Micro to Nano SIM Problem

[Sir Real]

Hi Fuerte Folk
As in the title, I have a SIM prob, largely self-inflicted.  I needed a new phone - old Samsung is clapping-out slowly, cracked screen and erratic responses.  Bought a new phone, which takes 2 nano SIMs.  I use my UK T-Mobile number for most calls, and have a Spanish PAYG number for incoming local calls. 

My prob relates to the T-Mobile SIM.  It only goes down to a micro SIM - there is no nano press-out.  I can't get a direct replacement.  T-Mobile was taken over by EE some years ago, so I'd need a new contract for an EE SIM. 

Here's the thing - T-Mobile keeps renewing my Roaming status.  After 2 months, I get a text telling me I have another 2 months, and this then repeats.  So I've been able to use my UK mobile for all my local, Spanish, UK and other EU calls continuously since last year, with no extra charges.  Does anyone know if other providers do this, or did I just drop lucky?  If other providers do this, I'll change my SIM with alacrity!

Alternatively, does anyone have, or know where there is, a SIM cutter?  I don't want to hack-up my SIM with a stanley knife - I'd probably ruin it!  As my prob was more common when nano SIMs were first introduced, some mobile phone shops have cutters, and can do a SIM trim from micro to nano.  If anyone knows a shop with this facility, it would save me a lost day trekking around mobile phone shops in PdeR.

TIA!  

Chris

[Sam]

Congrats on the 2 months extensions  

I wouldn't cut the SIM using a Stanley knife but I've managed on a few occasions to cut it with scissors. Never ruined the card. Anyway, I would expect any mobile phone (or repair) shop to have the cutter on hand and cut the card for free or a small fee.

If you're looking to buy the cutter, Chinese shops would be my first stop, followed by electron and the likes. If no luck here is a link to the cutter @ online shop, recommended by McAdam. There's always Amazon/eBay in the UK but I'm sure the waiting will be much longer than the previous options.

[Sir Real]

Thanks Sam - that link could be invaluable.  I think it'd be quicker to find a local mobile shop that has the cutter than play the 'this month, next month, never' waiting game for an Amazon/Ebay delivery.  I tried the kiosk in Caleta, but they didn't have one, and suggested Orange or the mobile shop in the Atlantico centre.  This single experience gave me visions of a wild goose chase around the island's mobile phone emporia.

The continued 2 month extensions are well worth keeping! .  (As long as they last...)

Cheers,
Chris

[Spitfire58]

Hi Chris, hope you are surviving well through all this 😁
I have previously cut one myself with scissors & then a careful trim up with a craft knife & fine sandpaper. It was relatively straightforward & worked fine. The thing to do is mark it up & then cut outside that so you have a bit to play with in trimming & sanding, cheers . . Ron

[Ducks]

Here's the thing - T-Mobile keeps renewing my Roaming status.  After 2 months, I get a text telling me I have another 2 months, and this then repeats.  So I've been able to use my UK mobile for all my local, Spanish, UK and other EU calls continuously since last year, with no extra charges.  Does anyone know if other providers do this, or did I just drop lucky?  If other providers do this, I'll change my SIM with alacrity!

All EU providers are supposed to allow roaming within the EU free of charge. You can read more on the EU citizen rights page here. So, if you jump providers today, you will have free roaming here in Spain. 

However, whether it will remain after Brexit is another story. It could be that it's a pre-existing "deal" on your contract from before the free-roaming legislation came into place (June 2017, I think), in which case, it might continue after Brexit as it was originally independent of the EU rights. Unfortunately, it also might not as operators can sometimes end those deals at any time once the original contract expires. 

I'd definitely ask the shop if they have the trimming tool. I'm not sure the Orange shop in Atlantico is open yet— as of last week, neither it nor the shop in the centre in Puerto had been open. Anyone know if that's changed this week?

[Will]

Free roaming is basically supposed to be for vacations or other trips. If you're constantly out of your "home" country they can stop the free roaming. 

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/co...shortcut-7

[McAdam]

I have cut many cards over the years.
A warmed Stanly knife is now my go to tool.

In general the metal contacts on sim cards allow for some misalignment.

I would:

Get a nano to micro converter, place over sim to be cut, and trace out the shape using either a fine pen or a sharp object.
Cut on the outside edge of the marking.
If you cut it too small, you could add some tape to the back of the sim and wrap it around the sides to add a little bit of width.

Just take it easy and sneak up on the correct dimensions.

It does not have to be perfect. Just make sure to mark which corner has the notch in it so you always insert it the correct way.

If you are worried about damaging it - feel free to drop by me in Corralejo and I can do it for you.

[McAdam]

Free roaming is basically supposed to be for vacations or other trips. If you're constantly out of your "home" country they can stop the free roaming. 

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/co...shortcut-7

This is correct.
Different providers enforce it in different ways.

Usually, its either a 90 or 180-day maximum to be away from the home country.
After that time they can just cancel the free-roaming. Some networks won't alert you and you end up with a massive bill (Damn you Vodafone Germany!!!!!)

[Sir Real]

Free roaming is basically supposed to be for vacations or other trips. If you're constantly out of your "home" country they can stop the free roaming. 

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/co...shortcut-7

This is correct.
Different providers enforce it in different ways.

Usually, its either a 90 or 180-day maximum to be away from the home country.
After that time they can just cancel the free-roaming. Some networks won't alert you and you end up with a massive bill (Damn you Vodafone Germany!!!!!)

Hi McAdam, and thanks for the offer to do the SIM trim - I might well take you up on it . 

Ducks and Will - I'm fairly familiar with the roaming rules.  My point was that T-Mobile repeatedly extends roaming.  Lets me continue to use the phone during the 7 or 8 months I'm usually here, without penalty.  When I phoned EE about a replacement card, I was advised I'd need a new, more expensive SIM only EE contract, and they'd only commit to 2 months' roaming.  So pay more, and get less - cheers EE!

Thanks also to Sam and McAdam for the trimming advice - just not sure my hands are steady enough 

Cheers,
Chris

[Will]

Ducks and Will - I'm fairly familiar with the roaming rules.  My point was that T-Mobile repeatedly extends roaming.  Lets me continue to use the phone during the 7 or 8 months I'm usually here, without penalty.  When I phoned EE about a replacement card, I was advised I'd need a new, more expensive SIM only EE contract, and they'd only commit to 2 months' roaming.  So pay more, and get less - cheers EE!

 If EE bought Tmobile then it's EE extending things for you. Tmobile sold you off.  By telling you two months they're only quoting the rules back to you. Nobody will commit to giving you more than they're legally required to. 

At any time they can start enforcing the rules on you. Not saying they will but the fact you've had free roaming up to now doesn't mean it won't change.