Problems using phone (pay as you go) abroad - cannot send initial text to activate sim

[Anonymous]

Dear 02,

I have moved temporarily to China for 6 months, from April to September 2013.  One of your colleagues recommended that I move to pay as you go during this time, in order to keep monthly fees down.  A new sim card was sent to me, and it was explained that all I needed to do was to send a message once the new sim was inserted, in order to activate the new sim (if this wasn't done within a certain period of time, the number would be lost -I made it expressly clear that I wished to retain this number).

I have tried numerous times to send a message from my phone (which has perfect reception, and has picked up China Mobile), however, no message is able to be sent.

I would be grateful if you could suggest how to overcome this, as I would like to be able to keep this number and to be able to send the odd text whilst abroad.  I presume the problem is due to the fact that there is no money on the account.  When I follow the instructions however, by calling 4444 as per the usual, nothing happens.

Kind regards

[jonsie · Accepted solution]

Without credit you won't be able to text. If you have a UK bankcard you can top up online or some online banking sites will allow you to top up.

Other options : http://www.o2.co.uk/mobilestariffs/tariffs/topup/webtopup