Hi, All:
I have just finished my first Camino and loved it.
I took my iphone with me and bought a new SIM card from Orange in Sevilla for 5 or 10 euro (can't remember which). I then bought a plan called "Delfin" which gave me unlimited data for 3.5 euro a week. This gave me unlimited internet access and gmail. The coverage was excellent; the only place I was not covered was in the valleys in Galicia; there was no problem once I climbed up the hills. I had 50 free SMS within Spain and 9 eurocents per minute for Spainish calls. With all the gmail, I did not feel the need for phonecalls back home. I wrote a short gmail each night so everyone was up-to-date. (I did not realise how much I talked about the food until someone asked me if I was doing any actual walking!) I also bought calling cards for my phone -5euros- which were not too expensive, but I had trouble making them work. I topped up the plan in 'Tabaco' shops which were everywhere.
With the apps on my phone, I could get directions to hotels in towns, find out where I was and get all the latest sports results for fellow travellers. I also had books on the phone, so I could read at night without disturbing anyone. Friends and relos from home phoned whenever they felt the need.
It worked very well and there were always 'enchufes" -power points- to charge from in albergues or failing that in bars or restaurants.
Hope this helps.
Sue
I have just finished my first Camino and loved it.
I took my iphone with me and bought a new SIM card from Orange in Sevilla for 5 or 10 euro (can't remember which). I then bought a plan called "Delfin" which gave me unlimited data for 3.5 euro a week. This gave me unlimited internet access and gmail. The coverage was excellent; the only place I was not covered was in the valleys in Galicia; there was no problem once I climbed up the hills. I had 50 free SMS within Spain and 9 eurocents per minute for Spainish calls. With all the gmail, I did not feel the need for phonecalls back home. I wrote a short gmail each night so everyone was up-to-date. (I did not realise how much I talked about the food until someone asked me if I was doing any actual walking!) I also bought calling cards for my phone -5euros- which were not too expensive, but I had trouble making them work. I topped up the plan in 'Tabaco' shops which were everywhere.
With the apps on my phone, I could get directions to hotels in towns, find out where I was and get all the latest sports results for fellow travellers. I also had books on the phone, so I could read at night without disturbing anyone. Friends and relos from home phoned whenever they felt the need.
It worked very well and there were always 'enchufes" -power points- to charge from in albergues or failing that in bars or restaurants.
Hope this helps.
Sue
