Margaret68
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2021
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I'm guessing no, since both calls will be through a Spanish network, even though they are US numbers. Better to use something like WhatsApp.I wonder if both my wife and I are on T-Mobile with US numbers and say we both are in Spain and I call her mobile - will we get charged extra or its a wash since its T-Mobile to T-Mobile?
The issue that I have with tmo international are the subpar data speeds if you are using live maps etcI specifically switched to T-Mobile as per an advice I got here on Forum from the folks that said you can even make local phone calls in Europe without roaming surcharge (however it applies in reverse to phone calls made to US numbers)
I wonder if both my wife and I are on T-Mobile with US numbers and say we both are in Spain and I call her mobile - will we get charged extra or its a wash since its T-Mobile to T-Mobile?
Right on. A big issue for some people who may be puzzled on installing and configuring a SIM they bought in advance off the web. These work, and can be used successfully, but some phones need a little TLC to get them working with the local data system, or instructions on how to "Plus-Dial" while in europe. On all of my Caminos, I provided tech support around the bar table to a number of people who had installed their SIM, but it didn't work, and they of course, could not call anyone for assistance. If you are comfortable with digging through your phone's settings, and maybe configuring an APN, then by all means, buy one of the web. If not, walk into a shop and buy one when you get there.....just make SURE its working before you leave!But again, easiest and cheapest is to just buy a local SIM card once you are on the ground (another benefit is that the shop will help you set it up if you need assistance). ¡Buen Camino!
That hasn't really been a problem for me. My maps and apps have always performed perfectly fine for me when I'm on the Camino.The issue that I have with tmo international are the subpar data speeds if you are using live maps etc
Using my existing T-mobile account has been the least expensive for me - I don't pay any extra and don't have to change my phone number.The least expensive alternative is probably just buy a local SIM card once you are on the ground.
My suggestion woudl be to get a local SIM card - calls + data - once you are in Lisbon; use wifi for communications with home, and use the calls+data for local calls (accommodation bookings) and for navigation (google maps and/or various Camino maps as required.)Hi,
I’m getting super excited about my coastal CP July 2021. Looking at SIM cards ( my XR is unlocked) the 3UK has unlimited talk/texts and 12 GB data for 39.90 plus 12.20 shipping to my home in Michigan USA. It’s good for 30 days once active.
I plan to be in Europe at least 30 days though and most likely 6 weeks.
I think it is the best deal?
Google Fi might be good if I only used WiFi, I’m not sure I should depend on that?
Any advice or experiences will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time
I get ya! That's why I am glad to have dual sim capabilities so I can have 2 numbers at the same timeThat hasn't really been a problem for me. My maps and apps have always performed perfectly fine for me when I'm on the Camino.
Using my existing T-mobile account has been the least expensive for me - I don't pay any extra and don't have to change my phone number.
On the two occasions I was on Camino in Portugal I had untold trouble sorting out a SIM card that would work seamlessly in both Portugal and Spain and later the rest of Europe. Hours spent in telco stores. Having purchased in Portugal I put enough money on to last the whole route, only to find than as soon as I crossed into Spain, the thing died. The issue was supposed to have been resolved with pan EU coverage, but I never got it right. Good luck.
This is true generally when you roam, I have found. I have a UK sim and roaming is free in many countries with the provider Three/3. I have found it dialling local German/Czech/Spanish/whatever numbers because they happen to have the same number as friends at home. I now check everyone before I ring them to make sure the number begins +44 instead of 0. Likewise I don't need to find out what the local country code is when dialling a local number.Clean up essential contacts before embarking. For instance a contact number that is good when used in North America like “4035551212” is unusable in EU. A good idea is to enter a 2nd number for your contacts that is EU friendly. So a North American number like 4035551212 needs to be +14035551212 or maybe +014035551212.
Hi Margaret68,Hi,
I’m getting super excited about my coastal CP July 2021. Looking at SIM cards ( my XR is unlocked) the 3UK has unlimited talk/texts and 12 GB data for 39.90 plus 12.20 shipping to my home in Michigan USA. It’s good for 30 days once active.
I plan to be in Europe at least 30 days though and most likely 6 weeks.
I think it is the best deal?
Google Fi might be good if I only used WiFi, I’m not sure I should depend on that?
