SIM only 1 mth contract - Credit Check in London

Can someone advise me on how i could go around this ?

The red tape is really exasperating. I finally got a bank account opened (after 3 weeks !!!???. I nearly killed someone in the process.)

Trying now to get from PAYG onto mthly contract for SIM-only (no phone set) scheme. Orange had done a credit check and declined my application, asking me to get in touch with Experian for a credit report. Now.. when i tried to do this online, Experian rejected me too, requiring me to apply to them by post with original documents of bank statement and utility bill, etc before they could sign me in as a member, issue me a credit report and BEGIN discussing with me WHY I was rejected. Quite apart from the wait, I just found out that it takes another 3 mths for the next utility bill to be issued in my name (jointly with owner of the property at which I now live). Besides, sending original bank statements by post (with sort code, account number on it, etc) is something I may wish to avoid if I can.

I can't believe the snail speed at which these things happen and wonder if someone have had any chance of getting around that ? I need to go on the mthly contract urgently at the rate i am making calls in London and topping up hundreds of pounds on PAYG.

xx

Why?!? are you making £100's of calls on your PAYG?! Get yourself a phone card from a small newsagent and dial the 0800 numbers instead if you have to make a lot of phone calls (international or not). It would be far far far cheaper than using a PAYG for intensive phoning.

You will find that most mobile companies will only give you a contract once you can prove you have lived in the country for 12 months, or if you agree to pay a massive bond or have it guaranteed by someone.

See it from their point of view - you could be running up those £100s bills on a contract which is never paid.

Your only option is to find someone who doesn't want their phone anymore and is willing to pass it on to you for use with the bills still in their name. Chance would be a fine thing! I know it is frustrating trying to sort things out in a new city without using a mobile a lot - but I'm afraid it's probably your only option for now. There are lots of free or cheap numbers you can use for calls overseas too.

maybe you should have checked out setting up a bank account before you arrived? Maybe your home bank would have done it for you before you arrived.