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👩🏫 Teaching a class? Use this lesson with slides →
1. Key phrases
Press 🔊 to hear each phrase, then say it out loud.
- I'd like to get a SIM card, please. Start the conversation in a phone shop.
- What's the difference between prepaid and a plan? Prepaid: you pay before you use it. A plan: you get a bill every month.
- How much data do I get? Data = the internet on your phone, measured in GB.
- Does it include international calls? Ask about calling other countries.
- Can I keep my number? Ask to move your old number to the new company.
- How do I recharge? Recharge = add more credit or days to a prepaid SIM. Also called 'top up'.
- Do I need ID? In Australia, you need to show ID to activate a new SIM.
- Is my phone unlocked? An unlocked phone works with a SIM from any company.
2. Listen to the conversation
Play the conversation, then press Practise as "Mohammed" to take a part yourself.
3. Say it yourself
Listen, then say each sentence. Fill in your own details where you see "…". In Chrome, Edge or Safari, press 🎤 and your browser checks how clearly you said it.
4. Quick check
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Frequently asked questions
What are useful English phrases for getting a phone plan or a SIM card?
'I'd like to get a SIM card, please.' (start the conversation in a phone shop). 'What's the difference between prepaid and a plan?' (prepaid: you pay before you use it. A plan: you get a bill every month). 'How much data do I get?' (data = the internet on your phone, measured in GB). 'Does it include international calls?' (ask about calling other countries).
How can I practise getting a phone plan or a SIM card in English?
Listen to the key phrases and say them out loud, play the conversation and role-play one side, use the speaking check to hear how clearly you speak, then take the quick quiz. It takes about 10 minutes.
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