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What you must pay for is the phone service with a local phone service provider. The SIM card is just a cheap little device that installs the service in your phone, with a new local phone number. The store will put the SIM into your phone (likely at no identified cost).Will there be additional charges beyond the SIM card cost?
No. Your current phone plan is irrelevant. However, keep in mind that you will want to install any apps, etc., that you want to use on the phone you take. Is there a reason you don't want to take your regular phone? Is it just that you are nervous about the technique for handling the SIM card?Or do I need to bring the phone that is tied into my current plan?
I think my old cell phone is unlocked since I bought it outright 5 years ago, but my new phone is being paid for monthly, so I thought it might be easier.What you must pay for is the phone service with a local phone service provider. The SIM card is just a cheap little device that installs the service in your phone, with a new local phone number. The store will put the SIM into your phone (likely at no identified cost).
There are often special plans aimed at tourists, that are good for 1 month. This type of plan is likely to be simplest, and is what I would recommend. (But I only have experience in Spain, not Portugal.)
I don't know what plan you have in Canada, but think about what your actual usage is likely to be, and what comfort/convenience you want. If it is just for emergencies, your normal Canadian plan will likely be fine, because you will likely not have any emergencies. For calling a cab, I'm not sure what the scenarios are - most often, I have found taxis on the street or would get the hotel or restaurant to call one.
No. Your current phone plan is irrelevant. However, keep in mind that you will want to install any apps, etc., that you want to use on the phone you take. Is there a reason you don't want to take your regular phone? Is it just that you are nervous about the technique for handling the SIM card?
For a few years now, I think all cell phone plans in Canada are required to be unlocked. But you should check with your provider to be sure. The outright purchase vs. monthly payment isn't a factor, I don't think.I think my old cell phone is unlocked since I bought it outright 5 years ago
I expect if you take your phone to the shop where you get the sim card they will fit it for you. You can take pretty much any phone.I use my cell phone all the time, but don’t know how to get the case off let alone change a SIM card.
I’m going to Portugal for 3 weeks soon, and would like to be able to use the phone to call a cab if needed or for emergencies. I’m from Canada, a travel plan from the carrier is very expensive. Can I take an old iPhone and get a store in Porto to install a SIM card? Will there be additional charges beyond the SIM card cost? Thanks.
I believe 4G phones are not locked. Unlike buying a phone in Spain they will not work in the US (or that's what Verizon told me)The short answer is "Yes" followed by the traditional "but".
Questions like: is your 'phone "locked" apply. If its provided by the carrier it probably is. If you bought it in-store it probably isn't. Changing the SIM on an iPhone is easy if you are a teenager in possession of a paperclip, or a sales-person in a 'phone shop. Lots of providers sell monthly plans these days so a store in Porto is your likely solution.
Ask your provider.I am on US Cellular. Is it going be more difficult getting a sim card for my phone
since US Cellular is more of a regional carrier
I had an iPhone S for more than 15 years, I purchased the phone at a T-Mobile shop when there were no monthly plan and for years my service was a "pay as you go" plan. It made my life very simple when I lived or traveled to France and Spain, I would just walk into an Orange Shop and buy a plan which included their simcard.I believe 4G phones are not locked. Unlike buying a phone in Spain they will not work in the US (or that's what Verizon told me)
I’m going to Portugal for 3 weeks soon, and would like to be able to use the phone to call a cab if needed or for emergencies. I’m from Canada, a travel plan from the carrier is very expensive.
I think that is typically the case.I don’t know how it works in Canada, but can you not get “international roaming” installed on your own cell phone, for in case of emergencies, but at no cost if you never ever use it?
Don't forget that if you leave your existing phone (and SIM card) at home then people calling you on it - maybe your bank - won't be able to get in touch with you without having your new phone number which you, yourself, won't know until you buy your SIM card/burner phone (what a delicious, illegal scenario those words conjure up!).
As others have said, if you do take your home SIM card with you guard it with your life. There were several stories in UK newspapers in the days before Covid where cards were filtched abroad and used before the owner was aware of it.
In one case a lady had her SIM stolen in a hotel in the far east and somebody ran up a bill of £1500 (about $2500 CAD) before the phone company realised something was wrong and blocked it and then declared it was the lady's fault!
Better safe than sorry.
Have a great trip, Portugal is a lovely country.
