How do I use a SIM card in Spain and Portugal?
Jul 27th, 2014, 01:10 PM
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How do I use a SIM card in Spain and Portugal?
I have an iPhone 5. Verizon is my carrier and my (inexpensive) plan does not allow me to get a one month international plan added. I stopped into the Apple store and asked about my options. The representative recommended I wait until I'm in Spain to purchase a SIM card. He showed me where it is inserted and to use a paperclip to open the slot. Where in Spain does one purchase a SIM card and will they help me get it up and running? Will the same card work in Lisbon? Is it possible to purchase before heading to Europe?
Will be in Madrid (first stop in Spain) for 11 nights and Lisbon for 6 nights. I don't plan to make phone calls (at least I hoped I don't need to) but want to use the internet for maps, etc. I found using my iPod on my last trip was great but had to be where there was free wifi. Now that I have a smartphone I'm looking forward to the convenience of having it as I walk about.
If a SIM card is not the best way to go, how easy is it to rent a smartphone over there? Or is there such a thing as a disposable phone with internet access?
Will be in Madrid (first stop in Spain) for 11 nights and Lisbon for 6 nights. I don't plan to make phone calls (at least I hoped I don't need to) but want to use the internet for maps, etc. I found using my iPod on my last trip was great but had to be where there was free wifi. Now that I have a smartphone I'm looking forward to the convenience of having it as I walk about.
If a SIM card is not the best way to go, how easy is it to rent a smartphone over there? Or is there such a thing as a disposable phone with internet access?
Jul 27th, 2014, 01:15 PM
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IF you aren't using the phone to make calls, simply use wifi for the internet access. And you have to be sure the phone is unlocked or a SIM card won't work.
Data can be costly And walking around flashing an iPhone may not be the wisest thing to do. Paper maps are way easier to use than tiny iPhone maps.
Data can be costly And walking around flashing an iPhone may not be the wisest thing to do. Paper maps are way easier to use than tiny iPhone maps.
Jul 27th, 2014, 02:11 PM
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Data can be costly? That's pretty much a nonanswer. And luvstotravel already mentioned the wifi possibility, but wanted to have access to data when walking around.
Prepaid plans with data, or data and calls, are not expensive in most of Europe. I haven't ever bought a Spanish SIM card, but a little googling reveals that they have several reasonably priced plans for data only or for data and talk. Here is a fairly recent summary:
http://roamerapp.com/community/index...ain-sim-cards/
The same SIM card will definitely work in Portugal, but I can't find any rates for data roaming in Portugal with a Spanish SIM card. I hope someone who really knows the answer will help with that part of your question. The EU has mandated that all cell phone providers must offer reasonably priced voice and data roaming within Europe, but I can't find specific numbers.
On that summary page, Carrefour looked like the best bargain for use within Spain.
Prepaid plans with data, or data and calls, are not expensive in most of Europe. I haven't ever bought a Spanish SIM card, but a little googling reveals that they have several reasonably priced plans for data only or for data and talk. Here is a fairly recent summary:
http://roamerapp.com/community/index...ain-sim-cards/
The same SIM card will definitely work in Portugal, but I can't find any rates for data roaming in Portugal with a Spanish SIM card. I hope someone who really knows the answer will help with that part of your question. The EU has mandated that all cell phone providers must offer reasonably priced voice and data roaming within Europe, but I can't find specific numbers.
On that summary page, Carrefour looked like the best bargain for use within Spain.
Jul 27th, 2014, 02:22 PM
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Verizon has a plan where they will send you a temp phone with your number. You pay for shipping and a per minute charge.
I just got a smart phone from Verizon and they said I could get an international plan with the SIM card I have.
I just got a smart phone from Verizon and they said I could get an international plan with the SIM card I have.
Jul 27th, 2014, 03:26 PM
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Thanks for the responses. In the past Verizon told me I could not get an international plan with my current monthly plan. Perhaps that has changed; I'll call them tomorrow with questions. Good comment about not walking about with my cellphone in view.
Jul 27th, 2014, 05:50 PM
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Drop Verizon and switch to T-Mobile (T-Mobile will pay for your switch if you owe anything on your current plan). Free data and messaging while traveling in Spain and Portugal. Phone calls, domestic and local, are only $0.20/minute, free in Wi-Fi hot spots with the iPhone 4S and above.
Jul 27th, 2014, 05:54 PM
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We did just change from Verizon to T Mobile and we were less than happy with it in Canada. Also, coverage is far less than Verizon where we live.
