In article <fbjhbg$pcl$1@reader1.panix.com>, Mike S.
<retsuhcs@xinap.moc> writes

>I'm in the US. Two years ago we travelled to UK and used Vodafone PAYG
>packages. I have one extra, unused starter pack that I would like to give
>to a family member who is travelling to London this month.

>The starter kit comes with a swipe card which expired in late 2006.
>The SIM card itself (never detached, still in carrier) bears no expiration
>date. Is it still good?

Almost certainly not :-(

If you do something like make a call or top up with a payment, the card
remains usable for a period of (I think) six months. At that point the
number is barred and lost - together with any unused credit. The period
may be one year but either way it's certainly less than two years.

See: http://tinyurl.com/ynokdt under "Suspension and Disconnection":

We can suspend (i.e. bar) or terminate the provision of the Services (in
whole or in part) without telling you (although we will, where possible,
inform you that action may be taken):

the third item says:

* if you choose not to use the Service for a period of 180 days (‘Use
of this service’ means (i) making any chargeable outbound calls
(excluding calls to 191, see your price plan for charges). (ii) any
topping up of your account);

Which seems to nail it - sorry.
--
Peter