Cell Phone While Traveling to Europe – In today’s connected world, it’s more important than ever before to be able to access our network at any time.
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If shopping for a phone in Europe, use the European term 'mobile' (pronounce it the way Brits do — rhymes with 'smile') or 'handy' (common in German-speaking areas). Finally, you may already have an old, unused mobile phone in a drawer somewhere. It's probably locked, but your provider may be willing to send you a code to unlock it. Question How to Unlock iphone 6plus: Can I unlock a verizon iPhone SE and use a sim card to move from cdma to GSM network: If i perche a iPhone an it said gsm unlock an am living Jamaica can the phone use in Jamaica: Solved! Can I use a gsm unlocked phone for carriers in south africa. Europe - Europe sim card for unlocked iphone - I will be in Europe for 7 weeks & plan on taking my unlocked iphone 5 with me & buying a sim card once I arrive in Europe (I arrive in Munich, Germany).
Fortunately, these days we have plenty of different options.
You can still use your cell phone while traveling to Europe if you plan properly and use all of the tools at your disposal.
One word of advice: Don’t just use your plan without speaking with your provider.
You could rack up hundreds, or even thousands of dollars in roaming fees.
Avoid sticker shock with your next phone bill by being smart and planning in advance.
A lot of travelers prefer to use their own cell phone while traveling to Europe, and some even like to bring their other mobile devices for email, communications, watching videos, browsing the Web and so on.
The good news is, it isn’t that difficult to use your smartphone in Europe (or Traveling to Asia) to access the Internet, make calls or text.
The following explains everything you need to do. Tips for Traveling Internationally
Table of ContentsUsing my cell phone while traveling to Europe Talk To Your Current Provider
Your current provider probably has some kind of international plan that will allow you to use your cell phone while traveling to Europe.
People go on vacations all of the time, so it is not outside of the realm of possibility that they have some sort of package that would work best for you.
Your Smartphone cell plan provider in advance and speak with them about your options.
Make sure that you cancel your international plan when you return home!
How to Use Your Smartphone in Europe
If you are from the US or another country, traveling with your smartphone in Europe means additional fees, be it for calls, text or other types of data access.
If you are going to use your own phone, decide first how you intend to use it (for calls only, for text, the web etc.).
You can use your regular plan for calls, text and web browsing, but it will be more expensive.
There are international service plans you can sign up for a lower cost, i.e. flat fee or limiting you to a specific number of megabytes.
Before doing any of these, make sure first that your phone does work in Europe (you can check with your carrier), and then check the international rates.
Before you go to Europe, activate your phone’s international service or call your carrier and ask them to turn on international roaming for data, voice, text or whatever service you plan to use.
Once your phone has been set up, you can access Wi-Fi in Wi-Fi hotspots, which are pretty common in the continent.
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What type of phone do I have
The easiest way to find what type of phone you have and what phone model, is to check the settings in your phone.
Go to the Settings or Options menu, scroll to the bottom, and click on ‘About phone’.
The name and model number of your Smartphone will be listed.
Cell Phone While Traveling to Europe and Smartphone Data Plans and Texting
If you want to use smartphone data plans and texting in Europe, keep the following things in mind.
First, Europe uses the GSM (“Global System for Mobiles”) system.
All American carriers use GSM except Verizon and Sprint that use CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).
But this should not be an issue since most smartphones today can connect to both network systems.
The easiest way to use data plans and text services in Europe is to use international roaming as suggested above.
If you find it too expensive, you can sign up for an international data plan which is something your carrier and other services will offer.
The cost will depend on how you plan to use your mobile device, and it’s certainly going to be more expensive if you’re going to watch movies or YouTube videos.
Plan ahead for e-Learning success as well, including a language while you are on holiday.
Get A Local SIM Card
Depending on where you’re traveling, it might make a lot of sense to get a local SIM card.
In order to install your SIM card, you will need to unlock your phone.
Many carriers will allow you to do this as long as the phone is paid for.
