My partner has just taken out a £15/month sim-only deal with O2, that entitles her to 200 minutes + 200 texts. She is worried that this might not be enough and that the charges for excess calls/texts will be punitive. Other than calling up the helpline (202 I believe) to check her usage there doesn't seem to be any other way to check how much of the allowance is left - is that correct?

Also, are there any other things she should be worried about - she likes to worry!

They do various "pay as you go" options based on the amount that you top up each month. For example if you top up by £30 you get unlimited texts. One of these options might be better as if you don't use all of your top up, it just caries forward. If you use more than your top up, you just need to top up again. The fee texts and minutes compare to the pay monthly tariffs. You can get pay as you go sims for a couple of pounds from many places including eBay and local shops.

You can check your free allowance balance by either calling 4444 free or by sending a SMS with the word "balance" to 20202 free. (Or at least you can on some packages. I don't currently have an allowance package to check so don't shout at me if you use up a text or minute to discover I'm wrong!)

You can check how many mins/sms you have left on pay monthly inc the simplicity deals by sending a blank text to 21202 they'll text you back after a couple of mins to tell you how many mins/sms you have left and if there is any charges on ur account. bear in mind its about 48hrs behind what youve used but a handy thing to use! : )

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I would like to live in a world were chickens can cross the road without being questioned.