monthly mobile cost, but this will depend on your provider.
What do I need to switch to a Virgin Mobile SIM-only plan?
Once you decide on the plan you want, you can sign up quickly and easily by contacting Virgin Mobile on 01 568 0931.
Once you receive your SIM and pop it into your phone, you can then register for a My Virgin Media account - or sign in if you’re an existing Virgin Media customer - to move your number to your new Virgin Mobile SIM.
You may also need to contact your current mobile phone provider if you need to unlock your handset.
What is a SIM-only plan?
Basically, a SIM-only plan does exactly what it says on the tin - you’ll get a SIM card, with an allocation of data, texts and minutes, but the deal won’t include a phone. Because you’re not paying off the cost of a phone, SIM-only plans are generally cheaper, and so you will save money by going for one of these.
