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Use your 'phone with a Spanish SIM-card (you can choose between Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, etc. from 10 Euros) for emergencies and accommodation reservations. iPod, iPad, iPhone, etc. will work, some need WiFi (weefee), and use Skype for out of country calls. It's the cheapest way when you have internet connection. On the Camino Francés most albergues, hostals, hotels, bars, restaurants have WiFi. Bibliotecas in towns have free internet facilities. :wink:WayWalker63 said:This may have been asked before but do I really need a phone on the Camino? I bought a pre-paid phone from Tesco last year when I went to Ireland and used it maybe 2-3x. I kept in touch with people back home through Facebook on my iPad when I had wi-fi availability, which was most the time I wasn't driving.
If others want to use their time on the Camino to step away from technology then that's what they should do but I don't feel the need. I love sharing my travels with those who for one reason or another can do it themselves.
The iPhone 4S has a very good camera, and you can (your wish is granted) get both an optical zoom and a wide-angle slip-on lens. The iPhone 5 has a better camera and you can use the digital zoom and because of its higher resolution you can use software to crop and cut portions of the photo to bring in the far object nearer with little loss in clarity if you do not want to use the optical zoom lens. (I presume you are not blowing up the picture for posters)I might leave my camera home instead since I will have my iPhone (or similar) and my iPad (or mini) both of which have decent enough cameras. Wish they had a zoom, though
Actually I do since I don't like reading on my iPhone. If I had to leave one of them at home it would be the phone. I will probably bring a phone, either an unlocked 4s or a Nokia pay as you go phone I got in Ireland last year. I will have to get a Spanish SIM for either and a new charger cord or adapter for the Nokia phone.I carry an unlocked iPhone 4s, and buy a local SIM card when I arrive. I use it more for internet in the evenings, sending emails and updating Facebook, etc. I often turn it off during the day. I also like to be able to access email because I send myself copies of my passport, insurance, etc. In the case of an emergency, I can access emergency info quickly. Plus, I can check flight status, delays, look up local restaurants, etc. If you have an iPhone, you really don't need to worry about an iPad or something larger.
This may have been asked before but do I really need a phone on the Camino?
2) Bring my current iPhone 4S (knowing me I'll have a newer verision by then) unllocked and just get a SIM card and of course the adapter for the plug?
Or
3) bring what ever my current phone is and just turn on the international plans for roaming? My carrier will most likely be AT&T. I may need to bring this anyway since I would need it before I leave the US or on more likely on the return trip.
Or
4) ? Other?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions and tips.
I'm with you on this one Kit. Iphone has much more uses then just a phone.....EdMy iphone 4S: how do I love thee? You are my camera, my map, my GPS guide, my foreign language dictionary, my bus schedule, my train schedule, my email, my blog poster, my personal journal, my medical reference. Not to mention, the darned thing makes phone calls home (to keep the spousal unit happy with my separate travel), calls for lodging reservations, and calls to emergency services when help is needed.
"Being connected" is not a binary (all-or-nothing) condition. Some people choose to not be connected at all, and are happy with that choice. Myself - I would be dead if not for my iphone (quite literally - bad accident while walking alone in the Czech Republic last year).
But, gram for gram, it is hard to beat a smartphone as a connection tool.
Me loves me gadgets as well!!!I think I made the OP sometime last year. Don't know why it's showing up again now but no biggie.
I do plan on getting my 4S unlocked and getting Spanish SIM for it once I get to Spain. I can pre-load maps, use the GPS , call ahead if I'm going to be late getting in (since I walk slowly I won't be the 1st in line at the albergues each day) and I will just feel a little more secure if I'm walking alone and twist my ankle or something. I have a lot of music on my phone and if I'm walking alone it will Help to keep me moving. I'm not a big talker and have about 3 zillion rollover minutes on my phone plan, even with the smallest plan AT&T will let me get.
I will probably also bring an iPad mini. For reading - I read at least a little every night before turning over to go to sleep. It helps me clear my mine and relax my body. I will not be reading instead of socializing with fellow pilgrims, unless I'm with a group that just isn't sociable or something. Also the guidebook I'm planning on bringing is supposed to have an e book out soon if not already so the mini will be prefect for that.
For sharing photos with those back home. Also I'm thinking of blogging my Camino which will be easier from the mini than the iPhone.
I think it's great if others want no electronics on their Camino but that's just not me. What can I say I'm a gadget gal.
Sounds like a blessing perhaps?I walked the Camino Frances last fall and started with my iPhone. I lost it on Day 2 and first was devastated, but within a day or two it was not a problem and I think it was better not having the phone. I did use the internet almost daily at internet cafes, albergues or bars so i was somewhat connected to friends and famly.
Dan
www.danscaminoravels.wordpress.com
I'm not sure I follow how a smartphone is better than a dumb phone for calling 112, mspath. Can you explain, please? I see you've said this several times in other threads and it always puzzles me. Of course I see that it's nice for other things, but I honestly don't see how it's better for making any kind of non-video phone call.
You are right, of course! Any cell phone would do. However for photos and blogging a smartphone is my choice.I'm not sure I follow how a smartphone is better than a dumb phone for calling 112, mspath. Can you explain, please? I see you've said this several times in other threads and it always puzzles me. Of course I see that it's nice for other things, but I honestly don't see how it's better for making any kind of non-video phone call.
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