Before you start dialing in France, remember that your phone plan from home can add up quickly when you make calls from overseas. In order to avoid a huge phone bill once you return to the States, we suggest buying a French SIM Card and using your phone like a local. Just make sure that you bring along an unlocked phone!

(A little confused? No worries, read this first: Buying a SIM Card in Europe: The cheapest way to use a smartphone)

Remember, when you buy a SIM Card from a French carrier, you’re actually buying a small chip that contains a French phone number. You’ll then insert that chip into your unlocked phone, and then buy credits to “top it off”, which will give you some combination of minutes for telephone calls, text messages, and data for internet on your phone.

Confusingly, the French telephone carriers all offer different deals when buying a SIM Card. Most will throw in some credits to sweeten the deal. Others, meanwhile, don’t offer SIM Cards for “pay as you go” use — they’ll only sell you a SIM Card when you sign on to a monthly plan (or “forfait”). Still others, like Orange and SFR (see below), offer affordable packages made just for tourists.

We’ve combed through the options and came up with three budget-friendly SIM Cards to help you save during your trip to France.

This article was updated in April 2024 with new information and prices.

The best SIM Cards for your trip to France

An Orange SIM Card in France. Photo: Mayowa Ige

1. Orange Prepaid Holiday SIM Card

Cost: €40 (or $49.90 when bought in the U.S. before your trip)
Pros: Good deal. Reliable. Great coverage. The card can be purchased in advance.
Cons: The initial credit is only good for 14 days. (Top it off to use it for longer.)

Orange is the French equivalent of Verizon or AT&T. It’s the largest and oldest French telecommunication company in the country, and it has coverage extending to other European nations as well. Orange’s cellular coverage and internet 4G speed is unmatched because its coverage is so widespread in France.

For tourists, Orange offers a prepaid holiday SIM Card plan that costs €40/$49.90. This SIM Card gives you a French phone number and includes a credit for 120 minutes of international calls and 1,000 SMS texts (to anywhere in the world). Calls and texts within Europe are unlimited. Also, you get 30 GB of data that can be used anywhere in Europe.

Because Orange is an established company, you will find Orange stores all over Paris. If you ever run into problems with your SIM Card, you can always pop in to speak to someone — they speak English!

The only drawback? By default, the credits are only good for 14 days after your first use. To keep using your number, head to a newsstand or Orange store (“La Boutique”) and reload it to “top-up” the credits.

Note: The Orange Holiday SIM Card can be purchased in advance online for $49.90. This is a distinct advantage, as you won’t need to hunt around for a newsstand or telephone shop upon arrival.

2. SFR Prepaid SIM Card

Cost: €9.99-€24.99
Pros: Two pass options are good for up to 30 days. These SIM Cards are easy to purchase from tobacco shops and newsstands.
Cons: Limited, if any, calls and texts outside of Europe depending on the package you purchase.

SFR, known as the Société française du radiotéléphone, is the second largest telecommunication provider in France. Much like Orange, SFR is a very well-known and well-respected company.

SFR offers a few options for those who need SIM Cards in France. A basic pass offers 1 GB of data, two hours of calling and 300 SMS texts for just €9.99. More practical options include a 10 GB kit with unlimited calls and texts in France and 10 GB of 4G internet for  €14.99, a plan with unlimited texts and calls within France and 80 GB of 4G internet for €19.99, or a 5G-compatible SIM Card with unlimited calls in France and 140 GB of internet for €24.99.

Additionally, if you need to make calls to another country, you can buy a SFR Travel Sim with 60 GB of internet, 2.5 hours of international calling minutes and unlimited texting in Europe for €29.99.

All plans are valid for 30 days.

The SFR SIM Cards can be purchased in tobacco stores and “Relay” newsstands.

A Free SIM Card in France. Photo: Mayowa Ige

3. Free Mobile SIM Card

Cost: €20 for unlimited calls, texts and Internet.
Pros: Super cheap! Great for long-term visitors.
Cons: You’ll need to cancel service when finished.

Free is a new player in French telecommunications, and it has shaken up the market with an impressive price: €20 a month for unlimited calls and texts (including internationally) and 250 GB of internet.

