TravelBeginner
Buying a SIM card in English (beginner)
Beginner English for buying a SIM card. Key line: “Hi, I'd like a prepaid SIM card, please.”
Full script
Lin
Hi, I'd like a prepaid SIM card, please.
Them
Sure. How much data do you need?
Lin
About ten gigabytes. It's always hungry.
Them
No problem. This one has ten gigabytes.
Lin
Great. Can I use it today?
Them
Yes, in two minutes. Hungry phone, huh?
Lin
Yes, it loves cat videos.
Them
Then this card is a good snack.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
want to buy
✓ I'd like a prepaid SIM card, please.Use this to ask for one.
Polite; more natural than I want
data
✓ How much data do you need?Ask about the amount of data.
Here, data means mobile data
today
✓ Can I use it today?Ask if it works right away.
Ask if you can use it the same day
plan
✓ This one has ten gigabytes.Used to point to an option.
has can mean includes
Quick answers
want to buy: what to say in English
Say “I'd like a prepaid SIM card, please.” — use this to ask for one. Polite; more natural than I want.
data: what to say in English
Say “How much data do you need?” — ask about the amount of data. Here, data means mobile data.
today: what to say in English
Say “Can I use it today?” — ask if it works right away. Ask if you can use it the same day.
plan: what to say in English
Say “This one has ten gigabytes.” — used to point to an option. has can mean includes.