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- 2006 to date: Over 21 Caminos. See signature line
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Do I need to learn to use WattsApp? People often talk about it and I am not to great at computering. Is it easy to use? Do I want it?
Anyone with ethical qualms about Facebook should think twice. Whatsapp is owned by FB (as is Instagram).Do I need to learn to use WattsApp? People often talk about it and I am not to great at computering. Is it easy to use? Do I want it?
The cost is not monetary. But there is a cost. Signal is a good alternative, but as you say, @kirkie, people are captured by Whatsapp just because everyone else is using it.free
Annie, WhatsApp is the app that every Spaniard I know uses to text. It only works with a cell phone number, but many many accommodations have WhatsApp accounts, making reservations easy (and whatsApp is free). You can start learning to use it at home and you can add in many contacts before you leave, so it is all there ready to be used. When I make a contact for an accommodation I always put in both the name of the town and the name of the place, so a contact search will work very quickly to bring up the right place.Do I need to learn to use WattsApp? People often talk about it and I am not to great at computering. Is it easy to use? Do I want it?
Yes, it’s a plus when on the Camino. I also used it to confirm reservations with albergues this year to say I was on my way.many many accommodations have WhatsApp accounts, making reservations easy (and whatsApp is free).
I recently booked, then cancelled a reservation with a hotel in Pamplona because in order to get the key, you had to WhatsApp them, and it put me off, not having it. I think I'm in the "old fashioned" category too!Anyone with ethical qualms about Facebook should think twice. Whatsapp is owned by FB (as is Instagram).
I don't know if this is you, Annie, But if so, an old-fashioned mobile phone numbef still works.
Yep, I think it is a lost battle. I think google knows everything about us anyway.
Yep, I think that ship has sailedYep, I think it is a lost battle
Thanks @peregrina2000 - FB etc aside, I like what’s app. It’s easy to use for texts. And I’ve found the connection is often better than messenger or FaceTime for vidéo. From a practical perspective, if it’s being widely used in Spain I’ll be adding all our accom options in as contacts.I am surely not going to tell people how to resolve the conundrum about facebook, WhatsApp, and the ways in which we have sacrificed our privacy. But I think there is one feature of WhatsApp that might make the decision easier for some.
Rescue services in Spain (112) use WhatsApp. If you need their help, they will ask you to send them your actual location via a feature on WhatsApp. With the click of a button you can “share location” precisely. That could be a lifesaver.
If you are adding a lot of contacts, here is one little time-saving tip. Add the number first (you will have to change the prefix to 34). When you put the number in, you will be told immediately whether that number uses WhatsApp or not. If it does, then just add the name of the place, town, or whatever other identifying info you want to the contact information. If it doesn’t use WhatsApp, you have saved yourself a minute or so, which may be non-trivial if you’re adding a boat load of contacts.if it’s being widely used in Spain I’ll be adding all our accom options in as contacts
Very easy to use and extremely useful in Spain. Not everyone has iPhones so it allows you to text someone without glitches who also has Whatsapp regardless of the kinds of phones you have. Easy to learnNote from mod: This topic came up as a tangent to another discussion. I think it is of more generalized interest, so I created a new thread. Buen camino, Laurie
Do I need to learn to use WhatsApp? People often talk about it and I am not to great at computering. Is it easy to use? Do I want it?
Precisely this. If you have gmail, google already has a whole dossier on you. I too, fussed over the WhatsApp/Facebook conundrum, but in the end I ended up downloading it. Everyone seems to have WA. And…I kind of love it.I think google knows everything about us anyway.
Excellent point!! I’ll remember this for my future camino…Rescue services in Spain (112 or Alert Cops) use WhatsApp. If you need their help, they will ask you to send them your actual location via a feature on WhatsApp. With the click of a button you can “share location” precisely. That could be a lifesaver.
In Spain phone numbers that start with 6 are for mobiles. I don't know about 7.I think phone numbers that begin with 6 or 7 are mobile numbers. Is that correct?
Yes, 6 or 7 are mobiles, 9 are land lines.I think phone numbers that begin with 6 or 7 are mobile numbers. Is that correct?