The company also has smaller plans, including a €2/month plan with 50 MB of internet, 2 hours of calls within France and unlimited texts; or a €10.99/month plan with 140 MB of internet, unlimited calls within France and unlimited texts.

If you’re just getting the SIM Card, it takes about 10 minutes because Free has SIM card vending machines that you can order like a Twix bar at its shop and terminal locations. Free will send you a user identification number and password to your email, and you can pay for the SIM Card and service by just swiping your credit card in the “SIM-vending” machine.

Keep in mind that when you sign up for Free, you are technically signing up for a monthly subscription that you can cancel anytime with no fees or questions asked. Unless you’re staying in France or Europe for longer than a month, your bill should be €25 to €30 total; this includes €20 for the service and €10 for an activation fee. (Free usually has a €5 euro discount for new customers.) Just remember to cancel the subscription before you head home, or you’ll face recurring charges.

Use a SIM Card to test to your heart’s delight in Paris! Photo: facemepls

This is the best deal while traveling in France and Europe. You get unlimited calling within France, the U.S. and Canada, plus nearly unlimited data within France. You also get to enjoy 35 GB of data within Europe and abroad; this means you will still be connected if you’re traveling to other European countries during your vacation.

Keep in mind that you will ultimately have to return to a Free Paris store and request to cancel your service before you return back to the States. The agents will fill out a cancellation form for you. Then, you will have to take the form to a French post office and mail it to Free’s headquarters. The process is actually a lot easier than it sounds!

Another thing to keep in mind is that the levels of English vary within the Free offices. Still, I’ve been to the flagship location a couple of times, and I was able to cancel my mobile service with an agent who didn’t speak English just by showing him the English to French Google translation of “I’d like to cancel my mobile service” on my phone. Aside from having to wait one hour for my turn, the whole process took five minutes for him to fill out the cancellation form for me. Wait times may not be quite as long now that Free has expanded to multiple store locations. (The post office is also self-explanatory. Just make sure you have an envelope with you because, for some reason, French post offices don’t have envelopes for sale.)

Now, you’re all set to cruise the Seine and bring along Auntie Jenny in California with FaceTime!

More on SIM cards in Europe

The subject of using your smartphone while traveling abroad can be a tricky one. You can read much more about it here:

• How to use a SIM card in Europe
• How to set up your American iPhone for a European vacation
• Tips to keep your iPhone safe in Paris
• The top SIM cards for your trip to Spain
• Germany: The best SIM cards for tourists

Have you used a SIM Card in Europe? Share your favorites and tips for saving while traveling with your smartphone.

The post The best SIM Cards for your trip to France appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

To do any of that, you’re going to need a phone. You’ve probably heard a horror story or two of people accidentally accruing international roaming charges when they totally thought they were connected to the hotel’s Wi-Fi. The best way to use a phone in Europe with peace of mind is to either set up (and confirm) an international plan with your existing phone carrier, or set up an unlocked phone with a SIM card for international use.

But what even is an unlocked phone, where do you find one, and how does the process work? Here’s everything you need to know about finding an unlocked phone on a budget for your European adventure.

EuroCheapo is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices listed are accurate at the time of publishing. Thank you!

GSM vs. CDMA

It’s important to first understand the two radio technologies that old phones rely on: GSM and CDMA. GSM stands for Global System for Mobiles, and CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access.

Your eyes might be glazing over while looking at this alphabet soup. While you don’t need to necessarily understand the nitty gritty of these technologies, you should at least know this — Europe once primarily relied on GSM. Many phone carriers in the U.S. formerly used CDMA. These were compatible with 2G and 3G networks, but both CDMA and GSM are soon to be a thing of the past.

That means you’ll need to check that either an old phone you already own or a new, unlocked phone you purchase for your trip will operate on 4G or 5G networks and can be used on your trip to Europe.

If you have a newer phone, it will likely not use either of these technologies, and it can actually be even easier for you to use a phone in Europe. Many carriers are switching away from GSM and CDMA, instead relying on 4G and 5G networks. If this is the case with your current carrier, you may want to consider learning more about various international plans available for using an American phone in Europe.

Purchasing an international phone plan through your existing provider is becoming more and more common. But SIM cards are still an option if you don’t want to risk running over the plan limits and incurring surprise charges on your next bill.

