
What are Lycamobile prepaid plans?
If you’re looking for flexible, affordable mobile service in the UK without a long-term contract, you’re in the right place. This article explains the prepaid (Pay As You Go) and SIM-only (Pay Monthly) plans from Lycamobile UK: what they include, how they compare, and which might suit you best.
Summary
Lycamobile’s prepaid plans let you pay upfront for data, calls and texts, and change or cancel whenever you like. They offer several tiers with varying data allowances, unlimited UK calls/texts and international minutes. Below you’ll find an overview of the most popular prepaid plans, their top features, and some extra tips when choosing the right one for you.What you’ll learn
- What a Lycamobile prepaid plan is, including the difference between PAYG and SIM-Only
- Which are the most popular Lycamobile prepaid plans in the UK
- How to pick the best plan for you
- Some extra tips to make the most of your Lyca plan.
How Lycamobile prepaid plans work (PAYG vs SIM-Only)
Lycamobile’s prepaid plans are essentially (bundles of) data, minutes and texts, which you pay for in advance. There are two types of prepaid Lyca plans – Pay As You Go (PAYG) and SIM-Only. Here’s what each means:- PAYG: You simply order a SIM, top it up with credit, and start using your allowance for calls, texts, or data without being tied to a contract. You don’t have to top up regularly, just when you need to. There are no recurring monthly costs.
- SIM-Only: You select a bundle of minutes, data, and/or international minutes, and prepay for it on a monthly basis. You can cancel or change your bundle every month, making it much more flexible than a long-term contract.
Popular Lycamobile UK prepaid plans
Here’s a summary of some of Lycamobile’s more popular prepaid plans in the UK. Note: this is not an exhaustive list - you’ll find one on the Lycamobile UK’s website.| Name | Price (approx) | Data Allowance | UK Calls & Texts | International minutes | Notes |
| UK Plan Smart | £2.50 for the first two months, then £5 / month. | 5 GB | 1000 UK calls and texts | No international minutes. | Super budget option. Good for light users. |
| National Plus | £5 for the first two months, then £10 / month. | 30 GB | Unlimited UK calls and texts | 100 international minutes. | Best for heavy data users, and internationals. |
| All in One Plus 20 | £20 per month | 100 GB, including EU, China and India Data Roaming | Unlimited UK calls & texts | Unlimited international minutes | Balanced choice for regular users, especially those who travel or call internationally. |
Extra tips to make the most of your Lyca prepaid plan
Below are some key facts you should consider before going for a prepaid Lycamobile plan, including:- Roaming in the EU is included in all prepaid plans.
- International minutes vary by plan, but Lyca has a wide range of options, depending on your international use and the destination you call most. Make sure to browse their website to find the best match for your needs.
- For PAYG bundles the first month discount is significant; Make sure to check what the standard monthly price will be, to avoid surprises.
- Whether you have a Pay Monthly or a “pure” PAYG SIM, you can always top up your prepaid plan if you run out of allowance.
- If you’re a light user and/or very budget-conscious: Choose a classic PAYG SIM card, so you can stay flexible and avoid recurring monthly costs. Alternatively, you can consider the simplest SIM-Only monthly plan (e.g., UK Plan Smart) - it offers an excellent price-allowance balance.
- If you’re a heavy user (i.e., you stream, use your hotspot, make regular international calls): Go for a high-data SIM-Only unlimited plan that includes international minutes and roaming. Pay-Monthly options with international minutes start from as little as £10/month.
Prepaid = flexible
While the tips above will help you make the best choice of prepaid plan for yourself, remember that prepaid means flexible. You can change or cancel your plan anytime, so there’s really nothing to lose. Starting off with a prepaid plan can in fact be an excellent way of testing a mobile operator before potentially committing to a long-term plan. Enjoy the flexibility!Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I keep my existing phone number when switching to a prepaid Lyca plan?
Yes – just request a PAC (from your current provider) and provide it when activating your Lyca Mobile SIM. The number will then be transferred.
2. What happens if I go over my data allowance on a prepaid Lycamobile plan?
If you exceed your allowance on a bundle, you may be restricted in speed or prompted to top up your credit. If you use a lot of data, consider upgrading your plan.
3. Can I use my phone abroad with a prepaid Lyca plan?
Yes! All prepaid plans include EU roaming at no extra cost, and you can call, text or browse abroad. Do note that while you can use your prepaid Lyca SIM abroad, the rates in roaming (outside the EU) may be higher than at home. Make sure to check the applicable rates for your destination beforehand.

