Beyond-SIM and International SIM Card Comparison
Some Important Considerations When Purchasing A Global SIM| Check Item | Beyond-SIM |
| Check call rates | Beyond-SIM Call Calculator |
| How long does your call credit last? | At least 12 months. |
| Is it a UK number? | Yes |
| When will the provider claw back unused credit? | Never |
| Have rates been Zoned for your convenience? - Usually means higher call charges | No |
| SMS call cost notification after each call? | Yes |
| Does it have One number for Voice and SMS? | Yes same UK number - some have different numbers for each |
When considering purchasing a Global SIM card there are many things to consider not just initial price, FREE initial call credit or Headline Cheap Rates between a few countries.
We believe Beyond-SIM offers the best all round Global SIM Card solution and probably has the lowest calling rates.
| What to Consider | Beyond-SIM | Other SIMs |
| Cost | From £14.99 | £12.99-£35.99 (Cheaper SIMs usually Estonian or Lichtenstein based numbers) or have connection charges and higher rates. |
| Included call credit | £5 | Varies (If more, often limited life span and credit expires quickly) |
| Unused Credit Expires | 12 months (can be rolled over) | Between 45 days and 12 months (some indefinite if topped up) |
| UK Number | Yes | Some |
| Choose your own Number | Yes | None |
| Memorable numbers available | Yes | None |
| Daily Usage charge | NO | Some SIMs charge you per day for whenever you use your SIM. One "leading brand" charges 39p per day - thats £142 per year! In addition to this the call rates are high if calling outside of Europe. |
| Credit holding fee | NO | Some SIMs charge you £2 per month when your SIM is not in use for simply "holding" your call credit. In addition to this the call rates are high if calling outside of Europe. |
| Billing Cycle | 60/60 - Minimum call charge 60 seconds, then 60 seconds thereafter | 60/60 + connection charge & higher rates |
| Connection Charge | No | Some. Some SIMs charge for non connected calls. |
| One number for Voice & SMS | Yes | Some – A few SIMs have a different number for people to text you on and call you on - how inconvenient. |
| Cheaper calls from web interface? | Yes | Some |
| Call forwarding | Yes to any number in the world. Very small charge. See call calculator. | Most SIMs do not offer this facility |
| Full online Back office for account and SIM admin and many other features | Yes – Free | Very few |
| Real-time call records | Yes | Some |
| Zoned calling regions | No - Low rates everywhere | Some |
| Conference calling | Yes, from phone or web | Some |
| Call recording | Yes | Few |
| SMS callback for using other SIMs on Beyond-SIM account | Yes | Very few |
| Group call - Have up to 6 phones anywhere in the world ring when your Number is dialled | Yes | Few |
| Free Voice Mail retrieval | Yes | Some |