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As one poster noted, we would need more info about your current phone and current cell provider in order to give you step-by-step instructions. However, I'd still like to share with you my experience on my recent camino (frances).Can you please give me basic advice on using a phone on our CF trip in 2023?
Background: I've traveled to various foreign (meaning outside of USA) countries quite a bit over the last couple decades (although not the last few years).
But I've never once brought my phone with me on those trips and I've never purchased a temporary phone anywhere. I've seen the stands in the airport and I think but am not sure that some US phone companies have some sort of travel plan so you can use your own phone.
I'm just not a big phone person and I enjoy just leaving it all at home and not worrying about whatever, and stick to checking my email at the hotel etc.
But this CF trip next year, it is imperative that I keep in touch with family while I'm gone, at least every few days, more than that if it's doable.
The problem is, I am kind of ignorant about phones because I don't place a lot of importance on them. I have a smart phone (if they are still called that)-- android type. Beyond that I know almost nothing. I know how to call, text, and take pictures and can check my email and have used a few apps.
Can you give me a rundown on options and how to set myself up to be able to call or text home? I mean step-by-step. If you use acronyms or abbreviations there is a good chance I won't know what you are talking about. I would say talk to me like I'm twelve but your twelve year old likely knows more about phones than I do.
Also-a relative told me about WhatsApp where you can talk on video to each other. I've downloaded it but have yet to use it. If this can be used on the Camino to talk back home please walk me through how.
Please note: I included Camino Frances in this specifically because that's where we will be. We are not yet sure if we will be arriving in France or Spain but we will be going to SJPP and across to SDC.
Thank you for your help and patience.
I have Google Fi also and it works seamlessly in Europe. Cost is reasonable too. I switch to the international plan just before I go over there and when I return home I switch it back to my normal Google Fi plan again. No Sim card needed, no hassle. The international plan has unlimited data and texts also.I have been using Google-Fi for a few years. In the camino it works with no issues. I get my US calls as well as internet with no drops. And I have done a few caminos!
The rates are the lowest as they are the same as the US rates, no change! If you are doing the Portugues it is nice to step out of the plane and have GPS and phone w/o havin to freak out because you don't speak the language... ;--)
( google-fi Plans have changed over the last few years, need to check for current rates )
TMobile for data and WiFi calling worked well for me too.TMobile worked great for data. There was a small fee for phone calls. We also used Whatsapp with the WiFi that's almost everywhere for phone calls.
Ive tried to rely on Whatsapp for several O/T in differant countries. Must say Ive never been successful in being able to use it as its always asked for the number to be in your contacts, which at times has left me unable to stay in touch or call any businesses. Obviously doing something wrong, any tipsWe do use WhatsApp a lot.
We use it mainly over wifi, but you can use it with data, too.
The other person must also have Whatsapp downloaded to the phone you are calling.
Here's a site with tutorials for how to use it. It can also be useful to call ahead for a bed.
"How to use WhatsApp: A step-by-step beginner's guide - Android Authority" https://www.androidauthority.com/how-to-use-whatsapp-1097088/
Hang in there, it’s worth it!Ive tried to rely on Whatsapp for several O/T in differant countries. Must say Ive never been successful in being able to use it as its always asked for the number to be in your contacts, which at times has left me unable to stay in touch or call any businesses. Obviously doing something wrong, any tips
Oh thanks for that. I was attempting to use it like normal app, as wasnt keen on adding all these random numbers. So if trying to call around for accomm etc, I need to add every hotel etc before calling them. Mmmm long winded. In saying that, if thats what it takes to be able to use it, Ill add them and thanks.Hang in there, it’s worth it!
Yes, you need to enter the person and their phone number you wish to call in your Contacts. Also if you’re calling the US you need to enter the country code of +1 before the number. (My otherwise gifted iphone 11requires me to turn it off after I enter a new contact. The guy at the Apple store called that “a special feature “!!)