When it comes to privacy, things are more complicated. A recent privacy policy update states that some of your data may be shared with Facebook. This will include your telephone number, location, product interactions, and more. Presumably, this is to improve ad targeting in other Facebook products.
This update was the subject of a lot of debate among users but ultimately rolled out on May 15, 2021. In other words, if you are concerned with your privacy and don’t want Facebook having access to some of your data, WhatsApp might not be for you.
Since WhatsApp runs on mobile phones, in Spain try a phone number starting with a 6 or 7 first. See @peregrina2000's post #22 above.I’ve noticed some albergues list two phone numbers and one of them is used for WhatsApp, so sometimes takes entering one or the other to get the right one.
Regular texting comes free with my phone plan in Canada, but that does not seem to be norm in Spain. When I got short-term plans with Spanish SIM cards, regular text messaging was not included.How is it different from regular texting or Skype or Facetime?
Hi Annie, Whatsapp is great if you are taking a group.Do I need to learn to use WhatsApp? People often talk about it and I am not to great at computering. Is it easy to use? Do I want it?
To focus on one point: I can and do have whatsapp video calls, and voice calls, with friends in a variety of countries. When I am in a relatively safe wifi zone, of course. There is no charge, but as has been pointed out, free isn't exactly correct. Some automatic data centre is following me/you/us wherever we go. Some phone packages have a limited number of texts and they they charge when you are outside your limit.Thank you for starting this thread. I have read how popular and useful WhatsApp is and I downloaded the app to my phone. However, I don't see the advantage. How is it different from regular texting or Skype or Facetime? Can you only use the app with other WhatsApp users and how do you know if someone like an albergue uses it?
A vpn is absotutely crucial these days. I use Express VPN while traveling, and more and more on a regular basis.So what they know about you is your location, what you search for on the internet, and what other apps you have. You can get rid of some of this by turning off location data and using phone browsers like Brave or duckduck-go. Or paying for a VPN. Delete your browser cookies both on your computer and phones, tablets, etc.
I think this is not quite accurate. My WhatsApp account name is my normal mobile/cell phone number in Canada, since that's how I originally set up my WhatsApp account. When I get a new SIM card and phone number in Spain, my phone number for real phone call changes, but my WhatsApp identity/number remains the same. Just like my email accounts, Facebook, etc. At home, I still have all my WhatsApp contacts and conversations on my phone.If you buy a SIM card just for use in Spain, then that's the number you are sharing with fellow pilgs. So you may have to make the decision at the end of the trip to notify the group that you are switching over back to your default phone.
That’s what I thought, too, @C clearly. However, when I put in my Spanish sim card a few weeks ago, a message from WhatsApp asked me if I wanted to change my phone number for WhatsApp. I said no.My WhatsApp account name is my normal mobile/cell phone number in Canada, since that's how I originally set up my WhatsApp account. When I get a new SIM card and phone number in Spain, my phone number for real phone call changes, but my WhatsApp identity/number remains the same.
I find it very useful. I can send photos and videos to my friends and family in the U.S. without worrying about data charge. Most hostal owners use it so I used it to call them and send messages.Note from mod: This topic came up as a tangent to another discussion. I think it is of more generalized interest, so I created a new thread. Buen camino, Laurie
Do I need to learn to use WhatsApp? People often talk about it and I am not to great at computering. Is it easy to use? Do I want it?
That link that @linkster just posted is very helpful. (Now I understand the reason for that nameThat’s what I thought, too, @C clearly. However, when I put in my Spanish sim card a few weeks ago, a message from WhatsApp asked me if I wanted to change my phone number for WhatsApp. I said no.
I do not think the AlertCops app uses WhatsApp for communication. It likely uses built-in software similar to what WhatsApp uses. If you do not want to use WhatsApp but you do want AlertCops then download that and register. Then use the test button they have. It will not alert the cops but it will check if the app will work with your device and preferences and notify you.The point above about Alert Cops using WhatsApp to locate you is certainly worth considering.