Canada has the worst or second worst phone plans in the world (small population spread over enormous geography that still requires all the same terribly expensive infrastructure). We can purchase $10 per day “roam like home” but there is not such thing as “if you don’t use it you don’t pay”.I think that is typically the case.
I don’t know how it works in Canada, but can you not get “international roaming” installed on your own cell phone, for in case of emergencies, but at no cost if you never ever use it?
What I meant was that, at least a few years ago, I was able to roam and make calls from/in Europe with my Canadian phone, but I had to pay high international rates per minute (a charge beyond my regular plan). If I did not make those calls, I didn't have to pay the per-minute charge for them. So that would be a sensible plan only for real emergencies.there is not such thing as “if you don’t use it you don’t pay”.
Ah... I think that just doesn't exist anymore as a plan.... changed in 2019-ish I think... to the flat rate per day to be able to "roam like home" but only at a terrible price.What I meant was that, at least a few years ago, I was able to roam and make calls from/in Europe with my Canadian phone, but I had to pay high international rates per minute (a charge beyond my regular plan). If I did not make those calls, I didn't have to pay the per-minute charge for them. So that would be a sensible plan only for real emergencies.
I agree with the recommendation to get a SIM in Portugal.
I advise against this. Your Canadian passport may have to be taken out and presented many times and each time there will be a chance of loss or damage. Additionally, you want to keep the card from static electricity.Remove current SIM from the phone (or use the old phone, whatever, whatever). Tape Canadian SIM card into the back of passport for return home.
Yes, you get a new number. If you take your old SIM out, you lose access to calls and messages to the original number.Thanks for the replys, it’s getting clearer.
So if I get a SIM card and plan in Portugal, then I get a new phone number to use just while I’m there - correct?
If someone from home calls me, does it need to be the new number? Is old number out of commission until the current SIM card is installed?
Correct. Technically you could use that number back home too but let's skip that.Thanks for the replys, it’s getting clearer.
So if I get a SIM card and plan in Portugal, then I get a new phone number to use just while I’m there - correct?
Yes. And they will need to dial the prefix that allows them to call internationally beforehand.If someone from home calls me, does it need to be the new number?
Yes if removed from your phone. No if left in a dual SIM phone. People calling your regular number who didn't even know you left the country will be able to talk to you. Be quick though because while their call will essentially free you will be charged the international rates your plan has.Is old number out of commission until the current SIM card is installed?
I think the above answers the SIM card question but there is one more issue. Most Canadian financial institutions are starting to implement two factor identification for security where they send a code to your Canadian phone number. This is a concern for me and I'm planning to contact my bank and Visa to get a solution before my next trip so I don't encounter problems when using a foreign SIM card.I use my cell phone all the time,
I can see this as a problem but I don't see it coming up often. When you know it is going to come up, like transferring funds using an app, you could switch SIMs beforehand and take the hit of a small amount of international charges. It may just involve the sending of one text message.Most Canadian financial institutions are starting to implement two factor identification for security where they send a code to your Canadian phone number. This is a concern for me
Yes, and my dual SIM allows me to completely disconnect one or both SIMs as required.I can see this as a problem but I don't see it coming up often. When you know it is going to come up, like transferring funds using an app, you could switch SIMs beforehand and take the hit of a small amount of international charges. It may just involve the sending of one text message.
Dual SIMs would keep you from having to do a physical SIM swap.
I switched to Google Fi when I started traveling. It's an international plan by default and works everywhere I have gone. There are no contracts and the plans start at $25 plus like $10/GB of data, but the cost caps after 6 GB of data used in a month. You could take your old phone to just about any large retailer or electronics store and they will install the sim card for you. The set up is very simple and you can just cancel it when you return.I use my cell phone all the time, but don’t know how to get the case off let alone change a SIM card.
I’m going to Portugal for 3 weeks soon, and would like to be able to use the phone to call a cab if needed or for emergencies. I’m from Canada, a travel plan from the carrier is very expensive. Can I take an old iPhone and get a store in Porto to install a SIM card? Will there be additional charges beyond the SIM card cost? Thanks.
Most Canadian financial institutions are starting to implement two factor identification for security where they send a code to your Canadian phone number.
I think if you actually want to make international calls it will be expensive whichever option you choose. If you want to make local calls, then a local SIM is advisable.Could those who reply to this thread please be aware that @auburnfive is a Canadian and the services which are available in other countries are not available in Canada through the same providers. What is available here is also much more expensive than what you may be accustomed to.
