If you’re planning on spending time in Poland, it makes sense to buy a temporary SIM card, or a starter, to help you out. But, let me tell you, choosing the right one isn’t a piece of cake. The starter can be bought in the showroom of a particular chain, or in many other places like a supermarket, a kiosk, a petrol station, or even at the airport.
If you’re planning to use a SIM card in Poland, you should be aware of a critical obligation – SIM card registration. Don’t worry, it’s not a new concept in Poland. Users have always registered their SIM cards, whether they’ve gone for a subscription or mix offer.
The need to register all SIM cards, even prepaid ones, came from a new anti-terrorism law. This law, whose details can be found on the website of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, is designed to reinforce the mechanisms to coordinate authorities’ efforts against organized crime and terrorism.
- I think you may also like to read: Guide: How and Where to Buy a Used Mobile Phone in Poland
Where to Buy the Right Sim Card Starter
Now, if you want to pick the right starter, you should consider things like the services and data limits it offers, its price, and also the packages you can activate and when they expire. Allow me to explain further.
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Registering the Number and SIM Selection
Once you’ve chosen a starter, it’s time to register your number. I can tell you, without registering, the number will be useless. This should happen automatically when buying the starter. The cashier or service person will ask for your ID, so don’t forget it.
Then just choose the right package for yourself, or look at the operator’s price list. If you need a simple option, especially as a visitor, there’s the prepaid offer. I’m sure it’s great if you want independence and don’t have significant telecommunications needs.
Advantages of the SIM Prepaid Card Offers
Let me say, the prepaid option has some big pluses. Here’s what you get:
- No phone
- No contract
- Full control of expenses
- Freedom in how often and how much you top-up
- Higher service prices than other options
I think the prepaid offer is worth considering, especially if you value flexbility and control over your expenses. It’s perfect for visitors and those who want to remain unattached to a contract. So, if you want a fuss-free way to stay connected in Poland, a prepaid card might just be the way to go.
Who Needs to Register SIM Cards?
Every user of Polish mobile networks is required to register their SIM card. Doesn’t matter if you’re using a standard offer, a mobile Internet card, or you’ve received a prepaid card from some promotion, you’ve got to register it.
Even if you’re only 13 years old but have an ID, you can self-register your SIM card. Let me add, foreigners who wish to use a Polish network starter are not exempt from this requirement. However, they’re off the hook if they stick to services from foreign operators.
How to Check Your Registration Status?
If you’re unsure about whether you’ve registered your SIM card or not, there are multiple ways to confirm it. Sending an SMS to a special number, calling the hotline, or checking the operator’s website can do the trick.
What’s Needed for SIM CARD Registration?
I believe, when registering a SIM card, you must provide some key details to the operator. Your name, surname, and PESEL are mandatory. In case you don’t have a PESEL, you’ll need to provide your ID number and series (ID card or passport). Now, if you’re a non-EU foreigner or not from the Swiss Confederation, your passport or residence card number and series will be needed.
To confirm your registration, you need:
- ID card or passport
- PUK code or a device with a SIM card for confirmation via an authorization code
For a company number registration, these details are required:
- SIM card number
- Company name
- REGON or NIP
Additionally, the number in the National Court Register or business register can also be provided. So, if you want a smooth, hassle-free experience using your SIM card in Poland, registration is the first step.
Sim Card Registration Process in Details
Allow me to explain how to register. Whether you’re getting a number with a prepaid card or subscribing to a contract, the process remains the same. When buying a card at a salon or selected kiosk, just present your ID or passport and provide your details.
Now, if you’re already using a prepaid card, here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the operator’s salon or a partner’s stationary outlet if the operator doesn’t have its own salons
- Use the online registration option offered by networks like T-Mobile (with confirmation done via courier)
- Check out the websites of banks like Millenium and ING Bank Śląski, promoted, among others, by the Play network
- Send an SMS message or call the network’s helpline if you want to register an additional number on the card if you’ve registered a subscription offer, mix or prepaid number earlier.
Buying and Registering a SIM card by Ukrainians
I think it’s worth saying that Ukrainians in Poland face unique challenges in adapting to new daily realities. Among many tasks, getting a Polish phone number is a must. However, buying and registering a SIM card in Poland can be more challenging than in Ukraine.
To help, I’ve compiled some answers to common questions about buying and registering a SIM card.
Free SIM Card – A Welcome Gesture
I am convinced that Ukrainians newly arrived in Poland would be glad to know that they can get a SIM card from a Polish mobile operator for free. Volunteers at bus and train stations distribute these cards to newcomers and even help with the registration process.
Don’t Forget Your Passport!
Buying a SIM card in Poland requires an identity document. Ideally, you’d want to use a foreign passport. If you only have a Ukrainian passport, some operators like Play might not sell you a SIM card. On the other hand, at Orange, you can buy a card with a Ukrainian national passport.
If you lack the necessary document, it’s worth considering heading to the salon with a friend who has a foreign passport and register the card using their data. I can tell you that this process is entirely legal and does not obligate the person helping you in any way.
What’s in Store – Polish Operators’ Offers
T-Mobile
T-Mobile stands out by offering special packages for calls to Ukraine and roaming withn Ukraine. Their offerings include:
- Cheap calls to Ukraine for Kyivstar, Vodafone, Lifecell users
- 10GB, 100 minutes, and 100 SMS for domestic use within 30 days
- 500 FREE minutes to Vodafone, Kyivstar, and Lifecell in Ukraine
- Incoming and outgoing call roaming in Ukraine
Learn more about the operator’s offers on their site.
Orange Poland
Orange Poland has a great offer for free calls both within Poland and to Ukraine. Here’s the deal available to all Ukrainians upon SIM card activation:
- 100 minutes for calls within Ukraine
- 100 minutes for calls within Poland
- 30 GB of Internet
In addition, Orange Poland also provides online bonuses for every top-up of a certain amount. You can find out more about this on their site.
Don’t forget! To activate the offer, you need to register as a citizen of Ukraine in the starter pack.
Play
Play offers competitive tariffs for Ukrainians too. They have a one-time package, which lasts for 30 days. Afterwards, you’ll need to select from their range of appealing tariffs.
The one-time package includes:
- Unlimited calls and SMS to Ukraine (only to Kyivstar, Vodafone, lifecell mobile numbers)
- 120 minutes for mobile and landline calls in Poland
- 10 GB for use in Poland
You can find more details about their offers on their site.
Plus
Plus presents some pretty interesting offers. Check out their UA package worth PLN 30, valid for 90 days:
- Unlimited calls, SMS, and MMS
- 1000 minutes for calls to Ukraine (Kyivstar, Lifecell, and Vodafone)
- 30 GB of Internet for 90 days
- Free data usage on Viber, Messenger, and Facebook
For more, check their site.
Just remember, no matter which mobile operator you choose, the SIM registration procedure is mandatory.
Wrapping Up
This info was shared by the author of articles on this site, a lover of beautiful shoes, delicious candy, and handmade products, who dreams of having 25 hours in a day. His life motto? „I will learn myself and pass it on to others”.
References:
- https://www.orange.pl/view/zarejestruj-numer
- https://www.t-mobile.pl/c/na-karte/zarejestruj-karte/pl
- https://cik.uke.gov.pl/uslugi-teleko/pytania-i-odpowiedzi/telefon/jakie-dane-sa-potrzebne-do-rejestracji-karty-sim-pre-paid,11.html
