Question for Aussies re travel SIMs in Europe
May 22nd, 2015, 03:28 AM
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Question for Aussies re travel SIMs in Europe
Hi there Fodorites,
This question is about using my mobile phone in Europe. I was thinking of just using my own SIM and turning off data and only using it to connect to wifi during my trip in July. However the more I think about it the more I think I'll benefit from either a local or travel SIM. I'm traveling with friends and it's likely we will need to call/SMS each other during our visit. We will also need to confirm reservations etc. I also want to go running and not knowing cities means I am absolutely going to get lost without my phone as a GPS. Yes I realise this makes me ridiculously dependent on a technology that not long ago didn't exist and people survived just fine ...
So my question is would I be better off buying a SIM overseas - I am heading to Spain, France, Italy and England - or would any Aussies on here recommend a travel SIM such as the one Australia Post have.
And if I use it for data it would only be for maps and perhaps some apps like Airbnb, tripit, and
This question is about using my mobile phone in Europe. I was thinking of just using my own SIM and turning off data and only using it to connect to wifi during my trip in July. However the more I think about it the more I think I'll benefit from either a local or travel SIM. I'm traveling with friends and it's likely we will need to call/SMS each other during our visit. We will also need to confirm reservations etc. I also want to go running and not knowing cities means I am absolutely going to get lost without my phone as a GPS. Yes I realise this makes me ridiculously dependent on a technology that not long ago didn't exist and people survived just fine ...
So my question is would I be better off buying a SIM overseas - I am heading to Spain, France, Italy and England - or would any Aussies on here recommend a travel SIM such as the one Australia Post have.
And if I use it for data it would only be for maps and perhaps some apps like Airbnb, tripit, and
May 22nd, 2015, 03:38 AM
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Apps can and will chew through data.
You don't mention how long you will be there but it will probably be best to get a local SIM.
The best discussion I have seen for SIMs is on Flyertalk: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...i-country.html
You don't mention how long you will be there but it will probably be best to get a local SIM.
The best discussion I have seen for SIMs is on Flyertalk: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...i-country.html
May 22nd, 2015, 03:56 AM
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sparkchaser I should have mentioned I'm technologically illiterate ... That thread is good but has a lot of detail! Do you know if you can get one sim for all the countries I am going to? And it seems as though data onlysims are quite cheap but I will need to text and call and would prefer not to have to change sims.
May 22nd, 2015, 04:37 AM
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Yes, you can get one good for all countries. https://www.worldsim.com/ is one provider you could look into.
May 22nd, 2015, 07:14 PM
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So after doing some more research, World SIM seems to have a bad reputation for charging more than they say and for connection problems.
I have looked at Aussie SIM which looks ok but I get confused about the whole data issue, in terms of knowing how much 1MB actually gives me. I will mainly connect to wifi but will want to use maps when out and about.
Call costs on Aussie SIM seem quite good - AU40c for a minute and the same per SMS, but data is 30c/MB, which comes out at about AU$15 for 50mb.
I then contacted my local carrier, Optus, which apparently charges $10/day for for unlimited calls and texts and 50MB data. Over a six week trip that comes out at 2.2GB but will cost $420!
I don't really need the calls and texts a lot - but will need to have the ability to use the phone for these services as will be travelling with friends and will need to contact them when we are apart, as well as to confirm bookings, and I will have two weeks on my own so will want access at least to the phone.
It seems no matter what I am going to be caught.
Is there an option where I could get a data SIM but then also a phone/SMS SIM and swap them over to use according to what I need (i.e. when out for a run and may get lost)?
I have looked at Aussie SIM which looks ok but I get confused about the whole data issue, in terms of knowing how much 1MB actually gives me. I will mainly connect to wifi but will want to use maps when out and about.
Call costs on Aussie SIM seem quite good - AU40c for a minute and the same per SMS, but data is 30c/MB, which comes out at about AU$15 for 50mb.
I then contacted my local carrier, Optus, which apparently charges $10/day for for unlimited calls and texts and 50MB data. Over a six week trip that comes out at 2.2GB but will cost $420!
I don't really need the calls and texts a lot - but will need to have the ability to use the phone for these services as will be travelling with friends and will need to contact them when we are apart, as well as to confirm bookings, and I will have two weeks on my own so will want access at least to the phone.
It seems no matter what I am going to be caught.
Is there an option where I could get a data SIM but then also a phone/SMS SIM and swap them over to use according to what I need (i.e. when out for a run and may get lost)?