@auburnfive: for communication with those at home you will be able to send and receive emails as usual with your phone. If you wish, you can set up a group email on your contact list and send out group emails.
Can you get texts through wi-fi?and get your texts and other stuff for free
Without you reaching out for an answer, I would have never know the SIM card tray existed or that I could open it with a paper clip. Idiot... no! With thanks. ElinI use my cell phone all the time, but don’t know how to get the case off let alone change a SIM card.
I’m going to Portugal for 3 weeks soon, and would like to be able to use the phone to call a cab if needed or for emergencies. I’m from Canada, a travel plan from the carrier is very expensive. Can I take an old iPhone and get a store in Porto to install a SIM card? Will there be additional charges beyond the SIM card cost? Thanks.
Can you get texts through wi-fi?
Yes, I know there are messaging apps, I meant actual SMS text messages. Anyway I don't have an iPhone, so it doesn't matter.Yes, at least on an iPhone using Messages. You can also get texts using apps like WhatsApp and Signal on wifi regardless of phone platform.
Vodofone across the River from Porto (Av. da República nº 268, 4430-188 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal) - short walk. Very helpful - we have used them twice. Works in Portugal & Spain. Inexpensive too.I use my cell phone all the time, but don’t know how to get the case off let alone change a SIM card.
I’m going to Portugal for 3 weeks soon, and would like to be able to use the phone to call a cab if needed or for emergencies. I’m from Canada, a travel plan from the carrier is very expensive. Can I take an old iPhone and get a store in Porto to install a SIM card? Will there be additional charges beyond the SIM card cost? Thanks.
Tinc is right. The first question you should ask your current provider is: Am I "locked?' or "unlocked?'
If you're locked you're basically f...ed!
If you're unlocked when you go to the Orange Shop they will take care of everythng for you when you buy your minutes. Store your current Sim in a safe place and watch how they remove the cover and re-install it.
The burner phone idea from oursonpolaire is great idea.
I’m in Canada as well, depending on your carrier here, you can find the “unlocking” how to on their website, or just call them and they’ll do it for you remotely.I use my cell phone all the time, but don’t know how to get the case off let alone change a SIM card.
I’m going to Portugal for 3 weeks soon, and would like to be able to use the phone to call a cab if needed or for emergencies. I’m from Canada, a travel plan from the carrier is very expensive. Can I take an old iPhone and get a store in Porto to install a SIM card? Will there be additional charges beyond the SIM card cost? Thanks.
Also at the Porto airport, got ours changed when we landed.Vodofone across the River from Porto (Av. da República nº 268, 4430-188 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal) - short walk. Very helpful - we have used them twice. Works in Portugal & Spain. Inexpensive too.
That’s an “eSIM” and they work well IF your phone is compatible (newer iPhones are as well as other brands). Haven’t used the Spanish ones, but did download a UK one this past September.Has anyone used a Spanish eSIM that one can get over the phone with a QR?
This is exactly what I did when we started spending a fair bit of time in Portugal.In the days before I blackmailed my carrier (Rogers) into giving me a nicer plan, I used to pick up a flip phone at a Spanish telephone shop for about 30 euro, and then I would just buy more time as I would go along--- supermarket cashiers would do it for you.
I would be really cautious about this question. I’m not sure the advice you’re getting here is correct.Yes, I know there are messaging apps, I meant actual SMS text messages. Anyway I don't have an iPhone, so it doesn't matter.
Hi Stephan,I would be really cautious about this question. I’m not sure the advice you’re getting here is correct.
I’ve had problems with this. SMS messages I think go over the same Network that phone calls do. This is different than the way messaging apps, like WhatsApp, Etc. send messages which work fine over Wi-Fi.
I think the answer to this question would depend on exactly what you’re thinking of doing, perhaps even which particular phone you have. I think you should ask a specialist at the phone shop to be sure.
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And there seems to be a lot of really complicated discussion on this thread about the original question, But every time I go to Europe, I stop at some phone store at the airport (where practically the only thing they do is help foreign visitors get local SIM cards ), get a Sim card which they put in my phone which I brought from home, and walk off into the sunset and I’ve never had a problem. I communicate with people back home via email or social media messaging or skype. I also always put WhatsApp on my phone, because people in Europe use this all the time.
I would be really cautious about this question. I’m not sure the advice you’re getting here is correct.