The Best Option? An Old Phone You Already Own

You don’t have to purchase a new phone to use a SIM card if you have an older phone that will work just as well. Raid your junk drawer for an old phone, which you may be able to use with a SIM card for Europe. Old phones are almost always unlocked, because the carrier is required to unlock a phone once the contract has ended and you’ve finalized any existing payments on the device.

How to Unlock an Old Phone

Have an older iPhone on hand? You’re in luck. An iPhone will automatically unlock itself with software updates sent out by the carrier. For other devices, you’ll need to contact your carrier.

Verizon devices unlock automatically 60 days after purchase. T-Mobile requires a 40-day waiting period after purchase, and you can unlock it by following the carrier’s instructions here. AT&T also requires 60 days of use after purchase, then you can submit a request to unlock the phone, which AT&T will respond to about two business days later (meaning don’t wait until the day before your flight to start the unlocking process!).

Once a phone is unlocked, it should be fine to work with a SIM card of your choosing. Just be sure the phone itself is compatible with European networks, meaning it is a dual band or GSM phone.

What to Look For in an Unlocked Phone for European Travel

Maybe you don’t have an old phone lying around, or the ones you do have aren’t going to work for international travel. You may need to buy a cheapo unlocked phone instead.

There are a few key terms you want to include when searching for unlocked phones. “Unlocked” simply means the phone can be used for different carriers and SIM cards. Phones are typically unlocked either because they are sold by the phone manufacturer (like buying an iPhone from Apple) or another shop (like Best Buy or Amazon).

Other terms to look for include “dual band” or “dual SIM”. “GSM” and “international” are also important to look for if you don’t see dual band options. Here are a few options to consider that you can order online for quick delivery:

• Alcatel 1 – $53.28
• ZTE Blade – $59.35
• Nokia C01 – $82.70
• Samsung Galaxy A03 – $101.76
• Samsung Galaxy A12 – $171.97

Note: Before you purchase a phone for your trip, triple-check that it will work with your SIM card or carrier and that it will work in Europe.

If you can’t find a phone that works for your budget, you may also find a more affordable option once you get to your destination. Many newsstands across Europe sell bare-bones phones, so you can at least take some photos and send off a few quick texts to friends and family.

How to Use a SIM Card While Traveling

We have entire guide to buying SIM cards in Europe, complete with detailed instructions on how to set up the SIM card. But really, it’s easy. Turn off your device. Open the small compartment that holds the SIM card. Remove the existing SIM card, if there’s one inside, then insert the new SIM card. Turn on your device, and activate the card by dialing the number included with the new SIM card packaging.

This essentially gives you a European phone number. If you took out a SIM card from the phone, make sure to store it away. If you lose it, you’ll lose your regular number in the U.S.!

You may find SIM cards for international travel, regional travel throughout Europe, or even for specific countries:

• Best SIM Cards for France
• Best SIM Cards for Spain
• Best SIM Cards for Germany

Note: If you plan to visit different countries, you shouldn’t need multiple SIM cards for your travels. EU regulations have ended roaming charges. But if you plan to visit the UK, you may need a separate SIM card, as it has recently reintroduced roaming charges.

Consider A Plan With Your Existing Provider

One of the most efficient options for using a phone in Europe is to use your existing carrier. Some carriers have international plans built right into your existing plan in the U.S.. The plan will switch into “international mode” when you touch down in your destination.

With some carriers, like AT&T and Verizon, you can simply add on an international package to your existing plan. That way, you can use your existing phone as normal for a fixed rate. AT&T charges $10 per day for up to 10 days within a billing cycle, and additional days are free until your billing cycle resets. Verizon similarly offers a $10 per day plan with unlimited texts and calls or, for longer trips, a $100 per month international plan with 1,000 sent SMS and 250 minutes of calls included.

Other carriers, like T-Mobile, have international use baked right into their U.S. phone plans. Just be sure to call your carrier and confirm what your plan includes to avoid a billing surprise later.

There are many options for using a phone in Europe. You can add an international phone package to your usual monthly bill or go the SIM card route. You don’t necessarily have to miss your weekly calls with family or lose out on posting your selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower to social media sites. Enjoy your trip while staying connected with loved ones … and do it all on the cheapo.

