You can send mobile credit from the UK to a prepaid phone in another country, and the person receiving it does not need to do anything. It is a simple way to help family and friends keep in touch, pay for their own data or call you back. This guide explains each step and how to avoid the most common mistake.
How does an international mobile top-up work?
An international top-up sends credit directly to a prepaid mobile number abroad. You choose the country, the operator and the amount in local currency, then enter the recipient’s full international number. After your bank transfer is confirmed, the credit goes to that number through the operator’s own system, and we email you once the top-up has been completed.
- Open our international top-up range and pick the destination, such as India, Bangladesh or Nigeria.
- Select the mobile operator and the amount in local currency. The price in pounds appears before you pay.
- Type the full mobile number, including the country code.
- Pay by bank transfer and put the order number in the reference field. Once that payment is confirmed, the credit is sent to the number and we email you to say it is done.
How do I enter an international mobile number correctly?
Enter the country code first, then the mobile number without its leading zero. Most countries write mobile numbers locally with a 0 at the start, but that 0 is dropped once the country code is added. Ask the recipient to send their number as text rather than reading it out, then compare it digit by digit before you place the order.
| Country | Country code | How it is written locally | How to enter it |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | +91 | A 10-digit mobile number, sometimes with a 0 in front | 91 followed by the 10 digits |
| Bangladesh | +880 | 11 digits beginning 01 | 880 followed by the number without its first 0 |
| Nigeria | +234 | 11 digits beginning 0, such as 0803 | 234 followed by the number without its first 0 |
| Anywhere else | Check with the recipient | Usually starts with a 0 or a local prefix | Country code, then the number with any trunk 0 removed |
Why does the operator matter?
Credit is issued by the mobile operator, so it has to match the network the recipient’s number belongs to. Many countries let people move their number between operators, which means the first digits are not always a reliable guide. Ask the person you are topping up which operator they use today, and choose that one on the product page.
If the operator you need is not listed, look at the regional pages for Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Europe, or ask us before you order.
What happens if I enter the wrong number?
Credit sent to a wrong number cannot be reversed. Once the operator has accepted a top-up, the balance belongs to whichever number received it, and neither we nor the operator can move it back. International top-ups are digital products, so the right to cancel also ends at the point the credit is delivered. Checking the number first is the only safeguard.
A good habit is to copy the number from a message the recipient has sent you, paste it into the order form, and read it back to them before paying. If you spot a mistake after ordering but before paying, contact us with the order number so we can correct it. Our refunds and cancellations page has the full policy.
Can I top up a contract or postpaid number abroad?
International top-ups are designed for prepaid numbers. Most operators do not accept credit on contract or postpaid lines, and a top-up sent to one may be rejected or have no effect on the bill. If you are not sure which kind of account the recipient has, ask them to check with their operator before you send anything.
Can I send a data or call bundle instead of plain credit?
For some destinations you can. Certain UK networks sell international bundles that give your own SIM minutes to a particular country, which suits people who mainly ring one place. That is different from a top-up, which credits the other person’s phone. Compare the options for your situation before you decide.
See our Bangladesh bundles, or read our guide to cheap calls abroad to compare calling cards with top-ups.
Frequently asked questions
Does the person abroad need to do anything?
No. The credit lands on their prepaid number without any action from them. They only need to give you their correct number and current operator.
What exchange rate do you use?
Each product shows the local amount and the price in pounds before you pay, so you can see exactly what will be sent and what it costs you.
Can I send top-ups to more than one number?
Yes. Add one top-up per number to your basket, each with its own mobile number, and pay for them together in a single bank transfer.
How will I know the credit has arrived?
We email you once the top-up has been completed. The recipient’s operator usually sends them a text confirming the new balance as well.