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Yeah I think it is more reassuring to have a phone with a functioning simcard when crossing the pyrenees
Does Ivar still offer Sim cards to be sent to you before you start?
If you take yours from home, you have a functioning SIM card for emergency uses already. Then buy a Spanish one in Pamplona. Buen Camino! SY
Value Added Tax. It is like a national sales tax.What does VAT stand for?
What does VAT stand for?
When I ordered a SIM card for Spain from a stateside vendor, I had to submit a scan of the first page from my passport beforehand in order to make the card operable as soon as I hit the ground in Spain. It took at least a week to get confirmation, so if that's the case for you, be sure to factor that time into your departure schedule. Otherwise, you may have to find an Orange store once you get to Spain and have them do the necessary registration rigamorole there before you can actually use the card.FWIW I ordered online from simcardspain.es an Orange Ballena prepaid data sim card with 10 euros on it for 29.95 euros several weeks ago. No doubt a price premium for the sim card but is supposed to be ready to use so don't have to wait till Pampalona for cell service. Hasn't arrived yet and have no idea what it will actually require to activate it. Time will tell!
When I ordered a SIM card for Spain from a stateside vendor, I had to submit a scan of the first page from my passport beforehand in order to make the card operable as soon as I hit the ground in Spain. It took at least a week to get confirmation, so if that's the case for you, be sure to factor that time into your departure schedule. Otherwise, you may have to find an Orange store once you get to Spain and have them do the necessary registration rigamorole there before you can actually use the card.
Yes, I know that's the reason -- I just didn't want to get into a long description of it and drag it out because I'm not sure I could have explained it as accurately as you have, plus my info on the topic was second- or third-hand. Thanks for the factual data, and I hope it helps others to understand why, when they buy a SIM card outside Spain, they have to go through the (minor) hassle of getting it registered and activated. It does take a bit of time, so that has to be considered; i.e., don't make it a last-minute purchase the day before boarding the plane.JM, the reason for this practice, which has spread almost universally, is to made it more difficult (but never impossible) for criminals and terrorists to obtain "burner phones." ...
I just thought it might useful to understand why everyone is being hassled...
I am curious. How much does a Spanish SIM cost, purchased in Spain, with lots of Data included, say 5GB....10GB.....20GB?
My plan is to use my phone as I do at home with location services on and internet access on all the time.
PS: I'll also bring a backup battery.
Thanks....yes cheaper...a lot cheaper
They won't unlock if still under contract. They charge $50C if out of contract. They will waive this fee if you ask nicely, maybe.....maybe not.
I just paid off my AT&T phone, and boy did they fight me on this. They wanted me to upgrade, or sign a contract, or wait! "Wait...don't leave us! " was their attitude. The store rep said that I couldn't unlock my phone and that I should just buy their international plan (she didn't know what she was talking about). I had her call someone, and with the speaker on, they said that if I paid it off...I owned it. I have a loose plan, and am not tied to a contract. So I know what you mean. Amazon offers an unlocked phone linked to their magic (I was tempted), but Ivar's new app doesn't work on that phone, so I'm taking my iPhone 5s.
To make it short: I own my phone today. It is unlocked and ready for my SIM card in the Madrid airport, in 39 days. Yipee!
I believe they are required to unlock only if your phone is paid off....Under new rules, Canadian carriers are required to unlock phones if requested (and for $50 ,of course) after 90 days of any contract. I just got my new iPhone 6 in November so am planning to test that this week and take it with me on Camino.
Please do...I am interested. I am with Bell MobilityThanks but if you look at the 3rd line in that list of rules it states "after 90 days". I will get back to you once I test that rule tomorrow
Unlocking your phone.....
If your provider is a CDMA (like Verizon, Sprint) you are out of luck.
CDMA phones do not have a Sim Card.
Too bad. So sad.
If your provider is GSM (T-Mobile, AT&T) you have a chance.
GSM phones do have a Sim Card.
Note: Some provides have now switching from CDMA to GSM (therefore have both)
With any luck, you can unlock your phone by typing in a “secret” number into the key pad.
Go to eBay, search for your phone, plus the words... unlock code.
With any luck, you can buy the code for $5 or $10, and do it your self.
But, if you bought a “good” phone it may require to be hooked up to something to complete this.
You can try to “send it away”, or pay your provider.
If you (heaven for bid) have a smart phone.
You are too much of a “cash cow” to be let go, without a fight.
Just like your phone, things are a lot more complicated.
Read this for more detail......
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/how-to-tech/how-to-unlock-cell-phone.htm
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