The post How to Find or Buy a Cheap, Unlocked Phone For European Travel appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

You’ve booked your flights, reserved your accommodations, and built yourself an itinerary for your adventure in Iberia. But what about staying in touch? Spain’s a budget traveler’s best friend — but not if you rack up insane roaming charges on your phone. Calling home, finding your way around town with Google Maps, and updating your Instagram can take a big toll on your phone bill.

One option is to turn your phone into a console and only use it in places with free Wi-Fi, but that can get frustrating fast. Want to look up the Prado’s opening times? You better hope the password that comes with your café con leche is on a network that isn’t overloaded and slow.

So, what can Cheapos do to use their phones like they do at home? Buy Sim Cards and use them in unlocked phones! Not sure how to unlock your phone? Check out our articles on buying an unlocked phone and buying a SIM Card in Europe for more details.

So what exactly are you buying with a Spanish SIM card? Essentially, you’re purchasing a small chip with a Spanish phone number on it. When you put it in an unlocked phone and load it up with credits, you’ll be able to make telephone calls, send texts, and use data on your phone just like at home. Most SIM Cards in Spain will also work all over Europe due to European Union regulations about roaming charges across borders. Just remember to ask for a “tarjeta prepago” (prepaid card), unless you happen to want a long-term contract with a Spanish provider.

Finding the best deal for your particular circumstances can be a bit confusing, but don’t worry, we’re here for you. To make this process easier, we’ve spent some time researching the best options for travelers and have come up with three cost-conscious SIM Cards to help you save while you explore Spain.

This article was updated in November 2021 with new information and prices.

 EuroCheapo is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you!

The best SIM Cards in Spain for your trip

Using SIM Cards in Spain can save you a lot of euros. Photo: zhrefch

1. Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM Card

Cost: €49.90
Pros: The number one option for Cheapos. Great coverage across Europe. Can be purchased in advance.
Cons: Limited to 14 days.

The best bargain for everything a traveler could want is with Orange. The price of €49.90 includes 20GB at 4G+ speed, unlimited calls and SMS within Europe, and 120 minutes of talk time and 1,000 SMS to your home country.

Once you sign up for the €49.90 plan, you have 14 days to use up your balance. If you’ll be traveling for longer, you can renew the prepaid plan for €11 to €40 when your time is up. Orange will send you a reminder. Otherwise, you’re all done.

There are lots of Orange stores in major Spanish cities like Barcelona and Madrid, and for the most part, employees speak enough English to give newbies a hand.

Taking a phone (and smoke) break in Barcelona. Photo: Enric

2. Movistar Prepaid SIM Card

Cost: €19
Pros: Wide coverage in Spain. Stores are located all over the country.
Cons: Only limited data included. Per-minute charges for calls.

Movistar has some of the widest coverage in Spain. If you plan to travel to tiny villages and hike in the middle of nowhere, you may want to go ahead and pay a little extra for a Movistar prepay plan.

The most popular SIM card costs €20. The plan includes 75GB of data and 150 minutes of calls in Spain. International calls are an additional €1.21 per month plus 22 cents per minute (plus EU roaming). SMS is €0.31 each. Since it used to be a part of the Spanish national phone company, Telefónica, Movistar stores are easy to find almost everywhere in Spain.

Finding the next tapas place in Granada on an iPhone. Photo: Manuel

3. Lycamobile SIM Card

Cost: Bundles start at €5
Pros: Affordable for international calls and data.
Cons: Not many stores. Auto-renewal policy can be confusing.

Lycamobile is one of the cheapest options for unlimited international calls and using lots of data. The downside? There are fewer storefronts to sign up, although you can order the SIM card online.

One possibility, if you don’t want to hunt down the nearest shop, is to talk to your accommodation about having it shipped directly there just before your trip. This way, your SIM is waiting for you upon arrival. Just don’t arrange things too far in advance because your SIM comes with a pin that expires in 15 days.

Bundles start as low as €5. If data is your big priority, Lyca Globe 20 is a good option with 35GB for up to 28 days and EU roaming all for €20. If you’re more interested in phoning home, grab the Lyca Globe 15 or Lyca Globe 20, both of which offer unlimited national calls and 1,000 minutes of international calls, plus 20GB to 35GB of data for €15 or €20 for the first 28 days. Just remember to uncheck the auto-renewal box at purchase time unless you’re staying for more than 28 days.