If your carrier pushes back on unlocking your phone, you can always have it unlocked once you arrive in Europe.
There is no real standard of excellence for having your phone unlocked by a local shop, so make sure that you check around and get solid references before you go this route.
Once your phone is unlocked you can use your local SIM card with ease!
Make sure that you keep your American SIM in a safe spot because you’ll need it when you return home.
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Skyroam Wifi Anywhere
Using a European SIM Card
The simplest and most practical option is to use a European SIM card, and you can get these from various European mobile carriers.
In most cases you’re going to have to unlock your phone so it can use the SIM card from other carriers.
The majority of US smartphones are locked, and you may want to get in touch with your mobile company for assistance on unlocking it.
If you’d rather unlock your smartphone yourself, download software that unlocks smartphones and use their codes to unlock your device.
There are several services like these available online and the process is fairly straightforward: pay the fee, provide some info about the phone on the website, and the service will email you the code to unlock your mobile.
Once your phone is unlocked, you can look for a SIM card in mobile phone stores, electronics counters and in some cases, vending machines.
These SIM cards cost anywhere from 4 to 8 euros, and they don’t come with any commitment or contract.
If you want a SIM card with data access good for a month, expect to pay around 13 to 25 euros for the card.
Before you buy, take a look at your smartphone and make sure that the card is compatible.
Some mobile devices like the iPhone use a different type of nano-SIM card, so make certain the card fits your phone.
Talk to the clerk and check the rates for calls and to and from the European countries you will be visiting.
Use the same approach for texting.
We have used, LOVE and recommend: Skyroam and TEP Wireless
Once you’ve got a SIM card that works with your smartphone, ask the store personnel to install it and do a test call.
Turn your mobile on, enter the PIN and if necessary switch the language to English.
Don’t forget to record the PIN number and ask how to check the credit balance.
In some European countries your SIM card may have to be registered along with your passport for security reasons.
Follow the instructions and after an hour or two you’ll be able to use it.
If you run out of SIM, you can get one in any mobile phone store and tell the salesperson how much credit you want.
The clerk is either going to give you the credit over the phone or you will be given a voucher with instructions.
How to Stay Connected With Airalo eSIMs
Charging Your Cell Phone in Europe
One of the most common mistakes people make is thinking that you’ll need a costly voltage converter to charge your mobile.
In fact, the majority of mobile devices, tablets and laptops have battery chargers that can work on 220 volts used in Europe and countries in the world, as well as 110 volts (the US).
Cell phone chargers can work with different frequencies from 50 Hertz to 60 Hertz.
How To Use Unlocked Smartphones
Unless your mobile device specifically says to use a converter, don’t use it because it could actually damage your mobile because it already has a converter.
If you want to know if your cell phone has dual voltage capabilities, read the words on the charger.
If your cell phone has dual voltage you will see something like “Input 100 – 240V, 50 – 60 Hz.”
If your mobile phone is dual voltage you still need to use a plug adapter, but not a voltage converter.
Before going on a trip, you have to keep in mind that all countries have their own electrical system, and that will determine what type of plug adapters you have to use.
In Italy for instance, the majority of outlets are compatible with two round prongs, but bathrooms have three-pronged grounded outlets.
If necessary you should purchase a multi-country plug adapter if you’re not sure which type of adapter to use.
Better yet, you should research the plug adapters that are used in the countries you’re going to visit.
Thanks to the Internet, this should be easy, and if you’re not really sure you can always send an email to the website and get clarification.
If you’re only going to bring a cell phone a single adapter will do, but if you’re bringing a laptop, tablet and other devices, it’s best to have several adapters as your hotel room might only have a few electrical outlets available.
In some cases you also have to plug an adapter into another before you can use it.
For instance you can put plug a two-pronged adapter onto a three-prong European adapter to make it work.
No matter how many plug adapters you buy, make sure the plug fits in properly.
How do I get Internet While Traveling?
Prepaid Cell Phones in Europe
There’s no lacking of prepaid cell phones here, but when you buy a GSM prepaid wireless and/or a SIM card, make certain call time is included.
