Clarity on SIM card usage /coverage

[YoCo]

I have read many threads on this subject and I'm still not clear on what is covered. Pertinent info:

-Samsung 7, unlocked (I'm pretty sure but will make sure)
- plan on downloading What's App for texting /calling home
-uploading pics /video only at alburgues with wifi
-not using GPS or maps. Guidebooks.
-not planning on reserving a room but if I did it would be from the previous albergue, not on the way & only via wifi. I realize not every albergue has wifi so here is where I would need data

With this information in mind, are there other times I may need data that I haven't thought of?
And correct me if I'm wrong, but if I have the WhatsApp downloaded and I can text and call from there, all I really need is data to connect to the app, right?

Thanks!

FWIW I plan on getting a SIM card from Orange. Is there a place to get a SIM card in St Jean? I tried to take a look at the orange website but I wasn't successful.

 

[linkster]

@YoCo sounds like you have a good handle on things, and yes all you need is data for WhatsApp. Most prepaid SIM cards have a package of minutes (cellular) and data. The minutes (celluar) should be enough to cover the unexpected booking etc. Here is a pretty good post on Cell Phones and Tech for your review.

 

[Nate Bissonette]

I walked from Sarria in May, carried a Samsung Galaxy S4 using my T-Mobile plan from the US. No extra SIM card or special plan, my American phone plan worked fine. Ask your carrier. I'm used to 4G data, best I got in Spain was 3G and inside buildings, poor to no data or cellular signal, hopefully you can sign onto the local WiFi. Never used WhatsApp. Buen Camino!

 

[mylifeonvacation]

Yes, you need to download WhatsApp and be online somehow (data or wifi) to use it, and the person(s) you wish to communicate with also need to have it downloaded on their phone. You may both (all) want to download it now and practice using it. It's very user friendly, but just to see how it functions with messages compared to calls so you aren't trying to figure it out on the road. Once you download the app, it automatically pulls in all of your phone contacts so you can see who is already on WhatsApp. It's easy from there. Buen camino!