Phone service in Spain

J

jkk

New Member

• Jul 31, 2015

• #1

I am leaving from Iowa to start my Camino on August 24. My last ( I hope) big question is about phone service. I had been told by my cell phone company that my old Samsung smart phone would work in Spain if I purchased a Spanish SIM card. I found out today that I need a newer phone if I want to get a SIM card ànd actually make calls or text. I just wanted that capability in case of an emergency at home. Otherwise using email and Facebook and my blog when WiFi is available is still possible with my current phone. So my question is, what is cell phone service like in rural Spain? Is it like it is in many rural places in the US-very spotty? Or is it reliable? Will WiFi be available at least once a day? I will be doing the Camino Frances. Also, does the website blogger work in Spain?

 

Bajaracer

Camino Frances 2013 Jun-Jul SJPDP to Finisterre

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino Frances (2013) Jun-Jul SJPDP to Finisterre

• Jul 31, 2015

• #2

What carrier is your current phone on? Verizon, AT&T, Sprint? You may be able to use what you already own.
For coverage in rural areas, get a Spanish SIM card that is on the Movistar network.
http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Spain

 

peregrina2000

Moderator

Staff member

Donating Member

• Jul 31, 2015

• #3

jkk said:

I am leaving from Iowa to start my Camino on August 24. My last ( I hope) big question is about phone service. I had been told by my cell phone company that my old Samsung smart phone would work in Spain if I purchased a Spanish SIM card. I found out today that I need a newer phone if I want to get a SIM card ànd actually make calls or text. I just wanted that capability in case of an emergency at home. Otherwise using email and Facebook and my blog when WiFi is available is still possible with my current phone. So my question is, what is cell phone service like in rural Spain? Is it like it is in many rural places in the US-very spotty? Or is it reliable? Will WiFi be available at least once a day? I will be doing the Camino Frances. Also, does the website blogger work in Spain?

Click to expand...

I'm certainly no expert, but do you know why your old phone supposedly won't work? I bought a cell phone in Spain more than ten years ago, and every year I just buy a new sim card for it and I can call or text just fine (though it's old style texting, very cumbersome). Maybe the difference is that I have an old Spanish phone and you have an old US phone, but it might be worth pursuing a bit further. The other option is to just buy a cheap Spanish cell phone when you're there, you can get them very cheap in connection with a purchase of a SIM card.

WiFi is everywhere in Spain! I've gotten on in bars in villages of 30 people. I don't think you'll have a problem. Buen camino, Laurie

 

J

jkk

New Member

• Jul 31, 2015

• #4

peregrina2000 said:

I'm certainly no expert, but do you know why your old phone supposedly won't work? I bought a cell phone in Spain more than ten years ago, and every year I just buy a new sim card for it and I can call or text just fine (though it's old style texting, very cumbersome). Maybe the difference is that I have an old Spanish phone and you have an old US phone, but it might be worth pursuing a bit further. The other option is to just buy a cheap Spanish cell phone when you're there, you can get them very cheap in connection with a purchase of a SIM card.

Bajaracer said:

What carrier is your current phone on? Verizon, AT&T, Sprint? You may be able to use what you already own.
For coverage in rural areas, get a Spanish SIM card that is on the Movistar network.
http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Spain

Click to expand...

is everywhere in Spain! I've gotten on in bars in villages of 30 people. I don't think you'll have a problem. Buen camino, Laurie

Click to expand...

My carrier is US Cellular. I have a Samsung S3. According to the tech person

that phone will not work with a European SIM card. I would have to update to the Samsung 6. I have decided I will just use local WiFi and email updates to my family.

 

Bajaracer

Camino Frances 2013 Jun-Jul SJPDP to Finisterre

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino Frances (2013) Jun-Jul SJPDP to Finisterre

• Aug 1, 2015

• #5

jkk said:

My carrier is US Cellular. I have a Samsung S3. According to the tech person

that phone will not work with a European SIM card. I would have to update to the Samsung 6. I have decided I will just use local WiFi and email updates to my family.

Click to expand...

Basically your phone will be a wifi only device since it has does not have GSM capabilities.

 

Mike Savage

So many friends to meet . . . so little time

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino Francés,Inglés
Muxia/Finisterre
Português Coastal
Português Central
Sanabrés

• Aug 1, 2015

• #6

JKK, you may want to look in to an application (app) called "Whatsapp" It allows you to text (or call) over WIFI to other people that have the same app installed. This is how I will communicate with my family to let them know I am okay and how they will let me know if there is any emergency at home. I also have a Samsung S3.

 

Robo

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances 15,16,18
VdlP 23, Invierno 23, Fisterra 23

• Aug 1, 2015

• #7

I used a Vodafone SIM card in Spain and it worked fine. Very few dead spots. And easy to top up in shops along the way.
On the CF you'll have access to WiFi (Wee Fee) every day. Most cafes, bars etc will have free wifi.

 

mspath

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances, autumn/winter; 2004, 2005-2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

• Aug 1, 2015

• #8

Robo said:

....
On the CF you'll have access to WiFi (Wee Fee) every day. Most cafes, bars etc will have free wifi.

Click to expand...

The WiFi may be free but do buy something from them in return for their providing the service!!

 

Robo

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances 15,16,18
VdlP 23, Invierno 23, Fisterra 23

• Aug 1, 2015

• #9

mspath said:

The WiFi may be free but do buy something from them in return for their providing the service!!

Click to expand...

Good point!!!!

Same goes for using the bathroom, asking for ice........

 

Fritz

Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances SJPDP- Muxia (2013)
Frances San Sebastian-Bilbao-Belarado-SDC (2016)
Frances SJPDP(2020)

• Aug 1, 2015

• #10

jkk said:

I am leaving from Iowa to start my Camino on August 24.

Click to expand...

Buen Camino from a fellow Iowan, Enjoy the journey!