@Lynnette ******

- thank you so much I'll consider them to be honest a lot of banks no problem it's just these clowns 🤡 I sadly chose. First Direct have excellent reviews God know how?

@Andy *********

- oh I am with AIS but I obviously don't want to use their network...how is the 1p mobile Sim working? At those rates I assume there is no roaming as I said little confused as to how this works? 🤔

@Andy *********

- thanks Andy sounds good. Is the £40 an annual fee sounds like it.

When you call the number do you have to temporarily disable your Thai number to make sure it connects to the £40 pa sim card. I am a bit confused 555

@John *********

- yes I think I may have found what I'm looking for so fingers crossed 🤞🏼

Just an update regarding what I have found out so far

I.

Skype can't be used because SMS is only available to US numbers

2.

Yollo, Mytello, Keeping calling, Talk 360, Frynga are all just companies offering a platform base online or app offering international calling, no SMS which is what I need.

3.

Currently looking into Google voice but from what I have read so far also doubtful you can get SMS does anyone know?

4.

It seems that any e-sims have to be activated in home country in the same way a physical Sim has to be ruling all those options out.

I could get a physical Sim sent to my sister and activated and sent to me so if anyone has a good deal let me know. I understand Giff Gaff is one option how many others are there?

4.

I have found only one possibility so far having spent all day on it...waiting for a reply to my email and questions. It's not that expensive so could provide a short term solution until I get a physical sim sent out to me if they prove to be low cost and hassle free.

Have at least another full day on this tomorrow so will update further for those that might be interested. In the meantime keep any suggestions coming much appreciated 🙏🏼👍🏼🇹🇭

@Jeffrey ***********

- I did think about paying the £10 pm to be honest but I was pissed off with the company. I knew I had to do something but they were long term investments and I have just left it to the last minute. I may have found a solution but still working on my options 👍🏼🙏🏼

@Stephen *******

- did you get it prior to leaving?

I understand all sims physical and virtual (e-sims) have to be activated in the UK first. I could try that and get it sent to my sister who can activate it and then send it on. What plan are you on and what are the running costs?

@John *********

- thank you. I looked into Skype today as I saw it highly recommended on another similar post.

Unfortunately Skype doesn't currently allow SMS unless you have a US number (not surprising as its a Microsoft product). I guess you get your codes because you still have your UK Sim?

@Mark *******

- but you can't get the access codes that's my problem. I may try it though to see if they can change their system to send codes via email? I think I read Line works to.

Do you just put in the number using international code dropping the '0' and get through?

I will make sure my SIM is disabled before I try though lol

@Michael *******

- Virgin Money and First Direct.

First Direct changed their system just didn't tell the customers. Have contacted both using online chat both refuse to do anything both refused to call me. I have to call them at great cost but that's the point of my point to get something sorted before I call them. I will be closing both accounts as soon as I get access to my money but I have a feeling that they are going to make it as difficult as possible. It's disgusting the way some banks operate these days and the government let's them get away with it. We all know the banking Ombudsman is a useless mouthpiece 🙄