Country codes
Spain +34
Portugal +351
France +33
The advantage of having them in your contacts is that if they call or message you back you immediately know which place it is that's trying to contact you.Oh thanks for that. I was attempting to use it like normal app, as wasnt keen on adding all these random numbers. So if trying to call around for accomm etc, I need to add every hotel etc before calling them. Mmmm long winded. In saying that, if thats what it takes to be able to use it, Ill add them and thanks.
Not strictly so. If you are just phoning round and have sufficient Spanish there’s no need for Watsup. If you’re trying to message places, especially small places without a permanently staffed reception, then the app works well. Provided you have done all that one finger typing in your contacts pageOh thanks for that. I was attempting to use it like normal app, as wasnt keen on adding all these random numbers. So if trying to call around for accomm etc, I need to add every hotel etc before calling them. Mmmm long winded. In saying that, if thats what it takes to be able to use it, Ill add them and thanks.
Yeah, I really hated it at first as a silly unnecessary step but I’ve become used to it over time. And remember if you have a local SIM card you can just use your phone to make that call for free or next to nothing and just dial it upOh thanks for that. I was attempting to use it like normal app, as wasnt keen on adding all these random numbers. So if trying to call around for accomm etc, I need to add every hotel etc before calling them. Mmmm long winded. In saying that, if thats what it takes to be able to use it, Ill add them and thanks.
Yes, just bcause you carry your phone on the Camino doesn't mean you must be "glued" to it all day long. I have learned while away how important/valuable it has been to me, and I will never choose to leave it home.. I used to be very against taking my phone with me on the Camino, but am glad I did the last few times. Having an App with a map or having the ability to look something up (like nearest grocery store, etc.) has proved very useful. I also used it to find buses or bus stops, train schedules, buy tickets, etc.
This is definitely true. You are only as attached to your phone as you allow yourself to be!Yes, just bcause you carry your phone on the Camino doesn't mean you must be "glued" to it all day long. I have learned while away how important/valuable it has been to me, and I will never choose to leave it home.
That's why I enter as many as possible from home on my computer.Provided you have done all that one finger typing in your contacts page
Being able to send a text message is one of the big advantages of WhatsApp. Plus you can translate your messages and/or the responsesIn Spain, I found most smaller places and albergues were more likely to respond on WhatsApp to a text, email, or sometimes even a call. (Hospitaleros are often too busy to answer the phone, but can respond back on WhatsApp when they are free.)
Again, that's a benefit of WhatsApp calling - the albergue or wherever you call is more apt to answer the call (at least in my experience), and if they don't you can send a text message via WhatsApp.Minor point, it's good to have a Spanish SIM card because it comes with a Spanish number. If the recipient sees a foreign number, they will assume it is a scam and not answer.
The do not disturb/silent feature is on a schedule on my phone, so I don't have to remember to silence it. I do keep mine on all night because I use it to listen to podcasts/drown out snorers and bag rustlers with earbuds.Every evening, I charge my phone then I make sure my phone is TURNED OFF before I go to sleep. Why? I don't want to accidentally have someone call from the US and wake everyone up. Sure - I can turn my phone on silence, but what if I forget to put it on silence? So - I keep it simple and turn it off. Bonus? My battery doesn't drain at all while I sleep.
Mine is too. It is also possible to set it so that calls from specific people are allowed, in case that is a concern.The do not disturb/silent feature is on a schedule on my phone, so I don't have to remember to silence it.
Note that Orange France and Orange Spain are different companies and the scratchie phone top ups in one country do not extend your service in the other (or at least this was so in 2016). Online recharge does work but we just bought another orange sim as it was as cheap as the top up.I’ve been to Spain 4 times and each time have learned more about phones. This last visit was very satisfactory. OK, this is what I do :
When you get to Spain, go to an Orange store and buy a SIM card there and buy a Pay-As-You-Go plan for 20-30 Euros. You will have a Spain phone number. They will install it in your phone and make sure it is working . The plan gets you phone and internet service much much cheaper than your US plan. I also recommend downloading WhatsApp. It’s a free service. Get your family members to do the same. EVERYONE in the world knows and uses Whatsapp—except for Americans. With Orange on your phone you can go to any Tobaco shop anywhere and buy more service if you need it. I highly recommend going to an Orange store rather than buying a SIM card online—I have had nothing but bad luck with those SIM cards. Go to an Orange store. All cities in Spain have them. When you’re ready to go home, just pop out the Orange SIM card and replace the one from your carrier back home.