I’ve had problems with this. SMS messages I think go over the same Network that phone calls do. This is different than the way messaging apps, like WhatsApp, Etc. send messages which work fine over Wi-Fi.
"SMS, or "Short Message Service," refers to standard text messages that are sent using a cellular signal instead of an internet connection."Can you get texts through wi-fi?
I was able to roam and make calls from/in Europe with my Canadian phone, but I had to pay high international rates per minute (a charge beyond my regular plan). If I did not make those calls, I didn't have to pay the per-minute charge for them. So that would be a sensible plan only for real emergencies.
I think there is still some misunderstanding. As an example, both Rogers and Fido still allow roaming calls on a Pay-per-Use basis with a normal plan, charged at a rate of C$2.00/minute from Spain or Portugal. I am not recommending that, for various reasons, but people should know that their Canadian-based phone and SIM card/number can still be used in an emergency, albeit at a cost. Thus they can carry a phone, turn off roaming, and use it only with wifi, unless there is an emergency (in which case they turn roaming back ON). That is what I have done on short international trips, or when my 1-month phone plan expired just days before I finished a 33-day period in Spain. It is an important reassurance to know that I have a phone connection if I really need it!that just doesn't exist anymore as a plan
Ah... I see now what you were getting at. Maybe 1 or 2 phone-calls home... (now, still, last time I set this up specifically with Rogers it was done as a gift from Spouse and the problem was that *as soon as my phone* connected to the network in Portugal, it counted as "service used" and charged the full sticker price of $30 for the 'roam like home' option, even though I hadn't made *any* phone-calls). In short: be very aware of the fine print in any plan to keep your domestic service while overseas. And don't rely on the $2.00 a minute if you're going to use live-maps, do banking etc. The local SIM is really the solution to use the phone for all the myriad reasons it's the tech in one's pocket."SMS, or "Short Message Service," refers to standard text messages that are sent using a cellular signal instead of an internet connection."
Messages to your phone number are sent to that cell phone number, so you can't get them on your new number (unless you are savvy enough to figure out a forwarding method).
In my experience SMS messages are not used much in Spain (assume the same about Portugal) and I had trouble using any. Rather, people use WhatsApp which does operate on a wifi internet connection, or of course, using phone data if you purchase it when you get a SIM card and plan
Facebook Messenger and various other chat programs work through accounts linked to an email or social media account. Thus if those accounts are set up on your device, you can use them with wifi or with data, even though your phone number has changed.
I think there is still some misunderstanding. As an example, both Rogers and Fido still allow roaming calls on a Pay-per-Use basis with a normal plan, charged at a rate of C$2.00/minute from Spain or Portugal. I am not recommending that, for various reasons, but people should know that their Canadian-based phone and SIM card/number can still be used in an emergency, albeit at a cost. Thus they can carry a phone, turn off roaming, and use it only with wifi, unless there is an emergency. That is what I have done on short international trips, or when my 1-month phone plan expired just days before I finished a 33-day period in Spain. It is an important reassurance to know that I have a phone connection if I really need it!
Yes, I have learned a variation on that lesson too! But I think it was only $10 for the day, so I proceeded to take advantage of the day!*as soon as my phone* connected to the network in Portugal, it counted as "service used" and charged the full sticker price of $30 for the 'roam like home' option, even though I hadn't made *any* phone-calls). In short: be very aware of the fine print in any plan to keep your domestic service while overseas.
I don't much care which is "best." I am mainly interested in "good enough", and there are several companies that provide that.I don't want to start a fight over which phone service is the best in Europe
I think the above answers the SIM card question but there is one more issue. Most Canadian financial institutions are starting to implement two factor identification for security where they send a code to your Canadian phone number. This is a concern for me and I'm planning to contact my bank and Visa to get a solution before my next trip so I don't encounter problems when using a foreign SIM card.
Love this word, @Jeff Crawley ...defenestrated.Since the British defenestrated themselves out of the EU
I can't relate to the iPhone, but I did exactly what you're suggesting with an old android. It has become my travel phone. What I did was purchase the cheapest simm card I could find, around $15 US, and practiced installing it from the comfort of home. This additionally confirmed the phone is unlocked. Youtube might provide videos to help. It did for my android.I use my cell phone all the time, but don’t know how to get the case off let alone change a SIM card.