If you’re not sure if you signed up for auto-renewal or just want to double check that you did indeed cancel, dial *190# and follow the instructions to end your service.

More SIM Card tips in Europe

Don’t wait until the last minute before you start researching Sim Cards in Spain (and beyond!). It can be a bit complicated, but we’ve compiled a few articles that will come in handy:

• How to use a SIM card in Europe
• How to set up your American iPhone for a European vacation
• How to keep your iPhone safe in Paris

Have you used SIM cards in Spain or another country in Europe? Let us know your tips for saving on your phone bill.

The post The best SIM Cards in Spain for your trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Rather than purchasing what was then a $70 “Passport” package from AT&T before leaving (the company has since switched its international plan to a $10/day International Day Pass, as we discussed in this series of posts), I instead bought a SIM card package in Paris from a French phone carrier for €39. Once I popped it into my phone, I just used my smartphone as I normally would, although I now was dialing with a French phone number.

The experience was actually much simpler than I had imagined. In the end, it provided me with a much more cost-effective way of using my iPhone while traveling outside the States. The biggest difference? I used my phone freely for calls, emailing and even browsing the web, and never even got close to exhausting my plan. All that fretting over data use — gone.

I’ll explain how I did it, and the various options I had below. But first, let’s quickly review the choices you face when traveling abroad with your phone.

This article was updated in November 2021 with new information and prices.

 EuroCheapo is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you!

Traveling abroad? Your smartphone options

As we’ve discussed in this series of posts, travelers from North America have several options for using their smartphones when visiting Europe.

Purchasing an international package from your carrier

You could sign up for an international phone/texting/data package from your carrier (for example, AT&T’s International Day Pass package). You will pay for these packages as an “add-on” to your normal bill. They will usually grant you some combination of data transfer (for emailing, using the web and apps) and text messages. They will also usually lower your per-minute charge for using your telephone, although it’ll still probably cost you about $1 per minute. Some plans will offer free calls to certain countries, including the U.S. (Read about AT&T’s and Verizon’s plans.)

Winging it without a package

Many American tourists just wing it, and plan to simply limit their phone use or “try to keep it turned off”. While this is an option, be advised that without a package, charges for texts and phone calls are more expensive. Data transfer charges are usually astronomically high. If you plan to use data (rather than Wi-Fi) to check your email or use the web during your trip, this isn’t a good idea. (One notable exception is T-Mobile, which offers its “Magenta” customers free international data and calls for only $0.25 per minute.)

Some travelers who “wing it” place their phone into “airplane mode” for most of the trip, restricting email and web browsing to times when they’re connected to a Wi-Fi network. Others just keep their cellular data and roaming off, and use their phones for texting and calling. Still, expensive dangers lurk (especially if you haven’t set up your phone correctly).

Purchasing a SIM Card abroad

You can also purchase a SIM Card from a local phone carrier in Europe. As we’ll discuss below, you can either use it in your regular U.S. smartphone (if your phone permits it), use it in an old phone that is SIM-card compatible, or buy a cheap phone (either back home before you leave or once in Europe) for the new SIM Card.

Options, options… Looking over the SIM cards available for purchase at a “Relay” newsstand at Charles de Gaulle airport. Photo: EuroCheapo

The benefits of buying a SIM card in Europe

Why would you go through the hassle of all this? Because buying and using a SIM card in Europe will almost certainly be far cheaper than using your home carrier while traveling abroad. When using a SIM card from a European carrier, you’re buying a new phone number. This means you gain access to the same low-cost dialing options available to locals.

There are many, many European phone carriers, and each offers different SIM cards, packages and options. Broadly speaking, to make this work for you, you’ll need to purchase two things:

1. a SIM card (which gives your phone the actual phone number), and

2. credits to make phone calls and use data.

During a trip to France, I purchased a $49 SIM package from Orange, one of France’s largest carriers. This package, aimed at international travelers, offers:

• a SIM card with a French phone number
• Unlimited calls throughout Europe
• 120 minutes of phone calls globally (placed or received)
• Unlimited text messages throughout Europe
• 1,000 text messages globally (sent or received)
• 20 GB of mobile data throughout Europe

Sounds great, right? I didn’t even come close to using all of my minutes, let alone my text messages or 20 GB of data! (I could dial #123# to track my usage.) If, however, I had exhausted my plan, I could have recharged it by buying Orange credits at any newsstand.