Sure.....Anyone concerned about their data security might enjoy this: https://vpnoverview.com/privacy/social-media/what-does-whatsapp-know-about-me/
You do not have to give META access to all your data. Those are choices
@KFH , I sent you a PM (private message). Click on the envelope icon on the top of the webpage.Can you please give me basic advice on using a phone on our CF trip in 2023?
You do not have to give META access to all your data. Those are choices
WhatsApp was created with privacy in mind and managed to serve its users well for many years. However, things changed when WhatsApp was sold to Facebook a couple of years ago. Many people have expressed growing concern over how Facebook collects and uses information. This affects all of its services, including WhatsApp.
Maybe some folks don't mind this, but it behooves us to also consider the damage Meta has done and is doing in the world - who wants to support more of that in these fraught times?Adjusting your privacy settings is very important for your privacy towards other users. However, it’s impossible to fully privatize your profile for WhatsApp, because they still need certain information to keep the app working.
The chat app has made a number of improvements after much criticism on the way they deal with online security and privacy. For example, all messages you send via WhatsApp are now encrypted. Only the sender and the recipient are able to see the content. However, it seems that, for now, we have to accept that using WhatsApp automatically means sacrificing significant parts of our online privacy.
You might find this helpful: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call-progress_toneIs there a site somewhere that can decode the sounds for Spain or other countries?
Thanks! Exactly what I was looking for,You might find this helpful: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call-progress_tone
I would recommend you take your phone and get a Spanish SIM card for it, makes life a lot easier. My friend relied solely on using WiFi hotspots and seldom was successful with it as signal tends to be weak due to the amount of pilgrim traffic.Can you please give me basic advice on using a phone on our CF trip in 2023?
Background: I've traveled to various foreign (meaning outside of USA) countries quite a bit over the last couple decades (although not the last few years).
But I've never once brought my phone with me on those trips and I've never purchased a temporary phone anywhere. I've seen the stands in the airport and I think but am not sure that some US phone companies have some sort of travel plan so you can use your own phone.
I'm just not a big phone person and I enjoy just leaving it all at home and not worrying about whatever, and stick to checking my email at the hotel etc.
But this CF trip next year, it is imperative that I keep in touch with family while I'm gone, at least every few days, more than that if it's doable.
The problem is, I am kind of ignorant about phones because I don't place a lot of importance on them. I have a smart phone (if they are still called that)-- android type. Beyond that I know almost nothing. I know how to call, text, and take pictures and can check my email and have used a few apps.
Can you give me a rundown on options and how to set myself up to be able to call or text home? I mean step-by-step. If you use acronyms or abbreviations there is a good chance I won't know what you are talking about. I would say talk to me like I'm twelve but your twelve year old likely knows more about phones than I do.
Also-a relative told me about WhatsApp where you can talk on video to each other. I've downloaded it but have yet to use it. If this can be used on the Camino to talk back home please walk me through how.
Please note: I included Camino Frances in this specifically because that's where we will be. We are not yet sure if we will be arriving in France or Spain but we will be going to SJPP and across to SDC.
Thank you for your help and patience.