I’m going to Portugal for 3 weeks soon, and would like to be able to use the phone to call a cab if needed or for emergencies. I’m from Canada, a travel plan from the carrier is very expensive. Can I take an old iPhone and get a store in Porto to install a SIM card? Will there be additional charges beyond the SIM card cost? Thanks.
and can't you also do WhatsApp voice or video calls on Wi-Fi? Not very phone savvy but my African friends often contact me via either of these calls and they don't have money to spare.Yes, at least on an iPhone using Messages. You can also get texts using apps like WhatsApp and Signal on wifi regardless of phone platform.
Yes, you can. I just didn't want people thinking they could get text messages from the bank and stuff on wi-fi, when you can't.and can't you also do WhatsApp voice or video calls on Wi-Fi? Not very phone savvy but my African friends often contact me via either of these calls and they don't have money to spare.
I'm also on US Cellular. I had no trouble switching SIM cards to Movistar when in Spain in 2017 and 2019. You might want to confirm w US Cellular that your particular phone is capable of accepting a different SIM card. For what it's worth, also remember to store your US SIM card in a safe place while you're walking in order to put it back in on your return.I am on US Cellular. Is it going be more difficult getting a sim card for my phone
since US Cellular is more of a regional carrier
You may want to read this article if you are concerned about whether your phone will work in Europe. Especially if it is an older phone. It includes help on checking your phone’s frequencies.Can I take an old iPhone and get a store in Porto to install a SIM card?
Definitely off topic, but:For the coming trip, I'll have to look into the 2-factor issue as I have to handle money issues at home while I'm away. And I've referred the Google-Fi information @gregrobinson mentioned over to a comm specialist friend for assessment.
Nor is T-MobileTL;DR for Canadians: Google-Fi is not available for Residents of Canada. You have to have a US address, and a device registered in the US.
We have T-Mobile mostly because of its international service. We don't do have to do anything, but as soon as we arrive in a foreign country we get a text message that says' "Welcome to (Spain, Greece, Thailand, etc)" and informs us that we have unlimited data and text there, while voice calls are 30 cents a minute. The service is great -- I used Google maps on data while driving in the remote Carpathian mountains of Transylvania. I'm surprised you don't this service, too.I had an iPhone S for more than 15 years, I purchased the phone at a T-Mobile shop when there were no monthly plan and for years my service was a "pay as you go" plan. It made my life very simple when I lived or traveled to France and Spain, I would just walk into an Orange Shop and buy a plan which included their simcard.
Last month I upgraded my phone to an iPhone 13 and paid for the phone at the T-Mobile store which meant it would be unlocked, versus buying into a monthly payment plan to purchase the phone. I no longer have a "pay as you go" plan because access to wifi in the US was getting very frustrating without a data plan.
What is intersting about my new iPhone, there is no simcard in the port, it has an esim and the slot is open for any simcard I purcahse and install. I will be interested to see the two numbers pop up on the screen when I am traveling like the post from Rick of Rick and Peg.
Here is what you need to check:I use my cell phone all the time, but don’t know how to get the case off let alone change a SIM card.
I’m going to Portugal for 3 weeks soon, and would like to be able to use the phone to call a cab if needed or for emergencies. I’m from Canada, a travel plan from the carrier is very expensive. Can I take an old iPhone and get a store in Porto to install a SIM card? Will there be additional charges beyond the SIM card cost? Thanks.
A Canadian phone must be unlocked since 2017, even if it is an old phone. Getting a SIM card in Portugal or Spain is quite uncomplicated. Buy enough time and data for your whole camino though, if starting in a country other than Spain. We started in SJPdP in Sept '21, and bought a French SIM card with only two weeks of data. We were told we could refill it anywhere along the way. That was not true. We could not refill it in Spain. Thus we had to buy a new Spanish SIM card. They are not expensive, but it was a hassle to find one in small town Spain. Eurpean SIM cards can freely roam anywhere in Europe, but they can only be recharged in the country they were purchased in. Don't go with a Canadian provider though, since Canadian companies will rip you off to roam with them.I use my cell phone all the time, but don’t know how to get the case off let alone change a SIM card.
I’m going to Portugal for 3 weeks soon, and would like to be able to use the phone to call a cab if needed or for emergencies. I’m from Canada, a travel plan from the carrier is very expensive. Can I take an old iPhone and get a store in Porto to install a SIM card? Will there be additional charges beyond the SIM card cost? Thanks.