May 23rd, 2015, 08:08 PM
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Hi RT2015
I don't think there's an easy answer for this. I travelled to Europe late last year for 6 weeks and used 3 x $85 Telstra data plans that gave me 300mb each time. They had a good warning system to let me know when I reached 50% and 85%. I made sure I used wifi where I could. I only used the data when I need to use google maps and to work out where I was going (I turned off data roaming when out and about and just activated when I needed it).
I paid a heap for any telephone calls (I think I used the phone 3 times to call my parents in Perth and it cost me almost $100 for each call, even with a discounted roaming plan). Texts were definitely the cheaper option.
You can also use facetime on wifi in you and the person you're calling has an apple phone as this doesn't cost you anything. Alternatively Skype on wifi also gives you free calls.
You could get 2 x sims but you'd need to keep taking them in and out to use each service and that would be painful.
I would get a good data plan, use wifi where possible and stick to texts.
I don't think there's an easy answer for this. I travelled to Europe late last year for 6 weeks and used 3 x $85 Telstra data plans that gave me 300mb each time. They had a good warning system to let me know when I reached 50% and 85%. I made sure I used wifi where I could. I only used the data when I need to use google maps and to work out where I was going (I turned off data roaming when out and about and just activated when I needed it).
I paid a heap for any telephone calls (I think I used the phone 3 times to call my parents in Perth and it cost me almost $100 for each call, even with a discounted roaming plan). Texts were definitely the cheaper option.
You can also use facetime on wifi in you and the person you're calling has an apple phone as this doesn't cost you anything. Alternatively Skype on wifi also gives you free calls.
You could get 2 x sims but you'd need to keep taking them in and out to use each service and that would be painful.
I would get a good data plan, use wifi where possible and stick to texts.
May 23rd, 2015, 08:30 PM
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Thanks rellie2. I may give that a go. I don't really want to pay $420 to use Optus when I don't know how much I would use it at this stage. I will keep looking to Aussie Sim and other such options too.
May 23rd, 2015, 09:11 PM
#12
I found with Optus it was what they DIDN'T tell you that was the problem. I travelled to Europe for 4 weeks several years ago, leaving my other half home. We don't have smart phones, he just wanted to chat every day.... he was very clear about that to Optus, advice from Optus was for him to buy a deal worth $150 for calls only, and that it was worth $350 of calls. He would check over the weeks of use and was reassured he was not 'over', nor incurring any extra charges.
I returned home to a bill from Optus for $1100 for receiving the calls!
We were obviously very naive.
Haven't used a mobile overseas since, but next time I will get a local SIM. Texting is cheap anyway, but you are right, we need maps and most accommodation booking forms naturally request a mobile contact number.
I returned home to a bill from Optus for $1100 for receiving the calls!
We were obviously very naive.
Haven't used a mobile overseas since, but next time I will get a local SIM. Texting is cheap anyway, but you are right, we need maps and most accommodation booking forms naturally request a mobile contact number.
May 23rd, 2015, 09:20 PM
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Thanks Adelaidean, from what I can see Aussie SIM lets you keep your number somehow which is good. It's just a matter of finding a good cheap deal that lets you make the odd call and send a text, while also using data for maps. Most calls I make home will be via Skype of Face Time on wifi while back at the accommodation so it's really just for local use that I need the phone. I am also happy to change my own SIM over occasionally to check any messages if it turns out I can't cheaply forward my number ...
May 24th, 2015, 03:32 AM
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I'm not an Aussie, but I know something about European SIM cards, which may be your best option.
First of all, the Flyertalk page indicated above has mostly outdated information. The cell phone world is in constant flux, and I wouldn't trust any information that's more than 6 months old. Some of the topics on the Flyertalk forum haven't been updated in six years.
The EU has put tight limits on roaming costs, so if you buy a SIM card in one country, you can use it for call roaming in other countries without spending much more than you would at home. Since all your trips are within the EU, you should be able to buy a SIM card in Spain and use it for calls everywhere. That should cost you a small fraction of the prices that are being thrown around above. You don't say where you'll be first, but it seems to be Spain. You might want to ask a question about Spanish SIM cards (tagged "Spain") to get some advice from people who live there or visit frequently. Mention that you'll be using the card in other European countries.
I live in Italy, and could give you plenty of advice and information if Italy were your first stop, but otherwise, your best source of advice is someone who lives in the first country you'll visit, not an Australian. Most Europeans who participate in travel forums visit other countries frequently, so they know the roaming situation fairly well.
The one roaming problem that remains is data roaming. That was supposed to have been eliminated this year, but the phone companies pushed hard, and the EU Commission retreated. The result is that data roaming rates are much higher than they should be. Some companies offer what look like inexpensive plans, but the quantity of data is so small as to be useful only for emergencies or simple emails without attachements.