If you’re in Germany you can get a Handy for less than 60 euros which includes a refillable SIM card with prepaid minutes.
The set up is usually pay per minute but the cost varies per country.
Almost always, however, it’s cheaper compared to international roaming.
Another option is to buy a GSM phone before leaving for Europe, but if you decide to do this, check the various services online to make sure you get your money’s worth.
Once you’ve got your cell phone you can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi available throughout the continent.
Set Up A Mobile Hotspot
If you don’t need to make phone calls, you can always invest in a mobile hotspot.
Companies like TEP Wireless, Skyroam, and Keepgo all have mobile hotspot technology.
A hotspot will enable you to log into the internet without using local WiFi.
If you want to browse the internet safely and rapidly, a mobile hotspot is really the best way to go.
Many accommodations offer Wi-Fi for free, but in hotels there is usually a fee.
The Wi-Fi signal also varies, as in some places it’s great and in others it is less than ideal, which is the reason why many prefer to get a data plan.
Generally speaking, the speed is almost always good enough to send email and browse the web, but it’s not as reliable for watching HD films or video.
If you have a dedicated data plan however this won’t be a problem.
All these prepaid cell phones can take advantage of Wi-Fi wherever they’re available, and in most cases your best bet will be a café, and Starbucks and McDonald’s also have Wi-Fi.
You can also get Internet access in popular tourist destinations as well as city squares, some public transit hubs and even trains and buses. In some cases you will need to register and get the network password to gain access.
As you can see you can use your cell phone while traveling to Europe in many ways.
With a good data roaming plan plus free Wi-Fi in certain locations, you should have no problem keeping in touch with those around you anywhere they are.
And if you have a prepaid cell phone and need more minutes, you can easily buy more airtime from companies like Recharge.com.
There was a time when using your mobile device and cell phone while traveling to Europe was expensive, but with all the options now available you can save money without compromising signal quality.
TEP Wireless vs Skyroam VS Keepgo When Traveling to Europe
One of the first things that you need to consider before embarking on your next whirlwind vacation to Europe is how you will stay connected.
There are plenty of providers out there, but TEP Wireless, Skyroam, and Keepgo are the top three choices.
Let’s explore TEP Wireless vs Skyroam VS Keepgo when traveling to Europe.
Keepgo
Keepgo is a fan favorite these days and it’s easy to see why.
How To Use Unlocked Iphone In Europe
It offers 4G service that can be used on any corner of the planet, and you can access Keepgo through a variety of different devices.
Get Keepgo SIM cards for your existing smartphone or smartwatch, or use one of their hotspot devices.
The data is a little bit on the expensive side, but it is always reliable and you can access it from almost anywhere in the world, making Keepgo a great option for business travelers.
If you need less connectivity and are worried about your pocketbook, the prices might be a little too steep for you!
ASWETRAVEL KEEPGO offer: 10% off when you use the coupon code ASWETRAVEL for every AsWeTravel.com customer. Internet in 100+ countries. Multiple operators per country. Data SIM card, WiFi Hotspot, Smartwatch SIM. Keepgo
Skyroam
In the battle of the hotspots, Skyroam clocks in at more affordable but less speedy than Keepgo.
It’s a great option for those who want to make sure that they have the internet at their fingers, but don’t necessarily need top speeds.
With coverage spanning the world, Skyroam will relieve you from the hassle of having to tap into unreliable or insecure WiFi when you want to hop online.
It’s a legacy player for a reason, and has amassed something of a cult following since it first came onto the scene!
The only real downside is that you won’t be able to get the speeds that you would with a company like Keepgo.
If you need service for business purposes, you might be better off looking elsewhere.
TEP Wireless
TEP Wireless has hotspot devices that work with your smartphone or watch.
You can also buy or rent a Teppy device, which acts as its own mobile hotspot and lets you get internet anywhere.
One of the beautiful things about TEP Wireless is the sheer volume of different options that you have!
When it comes to fast internet, TEP Wireless is a great option, up to a point.