We did it for a few reasons, but the overriding factors included the use in Europe. We will be there for almost 3 months at the end of the year and in 6 different countries. We'll see how it goes, but may opt to go back to Verizon when we come home. The phone [Galaxy S5 is supposed to be able to make phone calls with wifi connection, but we had little luck with it in Newfoundland, PEI and Nova Scotia.
We did it for a few reasons, but the overriding factors included the use in Europe. We will be there for almost 3 months at the end of the year and in 6 different countries. We'll see how it goes, but may opt to go back to Verizon when we come home. The phone [Galaxy S5 is supposed to be able to make phone calls with wifi connection, but we had little luck with it in Newfoundland, PEI and Nova Scotia.
Jul 28th, 2014, 12:13 AM
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Roaming charges in the EU have dropped.
Use someone like Movistar or the new lowcost brand run by this company www.tuenti.com.
Use someone like Movistar or the new lowcost brand run by this company www.tuenti.com.
Jul 28th, 2014, 07:06 AM
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I've used MoviStar for years, and yes, the roaming rates have dropped, but they do not compare with what T-Mobile offers. The normal coverage in the EU is 3G, but if you want a faster connection, you can add 4G coverage.
The following is from www.wificalling.net
Will Wi-Fi Calling work wherever I am?
If you can connect to Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Calling should work. Different operators have different configurations. T-Mobile lets users access Wi-Fi Calling from anywhere in the world. Rogers and Orange UK limit people to domestic use (e.g. within Canada or the UK).
Several operators around the world have Wi-Fi Calling services, including T-Mobile US, Orange UK and Rogers Wireless in Canada.
Does it work on any Android phone?
No. A Smart Wi-Fi application must be pre-loaded onto your specific device. It's not an app that can be downloaded from the Marketplace. Specifically in the case of Nexus, the Wi-Fi Calling App is not pre-loaded.
The following is from www.wificalling.net
Will Wi-Fi Calling work wherever I am?
If you can connect to Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Calling should work. Different operators have different configurations. T-Mobile lets users access Wi-Fi Calling from anywhere in the world. Rogers and Orange UK limit people to domestic use (e.g. within Canada or the UK).
Several operators around the world have Wi-Fi Calling services, including T-Mobile US, Orange UK and Rogers Wireless in Canada.
Does it work on any Android phone?
No. A Smart Wi-Fi application must be pre-loaded onto your specific device. It's not an app that can be downloaded from the Marketplace. Specifically in the case of Nexus, the Wi-Fi Calling App is not pre-loaded.
Jul 28th, 2014, 07:34 AM
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You have a lot of super cheap options, so you are going to be fine...
First of all, in Madrid, you can purchase a SIM card at their department store, El Cortes Ingles.
But before you do so, just check to see what a cheapie new GSM phone would cost you at the department store if want to have access to dialing. So often, you can buy a new cheapie GSM phone/SIM that also has a time allowance that will be good enough for your entire stay. And...
Second, you can just use your regular US phone for internet access in WiFI areas without doing anything else. Put your phone in airplane mode.
When we do cycling trips, we do think it's a good idea to reach each other on the road. Therefore, we use our cheapie GSM phones to text. If you need to text, your Spain SIM will work in Portugal.
When we are not on cycling trips, we just skip using the cheapie GSM phones process. We merely set our home cellphones to airplane mode and access WiFi wherever we can. Most of our contacts back home can be reached by email anyway.
Last, for maps, I used MapsWithMe on our last trip to Venice, and this app does not need a WiFi connection to work. The app, with some limitations, actually worked better than a local map.
So keep thinking, "less is more" and you'll be fine.
Feel free to ask questions,
AZ
First of all, in Madrid, you can purchase a SIM card at their department store, El Cortes Ingles.
But before you do so, just check to see what a cheapie new GSM phone would cost you at the department store if want to have access to dialing. So often, you can buy a new cheapie GSM phone/SIM that also has a time allowance that will be good enough for your entire stay. And...
Second, you can just use your regular US phone for internet access in WiFI areas without doing anything else. Put your phone in airplane mode.
When we do cycling trips, we do think it's a good idea to reach each other on the road. Therefore, we use our cheapie GSM phones to text. If you need to text, your Spain SIM will work in Portugal.
When we are not on cycling trips, we just skip using the cheapie GSM phones process. We merely set our home cellphones to airplane mode and access WiFi wherever we can. Most of our contacts back home can be reached by email anyway.
Last, for maps, I used MapsWithMe on our last trip to Venice, and this app does not need a WiFi connection to work. The app, with some limitations, actually worked better than a local map.
So keep thinking, "less is more" and you'll be fine.
Feel free to ask questions,
AZ
