Originally Posted by pHo:
“I don't live in the UK anymore, but my contract doesn't end until January. I use iMessage but no other aspect anymore, so was thinking of just getting a contract here and terminating my existing Voda one now, but is there any actual benefit to doing this? From what I've read you don't receive any discount (and I'm not even certain you'd still receive service, but I'm guessing you must do?). Not sure if it's worthwhile over just calling them when the time is ready and saying I'm not renewing. Anyone have experience with this?”
You will pay the remaining contract without VAT. It depends on how much discount you get now, if any.
For example let's assume that your contract's original price is £40 and you pay £30 per month as part of a discount/offer.
If you give 30 days notice (or take your number to another network) and on the day of disconnection you have two months remaining, you will pay £40 - 20% VAT = £32 x 2 months = £64.
In the above scenario, if you keep your contract and give notice 30 days before its expiration, you will have paid £30 x 2 months = £60. That is £4 less, but only if you have an offer in your account.
Please make sure you leave your direct debit on and check your bank account. The last payment should be taken 1 to 2 months after the disconnection date. They will send via post a final bill and you can confirm its total if you call their CS (keep your account number in hand). In case you decide to return to the UK, you don't want and defaults in your credit report. It will make it more difficult or impossible to get credit. Even just opening a bank account with overdraft facility or getting another SIM only contract.