They do start to throttle your speed after a certain amount of internet usage, which could become a problem for those who want to use it for business purposes.
As with Skyroam, TEP Wireless can’t compete with Keepgo for the speediest coverage.
Alternately, it is a cost-effective option, and TEP Wireless has been around for a long time, so you know that they are a solid company to work with.
So, who wins the battle of TEP Wireless vs Skyroam VS Keepgo when traveling to Europe?
It all depends on exactly what you’re looking for from a wireless service provider!
Each option has different strengths and weaknesses, but all of them cover the vast majority of the planet and will work in a pinch if you need wireless service right away.
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Skyroam Wifi Anywhere
Find WiFi and Use Chatting Apps
You can also rely on local WiFi for your internet usage.
Use caution when selecting which WiFi options you will tap into.
Try not to put in too much personal information, especially passport numbers, and don’t access banking data or other sensitive websites when you’re tapped into public WiFi.
Assume that everyone can see what you’re doing because that is probably the case!
There are plenty of chatting apps that allow you to communicate with loved ones back home.
Skype, WhatsApp, and Messenger are just a few options!
Public WiFi could be a good option for people on shorter trips who just need a little bit of internet!
FREE iPad iPhone Travel Apps for your Cell Phone While Traveling to Europe
FREE iPad / iPhone Travel Apps – I’ve had my iPod Touch for about two months now, and I’m falling helplessly in love with it more and more every day.
It’s my personal assistant, I use it for just about everything.
From reading books, storing recipes and workout exercises to converting currencies, booking hostels and checking the bus/train timetables.
I suppose you could call me an ‘iPad NERD’ – if there is such a thing…
Yeah, I admit I have also found some awesome applications which ONLY work for the iPhone, so I won’t lie and say I never wish I had one of those as well – but then again I like my cellphone, it’s pink!
Anyways, today I am going to share with you the best FREE Travel Apps out there right now!
FREE iPad / iPhone Travel AppsHow To Use Unlocked Iphone
Hostel Hero:
An application that finds you the best deals by searching through every hostel website, all over the world.
You have Hostelbookers, Hostelworld etc. all in one place.
From here you can book your stay from anywhere.
I love it, very easy and simple.
Hostelworld:
If you are an avid HostelWorld fan and just want to book through them, they have their very own application for you to book your stays.
Stanza:
With this on your iPod you’ll never have to carry another of those brick-like-heavy books in your backpack ever again!
You can download hundreds (probably more) of books for FREE on your iPod (yes, in all genres).
Every Trail:
Finds many outdoor activities (walking, mountain-biking, skiing etc) for you to do, anywhere in the world
What Knot:
Shows countless types of knots and how to make them step by step, a skill that can be crucial to know when hiking through the jungle etc… trust me – you never know when you’ll need it!
Skype (only for iPhone):
Now there really is a cheap way for you to call to other countries.
iTranslate:
Translates whole sentences into heaps of different languages.
The good thing about this one is that it doesn’t only translate to or from English but from all kinds of languages: Hebrew to Korean, or Hindi to Galician, it’s your choice 😉
Spending Light:
Keeps track of your spending and income, how much you spend per day/week/month/year, and what you spend it on (food, clothes, Beer etc).
Really good to keep you from asking ”What happened?
Where did all the money go??”
Convert Everything:
A complete currency converter, what more do I need to say?
This way you know exactly how much your paying anywhere in the world.
Kayak:
Lonely Planet:
Ok, so the application is free, and you get a Phrase book and one Guide for free.
But the rest you’ll have to buy.
But if you plan to bring a Lonely Planet guide, I highly recommend you to bring it in your iPod.
It sucks having all that extra weight when you could have it all in your hand 😉
Google Earth:
I love looking at the earth globe – it really gets me into a happy state.
I get so excited seeing all these places I want to visit, all cultures I want to see.
So what is better than Google Earth?
Wi-Fi Finder:
This way you don’t have to run around all streets and corners desperately looking for a Wi-Fi connection, the JiWire application does the job for you.