I haven't traveled to France or Spain since I bought my new iPhone with the upgraded T-Mobile plan. I am aware of the services you mentioned but I also have many friend who I need to trade calls with when I am there so having a local number with a second simcard from Orange comes in handy. Paying $0.25/minute for voice could get very expensive.We have T-Mobile mostly because of its international service. We don't do have to do anything, but as soon as we arrive in a foreign country we get a text message that says' "Welcome to (Spain, Greece, Thailand, etc)" and informs us that we have unlimited data and text there, while voice calls are 30 cents a minute. The service is great -- I used Google maps on data while driving in the remote Carpathian mountains of Transylvania. I'm surprised you don't this service, too.
I am from Canada too and I was in the same quandary as you. Our international plans are too expensive. I went to Spain in the fall, went into a cell phone store (maybe Orange) and bought an int’l SIM card. They helped me pop out the Canadian one, stored it and gave me one with a Spanish phone number. It had way more data than any of my Canadian plans, 180 min of world wide calling and it was something like 30 Euros. It worked well and having a Spanish phone number was helpful calling alburgues etc. I hope that helps.I use my cell phone all the time, but don’t know how to get the case off let alone change a SIM card.
I’m going to Portugal for 3 weeks soon, and would like to be able to use the phone to call a cab if needed or for emergencies. I’m from Canada, a travel plan from the carrier is very expensive. Can I take an old iPhone and get a store in Porto to install a SIM card? Will there be additional charges beyond the SIM card cost? Thanks.
And the T-Mobile international roaming is only intended for stays of up to around 2 months, so if you are staying in Europe longer it's best to get a local sim.I haven't traveled to France or Spain since I bought my new iPhone with the upgraded T-Mobile plan. I am aware of the services you mentioned but I also have many friend who I need to trade calls with when I am there so having a local number with a second simcard from Orange comes in handy. Paying $0.25/minute for voice could get very expensive.
Hi..from Canada too. Roaming charges for us Canuks is absurdly expensive compared to simply getting a local SIM. I'm with a major carrier and my roaming would be $15/day but instead I got a SIM card in Pamplona for $10EU that lasted me for a MONTH - with more data, phoning and texting than I'd ever need.I think that is typically the case.
It is correct that you can't buy extra credit in a different country but there are two other options that mean that you don't need to buy another SIM if you don't want to. Of course if you want another EU SIM then no problem.We started in SJPdP in Sept '21, and bought a French SIM card with only two weeks of data. We were told we could refill it anywhere along the way. That was not true. We could not refill it in Spain. Thus we had to buy a new Spanish SIM card.
Hi Doughnut NZIt is correct that you can't buy extra credit in a different country but there are two other options that mean that you don't need to buy another SIM if you don't want to. Of course if you want another EU SIM then no problem.
Option 1
Buy extra credit before leaving France. There is nothing preventing anyone from adding as much credit as you like either when you first buy the new SIM card or at any time before leaving France. You don't have to wait for your credit to expire.
Option 2
Buy your extra credit online using the telephone company's website. Some companies are better than others in allowing different languages on their website or learn enough French to get you through.
Good to know.Hi Doughnut NZ
Orange would not let us load our French cards online, nor in Orange stores, while in Spain. That was very frustrating. We should have loaded up credit when we bought it but we did not know how much we would need, and they made it sound like it was really easy to do (which it would have been had we stayed in France).
Turn your phone onto Airline mode and never take it off, is what I say. Fellow Canadian here and I know the roaming rates are outrageous. On one trip, I ensured I was on the hotel's wifi, took it off airplane mode for half an hour and BOOM! Nice charges on my next bill. Anyhow, take an old phone that is UNLOCKED. Visit any cell kiosk in Portugal (airport?) and they will do it all for you. I bought an Orange SIM card when I was in Spain and had excellent coverage while I was there. Buen Camino!I use my cell phone all the time, but don’t know how to get the case off let alone change a SIM card.
I’m going to Portugal for 3 weeks soon, and would like to be able to use the phone to call a cab if needed or for emergencies. I’m from Canada, a travel plan from the carrier is very expensive. Can I take an old iPhone and get a store in Porto to install a SIM card? Will there be additional charges beyond the SIM card cost? Thanks.