There are two pan-European phone providers who specialize in international calls and roaming. They are Lebara and Lycamobile. I believe they operate in all the countries you'll visit. In some countries these providers offer data services, but it may be restricted to use within the country where you bought the card. (In Italy, there are some good data plans for roaming throughout Europe, but I don't know the situation elsewhere.)
For mapping there are several services (including Google Maps) that allow you to download the map data in advance, when you have a wifi connection. The GPS satellite connection doesn't use data services, and is free, so this allows you to use wifi to download the maps (perhaps at your hotel) and then you'll be able to get directions from the mapping app when you're out running without paying anything. For other internet connections, you can try to use wifi at your hotels as much as possible.
Apart from the first country you'll visit, another important piece of information you haven't furnished is whether the people you'll be calling will have European phone numbers or Australian phone numbers. Also, it would help to know how long you'll be in each country.
First of all, the Flyertalk page indicated above has mostly outdated information. The cell phone world is in constant flux, and I wouldn't trust any information that's more than 6 months old. Some of the topics on the Flyertalk forum haven't been updated in six years.
The EU has put tight limits on roaming costs, so if you buy a SIM card in one country, you can use it for call roaming in other countries without spending much more than you would at home. Since all your trips are within the EU, you should be able to buy a SIM card in Spain and use it for calls everywhere. That should cost you a small fraction of the prices that are being thrown around above. You don't say where you'll be first, but it seems to be Spain. You might want to ask a question about Spanish SIM cards (tagged "Spain") to get some advice from people who live there or visit frequently. Mention that you'll be using the card in other European countries.
I live in Italy, and could give you plenty of advice and information if Italy were your first stop, but otherwise, your best source of advice is someone who lives in the first country you'll visit, not an Australian. Most Europeans who participate in travel forums visit other countries frequently, so they know the roaming situation fairly well.
The one roaming problem that remains is data roaming. That was supposed to have been eliminated this year, but the phone companies pushed hard, and the EU Commission retreated. The result is that data roaming rates are much higher than they should be. Some companies offer what look like inexpensive plans, but the quantity of data is so small as to be useful only for emergencies or simple emails without attachements.
There are two pan-European phone providers who specialize in international calls and roaming. They are Lebara and Lycamobile. I believe they operate in all the countries you'll visit. In some countries these providers offer data services, but it may be restricted to use within the country where you bought the card. (In Italy, there are some good data plans for roaming throughout Europe, but I don't know the situation elsewhere.)
For mapping there are several services (including Google Maps) that allow you to download the map data in advance, when you have a wifi connection. The GPS satellite connection doesn't use data services, and is free, so this allows you to use wifi to download the maps (perhaps at your hotel) and then you'll be able to get directions from the mapping app when you're out running without paying anything. For other internet connections, you can try to use wifi at your hotels as much as possible.
Apart from the first country you'll visit, another important piece of information you haven't furnished is whether the people you'll be calling will have European phone numbers or Australian phone numbers. Also, it would help to know how long you'll be in each country.
May 24th, 2015, 08:33 AM
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My husband and I have iPhones and knocked back the expensive international package from Telstra. Vodaphone has a $5 a day one which we didn't investigate but a daughter used it overseas . We use FaceTime and what's app - all the places we have stayed in have wifi . I used Citymapper - you download your map/journey when you have wifi and then save it. When out you can use the saved map without wifi. I have had problems with it though . It was successful the first few times but then one day I was Stranded as I couldn't open the saved map when out. I need to follow this up.
I use google maps for how to get to places and then make notes on paper which works for us.
I use google maps for how to get to places and then make notes on paper which works for us.
May 25th, 2015, 01:35 AM
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Thanks so much bvlenci and northie! Yep I'm starting in Spain, for a week, then four days in France, just over two weeks in Italy, another week in Paris and then a week in London.
I'll post a new thread tagging Spain!
RT
I'll post a new thread tagging Spain!
RT
May 27th, 2015, 12:35 AM
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Hi RT2015
I see you have started the new thread about buying a sim in Spain but I just wanted to suggest, that for what you are wanting to use your phone for.......
"I don't really need the calls and texts a lot - but will need to have the ability to use the phone for these services as will be travelling with friends and will need to contact them when we are apart, as well as to confirm bookings, and I will have two weeks on my own so will want access at least to the phone."
the TravelSim from AustPost may be the way to go.
http://www.travelsim.net.au
My husband & I have used ours on our last 3 trips to Europe. It's benefits are having it before you go so you can give your number to family & friends, very easy to top up online and not having to buy new sims in each country. I've read the other thread and it seems maybe now you can buy just the one sim in Spain and use roaming so that third reason might not be valid. Each TravelSim is $49.95 which has $20 of included credit. Having a quick look on their website it looks like costs for calls & texts are a little higher than they used to be as billing is in US dollars.