We have used, LOVE and recommend: Skyroam, TEP Wireless and KeepGo
How To Use Unlocked Iphone In Europe As A
If you know of anymore apps which I might find useful on my travels, please link me below in the comments! 🙂
Using my SmartPhone While Traveling to Europe FAQ
What should I do with my phone when traveling to Europe?
Your options for being able to use your phone while traveling Europe, including how to see if you can get an international plan, how stay connected to 3G by getting a local SIM card, and why a pocket wifi device might be a good option.
Europe EU recently ended cell phone roaming and roaming charges.
Stay connected while on your Europe trip.
Do I need an international phone plan for Europe?
Unless you travel to Europe frequently and your stays are longer than a vacation, it is simpler, more cost effective and easier to set up your own cell phone with international calling and international data plan through your existing cell phone service provider.
Do US cell phones work in Europe?
If you have an iPhone 4s or newer, then yes.
But you still need an international roaming plan from your SmartPhone cell plan provider
If you have an older phone or a non-iPhone, it depends on the phone and your carrier.
Europe uses a cell phone system called GSM (Global System for Mobiles) but Verizon and Sprint use CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).
All the other major US carriers use GSM, so if you use a mobile service provider other than Verizon and Sprint, you should be able.
How do you use your phone when traveling internationally?
- Make sure your phone is unlocked
- Use a provider other than Verizon or Sprint
- Check with your current Smartphone cell plan provider for international roaming packages and options
- Turn off and DO NOT use cellular data. Only use Wi-Fi instead
- Use an app likes WhatsApp, Skype or Google Voice
By Rick Steves
Many travelers enjoy the convenience of bringing their own mobile phone to Europe. Some people also prefer to bring a tablet or laptop for emailing or blogging, uploading or editing photos, reading, and watching videos in their down time. Using your mobile device abroad isn't hard, and with a little preparation, you can text, make calls, and access the Internet without breaking the bank.
How to Set Up (or Disable) International Service on Your Phone
Roaming with your own phone outside the US generally comes with extra charges, whether you are making voice calls, sending texts, or accessing data (going online over a cellular network rather than Wi-Fi, a.k.a., 'data roaming'). If you plan to bring your own phone to Europe, start by assessing how you will to use it — whether you will be making a few or a lot of phone calls, sending and receiving text messages, and how freely and frequently you'll want to get online to check email, look up websites, access maps, get driving directions, or use other mobile apps.
You can pay as you go on your normal plan for all three services. But the costs can add up (on average, about $1.50/ minute for voice calls, 50 cents to send text messages, 5 cents to receive them, and $20 to download one megabyte of data).
Travelers who want to stay connected at a lower cost can sign up for an international service plan through their carrier. Most offer some sort of global calling plan that cuts the per-minute cost of phone calls and a flat-fee data plan that includes a certain amount of megabytes. Your normal plan may already include international coverage, as T-Mobile's does. It's a fairly painless process:
- Confirm that your phone will work in Europe. Nearly all newer phones work fine abroad (as do older phones purchased through AT&T and T-Mobile), but it's smart to check with your carrier if you're unsure.
- Research your provider's international rates. Plan pricing varies wildly by carrier. Call your provider or check their website for the latest pricing.
- Activate international service. A day or two before you leave, log on to your mobile phone account or call your provider to activate international roaming for voice, text, and/or data (whichever features you plan to use), and sign up for any international plans.
- Cancel international service when you get home. When you return from your vacation, cancel any add-on plans that you activated for your trip.
Getting Online in Europe
With any laptop, tablet, or smartphone, you can get online via a Wi-Fi signal, which is usually free. If you have a mobile phone (smartphone or basic) or a cellular-enabled computer, you can get online over a cellular network, but you'll usually have to pay for it.
The most cost-efficient way to get online is to log on to Wi-Fi hotspots during your trip. Even if you have an international data plan, you're better off saving most of your online tasks for Wi-Fi.