Any advice or experiences will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time
I am totally confused by what alot of people write because it seems everyone has a different solution. You say with T-Mobile you do not pay extra but does that entitle you to make regular telephone calls within Spain or Portugal. ( I am asking these questions as I will be meeting my college buddies for our annual get together and 4 of them will walk with me next year on the CP. When I bought SIM cards in Spain it is always been with Orange as I love their plan. In Portugal I went with Vodafone. Not as good a plan but it worked. I don't remember what the Vodafone plan cost. In Spain Orange is 20Euros for a month. 80 minutes of calling and 15gigs of data. I think the plan is even better now. It was easy to recharge. I could make calls within Spain which came in handy in the winter of 2019 as the guides on what was open/closed wasn't very accurate. Even though they gave me a new number my wife in Mexico and my kids in the US didn't need to change it to reach me. We of course could speak for free without much problem on Wattsapp. My wife could call me for free from our landline internet phone in our home. So for clarity what is the bottom line for you. I know there are too many plans to count. I could get a plan like that in Mexico but it would cost me about $80 a month. Right now I pay $10 a month for unlimited calls to and from Mexico/USA/Canada and 3 gigs of data. So I am sticking with that monthly SIM card on Camino.That hasn't really been a problem for me. My maps and apps have always performed perfectly fine for me when I'm on the Camino.
Using my existing T-mobile account has been the least expensive for me - I don't pay any extra and don't have to change my phone number.
Would you please let me know what you get for your. 35 Euros? What does a SIM card cost at Vodafone?Simple just pop into a Vodaphone shop grab a sim ( pamplona) get on bus when you walk over the Pyraneese activate it and for 35 euros will last you the entire camino
No. Phone calls are around 25 cents a minute if you just dial as normal. What I do is use the Viber app to make calls for about 2 cents a minute, either within Spain/Portugal or to the US. I buy "Viber Out" credits to make these calls. I usually buy $5 worth of credit before I leave home, and a lot of it left when I return from Spain. I also use it if I want to call a foreign number from home. I use it to call albergues to make reservations, call my home phone in Oregon, etc. You can also use WhatsApp to make free calls to other WhatsApp users. When I use an app to make a phone call I am using either wifi, or cellular data.I am totally confused by what alot of people write because it seems everyone has a different solution. You say with T-Mobile you do not pay extra but does that entitle you to make regular telephone calls within Spain or Portugal.
I've been a happy FI customer for about five years and I agree with @trecile about the similarly. However FI's data rates are expensive, $10 per GB, over 6GB are currently free. FI actually meters per MB so in reality you pay about 1 cent per MB. That is why I wanted Orange for data (I rarely use cellular data at home). I figured that while on the way I would be checking the internet for a good number of things (I was on little used caminos). International calls over the cellular network cost about 20 cents per minute but over wifi they cost about 2 cents per minute. You have to examine FI's international rates information for the details.What I get with my T-Mobile plan is unlimited roaming data while I'm abroad and unlimited texting. This is included in the base price that I pay every month. Using that roaming data I make the calls with Viber or WhatsApp.
Google Fi works similarly.
I think what I am going to do is tell my friends to check with their mobil providers and let them decide. I will also save this thread and show it to my friends. For me after reading what everyone does I am WITHOUT A DOUBTNo. Phone calls are around 25 cents a minute if you just dial as normal. What I do is use the Viber app to make calls for about 2 cents a minute, either within Spain/Portugal or to the US. I buy "Viber Out" credits to make these calls. I usually buy $5 worth of credit before I leave home, and a lot of it left when I return from Spain. I also use it if I want to call a foreign number from home. I use it to call albergues to make reservations, call my home phone in Oregon, etc. You can also use WhatsApp to make free calls to other WhatsApp users. When I use an app to make a phone call I am using either wifi, or cellular data.
What I get with my T-Mobile plan is unlimited roaming data while I'm abroad and unlimited texting. This is included in the base price that I pay every month. Using that roaming data I make the calls with Viber or WhatsApp.
Google Fi works similarly.
Easy to recharge and my family does not have to change to my European number. I too only call to albergues to see if they are open or not. With 20 or 35 gigs I can call anyone I need on my wattsapp. Haven't meet a pilgrim who doesn't have it. My wife and kids have it and they are basically the only people I call. Like I said easy to recharge. Thanks for your help.For example for the same 20Euros you get 35gigs of data and unlimited calls
I think I will go with the 15 Euro plan this year which is 20 gigs of data and unlimited calls (unlimited in Spain only for both plans)
YEah....well... this will be our 1st foray into EU with TM so we'll seeThe issue that I have with tmo international are the subpar data speeds if you are using live maps etc
They do. Here are the rates. Very expensive. 1GB would be $200I get my USA phone service from "Mint Mobile', which piggy-backs very cheaply on the T-Mobile network. "Mint Mobile" advertises an international call capacity, and I'm tempted to try it this time (my needs are minimal) rather than buy a Spanish sim card. Can anyone speak to that?