I'm surprised about your advice. After seeing on this thread the ridiculous rates Canadians pay and your expensive accident I would expect your advice to be "Remove your SIM card."Turn your phone onto Airline mode and never take it off, is what I say. Fellow Canadian here and I know the roaming rates are outrageous.
Bring your own cell phone and put it permanently on Airplane mode when in Portugal. You can use its features except telephone calls when you access free wifi.I use my cell phone all the time, but don’t know how to get the case off let alone change a SIM card.
I’m going to Portugal for 3 weeks soon, and would like to be able to use the phone to call a cab if needed or for emergencies. I’m from Canada, a travel plan from the carrier is very expensive. Can I take an old iPhone and get a store in Porto to install a SIM card? Will there be additional charges beyond the SIM card cost? Thanks.
It's not as pricey as it sounds. They cap it at $100 per billing period. So $100 for 30 days of using your phone just like you're at home seems well worth it vs. all the confusion being discussed here. Ps. I realize that the OP is Canadian and that this is not an option for them. I'm just saying, if you're American this seems like the simplest if a little bit more expensive option.I have AT&T and they allow you to use your phone just as you would in the states (internet, call, text) for $10/day. It does get pricey, but if you don't need it daily then its not an issue. Also, if you are connected to Wifi you can usually use all the functions as normal.
It's not as pricey as it sounds. They cap it at $100 per billing period. So $100 for 30 days of using your phone just like you're at home seems well worth it vs. all the confusion being discussed here. Ps. I realize that the OP is Canadian and that this is not an option for them. I'm just saying, if you're American this seems like the simplest if a little bit more expensive option.
Quite often when roaming on a different network you get lower priority for service and if there is any contention then the roaming client will lose service before the native client. This could mean that your calls get dropped or your phone shows no service. It generally also means that you get allocated the slowest data connections.Wow, that really does make a difference for me - I just assumed that ATT would charge $10 per day for its Int'l Day Pass, and $300 for each month's worth of data use while I'm abroad seemed excessive to me. But sure enough, it says "after 10 daily fees on a line, that line may continue to use IDP through the end of the bill cycle at no additional charge" plain as day in the IDP service terms, which I had never bothered to read closely. Thanks so much for bringing it to our attention!
Quite often when roaming on a different network you get lower priority for service and if there is any contention then the roaming client will lose service before the native client. This could mean that your calls get dropped or your phone shows no service. It generally also means that you get allocated the slowest data connections.
Watch out for your using the service during two billing periods though.it says "after 10 daily fees on a line, that line may continue to use IDP through the end of the bill cycle at no additional charge"
Yes. For a 5 week Camino it will cost me $200.Watch out for your using the service during two billing periods though.
Ok this is more what I am Looking for.I don't know if this is an option for you. I live in the US. I had Consumer Cellular, which did not have a good international plan. I changed carriers using my current phone and retaining my current phone number. There is a lot of competition here, so it's not hard to change carriers back and forth maintaining your number. I went with T-Mobile, which had a good international plan and worked well. Good luck!
Ok so I’m not taking crazy pills. This is actually what I was thinking as well but couldn’t understand why more people weren’t considering it.It's not as pricey as it sounds. They cap it at $100 per billing period. So $100 for 30 days of using your phone just like you're at home seems well worth it vs. all the confusion being discussed here. Ps. I realize that the OP is Canadian and that this is not an option for them. I'm just saying, if you're American this seems like the simplest if a little bit more expensive option.
Maybe because $100US a billing cycle could mean $200 over the course of a month spending upon when a trip falls on the cycle? Versus $10 for a Spanish SIM card.couldn’t understand why more people weren’t considering it.
Thanks Joe. Wasn’t aware they were only $10. Big difference there potentially.Maybe because $100US a billing cycle could mean $200 over the course of a month spending upon when a trip falls on the cycle? Versus $10 for a Spanish SIM card.
Depending on various factors, it could be as much as $25 or so for a month, but still inexpensive.Wasn’t aware they were only $10.
In 2019 I bought a Spanish SIM for 10€ from a little shop. It ran out in no time at all but I was near an Orange shop and asked about that. Turned out I needed the 15€ plan to get the monthly service I wanted. I don't blame the original seller; we were having some communication problems.Depending on various factors, it could be as much as $25 or so for a month, but still inexpensive.
Maybe because $100US a billing cycle could mean $200 over the course of a month spending upon when a trip falls on the cycle? Versus $10 for a Spanish SIM card.
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