If you plan to use any new apps on your device — such as language translators, ebook readers, or transportation or mapping apps — it's smart to download or update them before your trip, when bandwidth isn't an issue.
Finding Wi-Fi in Europe
How To Use Unlocked Iphone In Europe Right Now
Most accommodations in Europe offer free Wi-Fi, but some — especially expensive hotels — charge a fee. In some hotels, Wi-Fi works great; in others, the signal is less reliable or doesn't work well (or at all) beyond the lobby (many European hotels are in old buildings with thick stone walls). Often it's good enough to shoot off an email, but too slow to stream movies or make a video call.
If Wi-Fi is important to you, ask about it when you book — and check that it'll be available in your room. As soon as I arrive at a hotel, I ask at the desk for the password and network name (in case several are in range), so I can log on right away.
When you're out and about, your best bet for finding free Wi-Fi is often at a café. They'll usually tell you their Wi-Fi password if you buy something. As in North America, most McDonald's and Starbucks in Europe offer free Wi-Fi.
You may also find Wi-Fi here and there throughout the day — for example at tourist offices, in city squares (for example, Marienplatz in Munich), within major museums (such as the Tate Modern in London), at public-transit hubs (such as many of London's train stations), and aboard some trains and buses (for instance, Austria's RailJet or on Portugal's long-distance buses). You may need to register or accept terms of service to get online, and some networks limit browsing time.
Tips for Using Data Roaming Smartly
Using data roaming on your cellular network is handy for times when you can't find Wi-Fi. But while convenient, data roaming is also potentially expensive, depending on your international plan rates. You'll want to be conscious of how much data you're using, since you're probably paying for a limited amount of bandwidth. Still, data roaming can be worth it when you're out and about, need to get online, and don't want to waste your valuable vacation time hunting for a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Budgeting your data is easy if you follow these tips:
Avoid using your cellular network for bandwidth-gobbling tasks. Skyping, downloading apps, and watching YouTube all eat up megabytes and can wait until you're on Wi-Fi. (You're on a Wi-Fi network when you see the symbol for Wi-Fi in the corner of your screen — it looks like a half-rainbow.) If you use a navigation app like Google Maps, there are ways to do so without using any cellular data. If you're lost and need to access a map and turn-by-turn directions, do so sparingly.
Keep track of data usage. Upon arrival in Europe, it's smart to start tracking how much data you're using. On your device's menu, look for an item like 'cellular data usage' or 'mobile data' and reset the counter at the start of your trip so you can see how many megabytes you've consumed. Some carriers automatically send a text message warning if you approach or exceed your limit and will let you upgrade your package without penalty.
Limit automatic updates in your email and other apps. By default, many mobile apps are set to constantly check for a data connection and update information. You can cut your data use by switching off this feature in your various apps. Start with your email: Go to your device's email settings and change them from 'auto-retrieve' to 'manual,' or from 'push' to 'fetch.' This means that you will have to manually download (or 'fetch') your messages when you're on Wi-Fi rather than having them automatically downloaded (or 'pushed') to your device. If you receive an email with a large photo, video, or other file, wait until you're on Wi-Fi to view it.
Other apps — such as news, weather, social media, and sports tickers — also automatically update. On some devices, you can select which apps are allowed to update via the cellular network. It's smart to disable these features in most of your apps so that they'll only update when you're on Wi-Fi.
Disconnect from your cellular network altogether. Because there are still ways that you can accidentally burn through data, I like the additional safeguard of manually turning off data roaming or cellular data (either works) whenever I'm not using it — check under 'cellular' or 'network,' or ask your service provider how to do it. Then, when you need to get online but can't find Wi-Fi, simply turn it on long enough for the task at hand, then turn it off again. Another way to ensure you're not accidentally using data roaming is to put your device in 'airplane' or 'flight' mode, and then turn your Wi-Fi back on when needed (this disables phone calls and texts, as well as data).
If you're traveling with an unlocked smartphone, you can buy a SIM card that also includes data; this can be cheaper than data roaming through your home provider.