I have used ATT International plan while traveling in Europe. It's is 10 dollars a day for a 24 hr period. It's unlimited. I have not checked lately on the price. When I was in Europe last it was for 2 weeks. I only used Cell service maybe a few times so I would not have so many charges. I have not decided yet what to do for the Camino in October. Probably get a SIMS card.I'm in the US and only see one reference to ATT.
Is there an ATT issue/problem that someone can explain? Thank you.
The first town we got to I went into a Vodaphone shop and the lovely assistant explained we would have to buy a new sim for Spain. - it was not a problem but it did leave me a little confused as I thought it would be valid for Europe - did I miss something !!??
Both times we've been to walk, arriving in Madrid first time and Porto, the second time, we got Vodaphone SIMs, usually at an airport kiosk, and the people there are very good at swapping out the SIM, setting it up, and making sure your original SIM is packed safely so you don't lose it when you return to your home country. The process takes about 15 minutes, if the line is short.I just popped into a mobile store and grabbed a Vodaphone sim and plan. I have a phone with dual sim capability. So when traveling, I use my US Tmobile for free texting and the Vodaphone for LTE service.
No, you don't need a sim card. Many pilgrims manage with using wifi, and some manage with no phone at all! For me, as a woman traveling alone I like to be able to be connected for safety reasons.Do I need a sim card at all? I wonder.... My needs are very simple. Nowadays every place I stay should have free wifi, and with free wifi my fine android device can web surf, and allow me to communicate by e-mail with anyone I want, no?
Just visited the Vodafone Portugal website and quickly ended up at this English language page for travellers. A month plan with phone, data with international calling is €20. https://www.vodafone.pt/en/products...=personalizacao-eng-travellers#phone-SIM-cardBoth times we've been to walk, arriving in Madrid first time and Porto, the second time, we got Vodaphone SIMs, usually at an airport kiosk, and the people there are very good at swapping out the SIM, setting it up, and making sure your original SIM is packed safely so you don't lose it when you return to your home country. The process takes about 15 minutes, if the line is short.
The Vodaphone plans were great, about €15 for an adequate amount of data and calls to last a month. Easily extended if need be.
Hey Brian, when you say "dual sim" does that mean that the card can work in more than one phone? So you don't have to purchase a phone but just a Vodaphone sim card and the dual part means it will fit in a Vodaphone phone and any other phone, right? And what does "LTE" stand for?I just popped into a mobile store and grabbed a Vodaphone sim and plan. I have a phone with dual sim capability. So when traveling, I use my US Tmobile for free texting and the Vodaphone for LTE service.
How do you use Google Fi and what it is? A phone? A card? An app? And if you have a T-Mobile phone with the unlimited like you used, you don't need Google Fi, right? And if you have unlimited text on your phone, why would one want to use either WhatsApp, which I'm not very familiar with, or Viber?Google Fi allows you to use cellular data while you are in Europe for the same price as at home. So no, if you use Google Fi you don't have to rely only on wifi. The same with T-Mobile, which I use. I have unlimited data and texting to/from the US. I use my data to access maps, websites, make calls and send texts via apps like WhatsApp and Viber. In addition I use the Viber app to make phone calls to landlines or any phone for only 2 cents a minute.
Dual sim means the phone can have 2 SIM cards and 2 different cell plans from different compatible services at the same time. This also allows for 2 numbers. Sims are all standard now and fit all modern phones. Most phones however are single sim meaning you have to remove one sim and replace with another. So if you have T-Mobile let’s say and you go to Spain and get a vodaphone plan, the store swaps SIM cards and you only have vodaphone now.Hey Brian, when you say "dual sim" does that mean that the card can work in more than one phone? So you don't have to purchase a phone but just a Vodaphone sim card and the dual part means it will fit in a Vodaphone phone and any other phone, right? And what does "LTE" stand for?
GoogleFI is what’s called an MVNO. It’s phone service that piggy backs on T-Mobile’s towers. Note that if you have a Google phone, GoogleFI will automatically jump between T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular towers automatically as needed. Further note that T-Mobile and Sprint use the same towers now.How do you use Google Fi and what it is? A phone? A card? An app? And if you have a T-Mobile phone with the unlimited like you used, you don't need Google Fi, right? And if you have unlimited text on your phone, why would one want to use either WhatsApp, which I'm not very familiar with, or Viber?
