How to use your mobile phone while traveling abroad
Over 90 percent of US adults own a smartphone. Most of us have become extremely reliant on our phones for communication, photos, information, and entertainment. So it’s no surprise that we want to use our phones when we travel internationally. And in many ways, our phones become even more important when we travel (think GPS and photos).
It’s unfortunate that it is still difficult and/or expensive to use your phone when away from home. But it is getting better.
Here are some ways forward (although keep in mind that options and costs change constantly):
Use on WIFI:
At most hotels in Europe (and increasingly in all parts of the world) you will have access to WIFI, and more and more it is free. While in the hotel, you’ll be able to use your mobile phone on WIFI to have access to your email. If you use Facetime (iPhone users) or Skype or Whatsapp or Facebook Messenger, or other similar services, you’ll also be able to make voice and even video calls. In some cases the person will need to have the same app on their phone (such as Whatsapp), and other times calls go to regular phone numbers (Skype).
Many places other than hotels also have WIFI, but more often than not, you’ll need to ask for the WIFI password. This includes bars, cafes and restaurants. And free WIFI may be available broadly in towns and cities, not to mention airports. If you’re at a café or restaurant, just ask.
So if you just wish to take photos and check your email at the hotel each evening, you really don’t need to do anything. Just bring your phone along (and don’t forget the charger).
If you want to make regular phone calls, or use mobile data, you have two options:
Buy a plan from your US mobile carrier:
The major US cell phone carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others, all have international roaming plans now. They are not all so cheap, but if you are interested in using your existing phone and your existing phone number while traveling, call your carrier (or go online) and find out about what plans they have available. The cost can be as high as $12 a day for any day you use either mobile data or make a call, but you pay only once you’ve used the service in a given day. And some carriers offer cheaper options.
Be aware that you need to specifically request that international roaming be turned on for your account (preferably before you start your trip).
Personally, we use Google Fi for our mobile phone service in the US because international roaming is automatically included, with no additional charge for data (for Whatsapp, email, texting, etc). But there is an extra charge for voice calls.
International roaming with your normal phone number is convenient, but do remember that your life follows you when you do. You’ll receive calls from friends and family (even in the middle of the night) and even spam calls may come through.
Buy a local SIM card:
Another option is to get a new phone number by installing a new SIM card in your phone (either a physical SIM you insert in your phone or an eSIM, which is essentially a virtual SIM card).
Mobile phone carriers in Europe sell these SIM/eSIM cards differently based on the country. For example, in France, you can buy them at Tabac shops or Presse shops. In some countries you can still buy them at a carrier’s phone store (such as Orange or Vodaphone). Perhaps the most reliable way in most countries is to find an independent mobile phone store. Just search by “Mobile Phone Store Near Me.” These shops are eager to sell you a SIM/eSIM and most will install it for you and make sure everything is working.
An alternative is to buy a SIM/eSIM that will work in Europe before you leave on your trip. There are an increasing number of companies that offer these. Rather than give you a list of links, it would be better for you to do a Google search for “eSIM for international travel.” Prices vary.