I’m thinking about giving HOLAFLY a try. HOLAFLY.com. No phone number but it has cellular data and you can keep your original phone number and use WhatsApp. I tested it in the USA last week, unlimited cellular data for 5 days, $19. It worked like a charm. Several data options available.You can pick up a sim card at your point of entry in Spain (Orange/Vodaphone/etc) for about 20 Euros per month for local calls and data. You can just use your phone normally and incur their roaming fees/international usage which isn't horrific for Americans as I believe most have a $100 cap on billing, unlike Canadian providers that have a $300 cap (fml). Or leave your phone on airplane mode and use the wifi in bars/cafes/albergues/hotels via What'sApp, Facebook Messenger or other apps. I roamed on my phone until I got to Pamplona and picked up a sim there, my only issue was that I could not pay for my next months usage online as it would not take my foreign CC so I had to find a physical store for that.
This link should help in figuring it all out for WhatsApp . https://faq.whatsapp.com/785056755306362/?cms_platform=android&locale=en_US
Many albergues/posadas use whats app for bookings etc so it is useful.
I used my AT&T and paid the $10 a day with a $100 a month max. Used my phone every day. Used WhatsApp too.Can you please give me basic advice on using a phone on our CF trip in 2023?
Background: I've traveled to various foreign (meaning outside of USA) countries quite a bit over the last couple decades (although not the last few years).
But I've never once brought my phone with me on those trips and I've never purchased a temporary phone anywhere. I've seen the stands in the airport and I think but am not sure that some US phone companies have some sort of travel plan so you can use your own phone.
I'm just not a big phone person and I enjoy just leaving it all at home and not worrying about whatever, and stick to checking my email at the hotel etc.
But this CF trip next year, it is imperative that I keep in touch with family while I'm gone, at least every few days, more than that if it's doable.
The problem is, I am kind of ignorant about phones because I don't place a lot of importance on them. I have a smart phone (if they are still called that)-- android type. Beyond that I know almost nothing. I know how to call, text, and take pictures and can check my email and have used a few apps.
Can you give me a rundown on options and how to set myself up to be able to call or text home? I mean step-by-step. If you use acronyms or abbreviations there is a good chance I won't know what you are talking about. I would say talk to me like I'm twelve but your twelve year old likely knows more about phones than I do.
Also-a relative told me about WhatsApp where you can talk on video to each other. I've downloaded it but have yet to use it. If this can be used on the Camino to talk back home please walk me through how.
Please note: I included Camino Frances in this specifically because that's where we will be. We are not yet sure if we will be arriving in France or Spain but we will be going to SJPP and across to SDC.
Thank you for your help and patience.
Thats a great idea, as my s10 doesnt have e sim capability, so was wondering the best way and if I would be able to still use the maps etc without data. Big help, cheersA simple solution may be to choose to not get a SIM card, but you can still bring your phone. Just remove your SIM or turn off roaming and connect to WiFi at cafes or alberges or hotels. That way you decide when to connect.
If you choose, you can still use your gps and maps without data, if you download maps to your phones google maps (you mentioned that you are using android) before you go or when you have WiFi.
Download areas & navigate offline - Android - Google Maps Help
You can save an area from Google Maps to your phone or tablet and use it when you're offline. Tip: You’re unable to download offline maps in some countries or regiosupport.google.com
I have an older phone I use to travel with, that has maps, translate apps, booking.com, hotels.com, a few books, and a few others. I leave my 'regular phone' at home.
I've done 4 Caminos now this way and a bunch of other trips. I love that I can connect, take pics, read, email, book a nice treat room in Santiago and more but don't feel the 'pull' of a phone. In fact as it's an older phone and I back up my pictures every night on the alberge WiFi, I don't even care so much about losing or damaging it.
This works well for me as a simple solution for that balance between being connected and yet present for the experience.
I did not know that WhatsApp keeps worling on my original phone number after I had purchased a Vodophone SIM card. Ao thanks for that info.Minor point, it's good to have a Spanish SIM card because it comes with a Spanish number. If the recipient sees a foreign number, they will assume it is a scam and not answer. Whatsapp will still keep working with your original number. Any one of the mobile providers at the airport (Orange, Movistar, Vodafone et al) will be staffed with helpful assistants with excellent English speaking skills accustomed to dealing with non-techies like us. Buen camino.
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