To supplement what @WanderingBrian wrote above read the following webpage by Randy, the family travel guy, discussing the advantages of FI internationally.How do you use Google Fi and what it is? A phone? A card? An app? And if you have a T-Mobile phone with the unlimited like you used, you don't need Google Fi, right? And if you have unlimited text on your phone, why would one want to use either WhatsApp, which I'm not very familiar with, or Viber?
To this point, GoogleFI does allow for up to 4g so it’s a good choice if someone has it and doesn’t want to get Voda or similar. Since it’s an MVNO the high speed is prioritized below local subscribers but is rarely an issue.To supplement what @WanderingBrian wrote above read the following webpage by Randy, the family travel guy, discussing the advantages of FI internationally.
Google Fi: High-Speed International Data without the Hassle
Comparison of high speed international data plan options offered by T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and why Google Fi is the clear winner with more features, fewer fees and an upfront understanding of what you get for what you will be paying.www.thefamilytravelguy.com
And here is help from Google:
Use Google Fi outside of the US - Google Fi Wireless Help
International Roaming Policy Activation: Google Fi’s Terms of Service require you to activate and ussupport.google.com
Google Fi is a cell provider, like T-mobile, AT&T or Verizon.How do you use Google Fi and what it is? A phone? A card? An app? And if you have a T-Mobile phone with the unlimited like you used, you don't need Google Fi, right? And if you have unlimited text on your phone, why would one want to use either WhatsApp, which I'm not very familiar with, or Viber?
I bought a recharge from Orange a week or so before I had to and did not have any problems.My biggest challenge is having a phone service which only lasts for one month. I can buy and install a Spanish sim card, but for sure I will be far from a phone store when the month is up and I need to recharge. ... Any suggestions as to how to avoid this?
That sounds like a good idea, but I would have thought Ponferrada to be a big enough city to purchase anything needed. However, Sunday was the issue here. It may be wiser to assume that nothing can be done on a Sunday in Spain. However, I had thought that recharging a sim car could be done through a payment made in any grocery store, and this proved not to be the case, or I did not find the right store.I bought a recharge from Orange a week or so before I had to and did not have any problems.
I possibly lost some usable time but I still had more time to use the card than I had left in Spain. This was done in a city big enough to have a dedicated Orange shop and with a salesman with excellent English so the convenience and assurance was worth it to me even if I lost card usability while still traveling.
I haven't bought a SIM card in Spain, but I do notice lots of supermercados and smaller stores advertising SIM card re-charging.I have problems with my phone every time I go to Spain. My biggest challenge is having a phone service which only lasts for one month. I can buy and install a Spanish sim card, but for sure I will be far from a phone store when the month is up and I need to recharge. I was at Ponferrada and about to set off on the Invierno the last time this problem arose, on a Sunday when almost nothing was open. The local shop could not help and I spent the morning on Monday wandering around Ponferrada looking for a phone store. I won't go into the problems that losing the morning caused later in the day. Any suggestions as to how to avoid this? As a Canadian, the much better, and cheaper, American phone plans are not available to me.
But try to find one open that will recharge sim cards on a Sunday in an unfamiliar town.I haven't bought a SIM card in Spain, but I do notice lots of supermercados and smaller stores advertising SIM card re-charging.
Thanks. I really appreciate your reply. A dual sim card then, can be used in one phone and offer two numbers. That's cool. And thanks for explaining what LTE stands for. Ah, and so the T-Mobile will do everything unless I want to use internet. That makes sense.Dual sim means the phone can have 2 SIM cards and 2 different cell plans from different compatible services at the same time. This also allows for 2 numbers. Sims are all standard now and fit all modern phones. Most phones however are single sim meaning you have to remove one sim and replace with another. So if you have T-Mobile let’s say and you go to Spain and get a vodaphone plan, the store swaps SIM cards and you only have vodaphone now.
LTE is what you typically think of as normal high speed 4g service.
US international plans like T-Mobile will use barely serviceable 2 or 3g. Texting and calling works fine however as those are not dependent on the “g” speed. It’s really about if you want internet or not.
Anything you do other than text or call requires high speed data: WhatsApp, FB messenger, etc.