Thanks. But I can skype for free with voice and video calls internationally. If the person/company I am contacting does not have a skype account, I can still contact them and most international calls are 10 cents USD a minute. And as far as I know skype is not connected to big brother FB. So aside from "everybody is doing it" I am still not clear how What's App is better/different from skype or Facetime.More thoughts?To focus on one point: I can and do have whatsapp video calls, and voice calls, with friends in a variety of countries. When I am in a relatively safe wifi zone, of course. There is no charge, but as has been pointed out, free isn't exactly correct. Some automatic data centre is following me/you/us wherever we go. Some phone packages have a limited number of texts and they they charge when you are outside your limit.
Yes you’re right about that. It’s the direct contact with 112 that uses WhatsApp. Alertcops has the same localization procedure built into its app. I was told by some Spanish friends that they think that 112 is more direct and goes straight to the local EMS, but I don’t know if that’s right.I do not think the AlertCops app uses WhatsApp for communication. It likely uses built-in software similar to what WhatsApp uses. If you do not want to use WhatsApp but you do want AlertCops then download that and register. Then use the test button they have. It will not alert the cops but it will check if the app will work with your device and preferences and notify you.
I can’t tell you how any of these apps are different from each other or better than each other, but I can tell you that no one in Spain uses Facetime or Skype. So if you want to communicate with people in Spain, having a superior program that no one uses won‘t help you much.I am still not clear how What's App is better/different from skype or Facetime.More thoughts?
There is a lot of misinformation on this thread about WhatsApp, AlertCop and Signal.I do not think the AlertCops app uses WhatsApp for communication. It likely uses built-in software similar to what WhatsApp uses. If you do not want to use WhatsApp but you do want AlertCops then download that and register. Then use the test button they have. It will not alert the cops but it will check if the app will work with your device and preferences and notify you.
I think that one thing that would be really helpful for your average forum peregrino/a would be to get a sense of the advantages and disadvantages of using 112 vs. AlertCops, specifically given the relatively unique situation of walking town to town in Spain, not owning property, not being a long-term resident, etc.Recently I have been looking up information on AlertCops; I'm still trying to figure out a lot because I haven't seen anything that looks like a user's guide.
As others noted, Signal is a similar app that they claim does not track, but very few people use it so far. I have it and it works well.
Me too. But for now 'everyone' uses Whatsapp. So it's not so useful on the camino.I use Signal as do many other technical experts because it is the most secure readily available product.
And presumably user experiences.Both can be used to call emergency services, but the underlying protocols and capabilities are quite different.
I wonder whether the average peregrino/a would be better served by just calling 112 in a crisis situation.
If any forum members have ever actually used AlertCops, it would be great to hear how it went
This is another factoid that adds to my growing sense that 112 is the preferred method for pilgrims who need police, medical or other emergency services.When installing the Alert Cops app, one must give the phone number and it is then verified. Can someone tell me how to deal with the changing of a phone number when I arrive in Spain and get a new SIM card? Do I need to re-install the app, or is there an option to change the phone number, or does it do something automatically?
Facetime and Skype apparently need more bandwdth on an internet connection. My son lives on Aruba and has an internet connection with a low upload speed. When we talk using What's app there is almost never a real problem, but using Facetime or Skype we often lose our connection and have reconnect several times in the course even of a short talk.Yes you’re right about that. It’s the direct contact with 112 that uses WhatsApp. Alertcops has the same localization procedure built into its app. I was told by some Spanish friends that they think that 112 is more direct and goes straight to the local EMS, but I don’t know if that’s right.
It’d be good to hear from Spaniards about the difference between Alertcops and 112.
I can’t tell you how any of these apps are different from each other or better than each other, but I can tell you that no one in Spain uses Facetime or Skype. So if you want to communicate with people in Spain, having a superior program that no one uses won‘t help you much.
See the FAQ section: I have changed my phone number, what can I do?When installing the Alert Cops app, one must give the phone number and it is then verified. Can someone tell me how to deal with the changing of a phone number when I arrive in Spain and get a new SIM card? Do I need to re-install the app, or is there an option to change the phone number, or does it do something automatically?
I used to use Whatsapp untill they changed a number of permission requirements which went too far down the road of giving them carte blanche access to my data!Anyone with ethical qualms about Facebook should think twice. Whatsapp is owned by FB (as is Instagram).
I don't know if this is you, Annie, But if so, an old-fashioned mobile phone numbef still works.
