@dp118
It depends on which provider you choose. With O2 and Orange, you cannot get a UK pay-as-you-go SIM. I have also tried to obtain an Orange payg-SIM, but was told that they only offer contracts. You didn't by any chance signed up for a one-month rolling contract?
For using 3G internet in the UK, I would suggest Three (3), as TIM already mentioned. You can buy a pay-as-you-go iPad sim card in any Three store, as well as some supermarkets. A Three payg-SIM requires no set-up on your iPad and no address checking. Simply walk on store, buy one, place it in your iPad and you are ready to surf the net. They also have reasonable cost. 10£ gives 1GB, 15£ gives you 3GB, and 25£ 7GB.
First, I apologize to the OP if it appears we've hijacked your thread. I believe getting our USA iPads to function on the UK 3G network is as important as getting good UK navigation software for our iPads.
DontUnderstandMyIpad:
Thanks for the additional info on the Three (3) network. I'll keep that in mind if my present setup doesn't work.
I am able to get an 02 network pay-as-you-go plan and have activated it here in the USA. This may be the one-month rolling contract you refer to.
Here's what I did. I purchased what my vendor described as an 02 micro-sim for an "international iPad". I have no idea how this differs from a UK 02 iPad micro-sim. It arrived in a sealed 02 package as if I had purchased in an 02 store. I installed the micro-sim and activated it on the iPad using a friend's address in the UK. Per my vendor, I changed two simple settings on the cellular network setup screen. 02 activation input screens would not accept a US address but would accept a US Visa credit card...interesting. Once activation was confirmed I was offered three pay-as-you-go plans without a contract:
1. A day of data for approximately 2.00 pounds.
2. A month of data for 15.00 pounds.
3. A month of data for 30.00 pounds.
I purchased a day of data to test the process and it worked. 02 has no signal in the US so I couldn't test actual reception. However, the iPad recognized the 02 micro-sim and attempted to lock-on providing all the correct indications.
Like AT&T's plan here in the US, my credit card will be charged each month unless I cancel one of the thirty-day plans before I depart Scotland.
It is a fact all this may not work once I get to Scotland. If not, I will fall back on the Three (3) network. I may purchase a Three (3) micro-sim to test it as this approach appears much easier than what I had to do.
BTW, I started reading two history books to bolster my limited knowledge of Scotland's past. My admiration for this country and its people has skyrocketed.