Top up online, that is what I do. Last time I used Vodafone Spain. From memory, the top up part of their website had an English language option although I did need Chrome to translate other parts of the process.I have problems with my phone every time I go to Spain. ..... Any suggestions as to how to avoid this? As a Canadian, the much better, and cheaper, American phone plans are not available to me.
Not exactly. There is no dual sim card. There are phones that are capable of using two sims at once - dual sim card phones.A dual sim card then, can be used in one phone and offer two numbers
I did not know that either of these options was available and it was never offered to me when I bought the card. For some reason, I thought that one month at a time was all that would be sold to me and that I would have to pay in person in a shop or phone office when that month ran out. I shall certainly try this on my next trip to Spain.Top up online, that is what I do. Last time I used Vodafone Spain. From memory, the top up part of their website had an English language option although I did need Chrome to translate other parts of the process.
The alternative, which is probably even easier is to top up for an additional month in the shop where you buy the new SIM card from when you get to Spain. That is buy the new SIM and pay for an additional month service at the same time. This way it should just automatically renew after one month expires.
There is one thing to be careful about. In general, my advice applies to almost all pre-pay phone packages. If there is enough credit in your account then the package simply renews for another month.I did not know that either of these options was available and it was never offered to me when I bought the card. For some reason, I thought that one month at a time was all that would be sold to me and that I would have to pay in person in a shop or phone office when that month ran out. I shall certainly try this on my next trip to Spain.
A dual sim card then, can be used in one phone and offer two numbers.
To elaborate further, these days newer dual sim phones may have one slot to insert a physical SIM card and the other SIM will be an electronic virtual SIM called an eSIM. I have two Pixel phones like this and would look for something similar in the future.Not exactly. There is no dual sim card. There are phones that are capable of using two sims at once - dual sim card phones.
Right. The new iPhones as well. My 12 pro has an esim and a physical sim slotTo elaborate further, these days newer dual sim phones may have one slot to insert a physical SIM card and the other SIM will be an electronic virtual SIM called an eSIM. I have two Pixel phones like this and would look for something similar in the future.
If I remember correctly, and the situation has not changed, you can also top up your phone plans in gas stations in Spain. They may be open when other options are not.That sounds like a good idea, but I would have thought Ponferrada to be a big enough city to purchase anything needed. However, Sunday was the issue here. It may be wiser to assume that nothing can be done on a Sunday in Spain. However, I had thought that recharging a sim car could be done through a payment made in any grocery store, and this proved not to be the case, or I did not find the right store.
Thank you for your reply - so appreciate it - hopefully when us South Africans are allowed to travel and I get to Spain/Portugal then i might be a little wiser - take careXXYou did miss something. The Portuguese SIM no doubt would still talk and text while roaming in Spain. That's the Law. But the Data plan, the part you care about, does not necessarily work as soon as you leave the "Home" country of the SIM. In most cases, you get a bucket of GBytes for data, but these are just useful in-country. Some SIM plans allow for "EU Data" add-ons, but at a higher price. Other "Tourist" plans allow EU wide data from the get go. You need to check into the plan you buy if you will be changing countries. Oh, and sometimes, when you change countries, you need to update your phone settings - depends on the network, the SIM configuration, and your phone.
Since writing my original post on Sim cards in Spain advocating the benefits of my Verizon foreign travel plan, I’ve been back to Spain twice and purchased an orange card the first time and added more data the second time. For only $20 I had access to my phone for 30 days and 40 gig of data, if my memory serves me right.Hi Margaret68,
I read through a lot of the replies and thought I would add my two cents. I've been traveling to Spain and other parts of Western Europe 2 - 3 times a year since 2014. For me, the whole SIM card thing has been confusing and a waste of time and money. I use an Apple phone. I tried using Viper several years ago but the connection was not dependable and would drop off occasionally. Maybe it is better these days.
I decided several years ago to use my Verizon services (phone, data, and internet) on an as needed basis for $10 per 24 hour period while in Europe. Otherwise I use Wi-Fi as available.
I am self employed and need to make myself available to my clients. To do so I forward my calls to Google Voice before leaving home in Minnesota and receive any voice messages via email when ever I connect to local Wi-Fi. Typically, I consolidate my calls stateside onto one or two days per week if need be.
For me, it is simple, offers good value, dependable, and makes the best connection available no matter where I am. And oh yes, when ever I speak with another carrier about switching from Verizon, I tell them I travel to Europe, they tell me to keep what I have. They can't compete with Verizon's international plan.
Buen Camino!
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