I started using WhatsApp because one of the places I had booked on the Invierno said I could call them on that. I am not great computering, rather silly actually, but had no problem using it.Note from mod: This topic came up as a tangent to another discussion. I think it is of more generalized interest, so I created a new thread. Buen camino, Laurie
Do I need to learn to use WhatsApp? People often talk about it and I am not to great at computering. Is it easy to use? Do I want it?
They are indeed. Also for Norwegians, with a Norwegian number, in the rest of Europe. Thanks for living in a civilized country where more than money counts. Hope your May 2021 Camino walk went well.Never used it since, mobiltalks are mostly free in Norway,
May 2022, booked a flight to Madrid for my last camino which I had to cancel in 2019 and 2020, see you are soon on your way!They are. Also in the rest of Europe. Hope your May 2021 went well.
I hope. Has not reserved the flight (Oct. 18th) to Barcelona yet, due to some uncertain family health issues (old sister who I have to watch/take care of. Brainstroke (light) yesterday...)May 2022, booked a flight to Madrid for my last camino which I had to cancel in 2019 and 2020, see you are soon on your way!
Brainstroke is my worst nightmare, had a few of them near, hope all goes wellI hope. Has not reserved the flight (Oct. 18th) to Barcelona yet, due to some uncertain family health issues (old sister who I have to watch/take care of. Brainstroke (light) yesterday...)
Thank you so much for your kind words. The stroke was light, and she is fully functional. Being operated tomorrow, and I'm still set to go. Just assessing the situation.Brainstroke is my worst nightmare, had a few of them near, hope all goes well
All the best to her, Alex!
I’m sure you’re a wonderful brother Alex. It would have been a warning and frightening still.My sister's a tough old skin at 84. She'll survive.
Best wishes to your sister, Alex!I hope. Has not reserved the flight (Oct. 18th) to Barcelona yet, due to some uncertain family health issues (old sister who I have to watch/take care of. Brainstroke (light) yesterday...)
Yes - it is generally less expensive (free) for Spaniards to use than standard texting.Since Spanish phone numbers beginning with 6 or 7 indicate a mobile phone, would texting work just as well as WhatsApp? Are there specific features of WhatsApp that makes it preferred in Spain?
Bob
WhatsApp is a separate app that you download from the App store. It works based on cell phone numbers. All WhatsApp numbers are cell phone numbers, but not all people with cell phones use WhatsApp. Once you have the app, you can download contacts into the WhatsApp app, and they will tell you whether the phone number you are trying to make your contact is a user of WhatsApp or not. It does not use the phone line, it uses either data or internet to connect people, so it is a handy way to call or text when you don’t want to use the phone service.I’m still a bit confused — how can I recognize if a listed number is a Whatsapp number? For example, if I look up phone numbers for an Albergue, how can I tell which is a regular mobile number and which is a Whatsapp number??
I believe I can call a WhatsApp number only if I have WhatsApp, right?
Thanks in advance!
So if I don’t want to use WhatsApp, I can just call any of these numbers direct, because they’re just regular mobile numbers, yes? My Spanish is adequate to make a direct call for reservations, etc., and I’ll have a Spanish SIM card.All WhatsApp numbers are cell phone numbers, but not all people with cell phones use WhatsApp
Yes, you can just call them without WhatApp. For those with no or poor Spanish texting with WhatsApp can be very useful.So if I don’t want to use WhatsApp, I can just call any of these numbers direct, because they’re just regular mobile numbers, yes? My Spanish is adequate to make a direct call for reservations, etc., and I’ll have a Spanish SIM card.
Thanks again!
In my experience, it is frequently a LOT easier to make contact with many small places on the Camino by using WhatsApp. Recent experience — a forum member had tried calling Ray y Rosa several times to see if their place in Manzanares on the Madrid was available for him to stay the next night. No answer. I suggested (me communicating from the US with him in Spain via WhatsApp) that he try a WhatsApp message, and he got a response almost instantly. The other good thing about using the text message function is that you have a record of what your reservation is, in case of mix-up.So if I don’t want to use WhatsApp, I can just call any of these numbers direct, because they’re just regular mobile numbers, yes?
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