They do have data available as well but we did't buy any, choosing to use free wifi in our hotels which was perfectly fine for our needs. If it's mainly the maps you need during the day, then the option to 'cache' (save) maps on google maps to use offline is a good one. If you are interested
http://maphappy.org/2015/01/how-to-e...ogle-maps-app/
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.
I see you have started the new thread about buying a sim in Spain but I just wanted to suggest, that for what you are wanting to use your phone for.......
"I don't really need the calls and texts a lot - but will need to have the ability to use the phone for these services as will be travelling with friends and will need to contact them when we are apart, as well as to confirm bookings, and I will have two weeks on my own so will want access at least to the phone."
the TravelSim from AustPost may be the way to go.
http://www.travelsim.net.au
My husband & I have used ours on our last 3 trips to Europe. It's benefits are having it before you go so you can give your number to family & friends, very easy to top up online and not having to buy new sims in each country. I've read the other thread and it seems maybe now you can buy just the one sim in Spain and use roaming so that third reason might not be valid. Each TravelSim is $49.95 which has $20 of included credit. Having a quick look on their website it looks like costs for calls & texts are a little higher than they used to be as billing is in US dollars.
They do have data available as well but we did't buy any, choosing to use free wifi in our hotels which was perfectly fine for our needs. If it's mainly the maps you need during the day, then the option to 'cache' (save) maps on google maps to use offline is a good one. If you are interested
http://maphappy.org/2015/01/how-to-e...ogle-maps-app/
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.
May 27th, 2015, 03:29 PM
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Hi again Lizzy201,
I just tried to save a map in google maps and it wouldn't let me do it. Perhaps I am doing it wrong? I type in my start and end points and then try to type OK Maps in the start bar which means I have to clear the start point. It doesn't work. Seeing as I am technologically illiterate, I am sure I am doing it wrong! Do you have any tips?
Thanks.
I just tried to save a map in google maps and it wouldn't let me do it. Perhaps I am doing it wrong? I type in my start and end points and then try to type OK Maps in the start bar which means I have to clear the start point. It doesn't work. Seeing as I am technologically illiterate, I am sure I am doing it wrong! Do you have any tips?
Thanks.
May 27th, 2015, 04:23 PM
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Hi RT
With Ok maps you can only save an area (50km x 50km according to above link) and as it says 'it's only a map' so I don't think you can do what you are trying to do, save directions?
I have a Samsung Galaxy so not sure if it makes a difference, but I can bring up a map of say, Paris, type 'Ok maps' in the search field, click search. It will then say 'Save this map?, click save at the bottom of my screen which brings up 'Name offline map'. I name it Paris and click save. I can then access that area offline. To delete that map, go to menu, Your Places, Offline Maps (at the bottom of list), click 'view all and manage', click little dots to right side of 'Paris' and choose delete. This all maybe a little different on your iPhone. If storage is a problem, I would only save maps as needed and then delete before saving next one.
HOWEVER, just playing with it now, when I go to the map offline, only a small area (central to where I saved) is fully detailed, further out shows the streets but they are not named, maybe it goes outside the 50km x 50km area but I wouldn't think so. I haven't used this on our holidays, just played with it locally etc. My last phone was a Nokia which had Ovi maps which I could use offline. My sister has used the Ok maps in Europe and said it worked fine and I planned to use it on our next holiday.
Hope this helps. Good luck with deciding!!
With Ok maps you can only save an area (50km x 50km according to above link) and as it says 'it's only a map' so I don't think you can do what you are trying to do, save directions?
I have a Samsung Galaxy so not sure if it makes a difference, but I can bring up a map of say, Paris, type 'Ok maps' in the search field, click search. It will then say 'Save this map?, click save at the bottom of my screen which brings up 'Name offline map'. I name it Paris and click save. I can then access that area offline. To delete that map, go to menu, Your Places, Offline Maps (at the bottom of list), click 'view all and manage', click little dots to right side of 'Paris' and choose delete. This all maybe a little different on your iPhone. If storage is a problem, I would only save maps as needed and then delete before saving next one.
HOWEVER, just playing with it now, when I go to the map offline, only a small area (central to where I saved) is fully detailed, further out shows the streets but they are not named, maybe it goes outside the 50km x 50km area but I wouldn't think so. I haven't used this on our holidays, just played with it locally etc. My last phone was a Nokia which had Ovi maps which I could use offline. My sister has used the Ok maps in Europe and said it worked fine and I planned to use it on our next holiday.
Hope this helps. Good luck with deciding!!
