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Here in Europe they will actually ask you for a proof of employment/income before they sell you the cell phone plan. If you are unemployed then your only option is pre-paid sim, and those usually do not come with phones.

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In which country?

Rather typical in Germany (they usually do it via Schufa, but the end result is the same). No idea for other countries.

In UK is similar to Germany, but for the rest of EU they will simply ask for an ID and a bank account. Some just do a credit card check.

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