Where to buy SIM card in Santiago?

[SaraDN]

I plan to buy a SIM card for my Verizon phone when I arrive in Santiago in mid-September. The next day, I'll be taking the bus to Astorga to start my camino. Can I get a SIM card at the Santiago airport? Thanks for any advice -

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I don't think they have them at the airport. There is a Vodafone store downtown, and a Vodafone store in Astorga (closes Saturday afternoon, then reopens Monday morning). Not all Verizon phones allow a SIM chip, so be sure yours does before you go.

 

[SaraDN]

Thanks! I checked with Verizon and was told that a SIM will work, but after reading many conflicting posts, I'll double check before I go. I also have a cheap unlocked basic phone that I could bring just in case my Samsung S 3 doesn't work.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Sara, if you have an unlocked phone, it shouldn't be a problem getting a SIM card.
I love Vodafone, myself, and have always used it.
The TI in Santiago should be able to tell you where the closest Vodafone is.
They seem to move around often.
I paid around €15 for a SIM for my iPhone last year (for use in Spain only).
For calling home, I think it's cheaper just to use wifi and Skype or Facetime.

 

[Bajaracer]

I plan to buy a SIM card for my Verizon phone when I arrive in Santiago in mid-September. The next day, I'll be taking the bus to Astorga to start my camino. Can I get a SIM card at the Santiago airport? Thanks for any advice -

All Verizon LTE phones are truly unlocked, I know this from installing Telcel Mexico SIM cards in several of my friends smartphones, just buy a SIM when you get to Spain, all of my friends who have bought SIM cards for their LTE Verizon smartphones (both iPhone and Android) have had no issues. Vodafone has stores in all the bigger towns, you shouldn't have a problem getting one in Astorga as well.

 

[Caminofácil]

According to Verizon's page:

http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/international-travel-faqs/

If your phone supports 4G LTE, then you can use it everywhere without problems (or in other words, what Bajaracer said).

If you can't find a Vodafone store, Orange also has plans for people who are spending their vacations in Spain. Their price is similar to Vodafone's.