Note: This is by no means the best deal out there, nor are we promoting this particular offer. This was the most convenient for me, as I was a bit hesitant about setting up my phone for the first time. Orange operates stores throughout France and is staffed with friendly folks who will set your phone up for you.

Also, note that many Orange SIM cards are only available for 14 days before you lose unused data and need to top them off again.

If you are going to France, check out this article on the best SIM cards in France. You can also read about the top SIM Cards in Spain and Germany.

You’ll see plenty of SIM-related packages at newsstands in France and throughout Europe, like SFR’s “Call Cheap” package for visitors. Photo: EuroCheapo

How does it work?

A SIM (“subscriber identification module”) card is a small chip that you place inside your phone that controls your actual phone number and can also store your contacts. These are sold by cellular carriers and are used in all phones that operate using GSM technology (and some newer CDMA phones, as well).

Europe’s mobile phone carriers use GSM technology. In the U.S., AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM, while Verizon and Sprint use another technology, CDMA. If your phone uses CDMA, you should verify with your carrier whether or not your phone operates using a SIM card. (Many of the newer smartphones do.)

(Note: All iPhones use SIM cards, except for a CDMA version of the iPhone 4 produced for Verizon and Sprint customers.)

For an iPhone with GSM technology, you can unlock the phone (see below), pop open the SIM card slot (on the right side of the phone), remove the card, and pop in a new SIM card you buy abroad.

When the phone reboots with the new SIM card, you’re in business and operating with a brand new phone number.

What about locked phones?

Before you get too excited about using your phone abroad, you need to make sure that it will work with European SIM cards! Unsurprisingly, U.S. cellphone carriers are not exactly eager for you to start shopping around for cheaper calling options. To make the SIM swap more difficult, many carriers “lock” their phones. This prevents the customer from using a SIM card from another carrier. If your phone is locked and you load up another carrier’s SIM card, it simply won’t work.

To get around this, you’ll need to “unlock” your phone. Many American phones are eligible for being unlocked as soon as they go out of contract, or once any service or payment installments are paid off.

AT&T customers

If you qualify (or to check to see if you qualify), submit a request to AT&T to unlock your phone or tablet. They will then send you instructions on how to unlock your phone.

T-Mobile customers

Read the conditions for unlocking your phone here. Note that T-Mobile requires you to download a special app to unlock your phone. (As noted above, T-Mobile customers with “Magenta” plans already get free texting and data throughout Europe and calls at $.25 per minute. You might not want to go through any of this — lucky you!)

Verizon customers

Many Verizon phones are not locked after 60 days of purchase. Read more here.

In my case, my iPhone was out of contract. I filled out AT&T’s form, received detailed instructions on how to unlock it, backed up my phone on iTunes, and then reinstalled my data from a backup.

If it sounds complicated, it wasn’t. Within about an hour, I had backed up, jumped through some hoops, restored my backed up data to my phone, rebooted… and voila, it was unlocked and ready to go.

What happens if you can’t unlock your phone?

If you can’t unlock your phone, don’t despair. You can simply use another phone. Some people prefer to use a second phone anyhow, leaving their regular phone on standby throughout their trip in case it receives important calls or text messages. (Remember, if you swap a SIM card into your normal phone, you’ll be changing your phone number.)

Here are some other phone options you could use.

Use an old phone

Most people have an old mobile phone sitting around at home in the back of a drawer somewhere. While it might not be a cutting-edge smartphone, it could still do the job for your trip. Check out your collection of old phones to see if any of them operate with SIM cards.

Buy a cheap phone in Europe

Really cheap phones are easy to come by in Europe. Some SIM card packages aimed at tourists even come with a phone to use! In France, for example, the carrier SFR offers a package with a SIM card and cheapo phone. While some of these phones won’t be the most current models on the market, they can be used to make calls, send text messages, and even check in on your favorite apps.

Buy a cheap phone before leaving for Europe

You can also pick up a cheap SIM card-compatible smartphone for as little as $20 at major retailers, like Walmart and Target, in the U.S. When shopping for a cheap “no contract” phone, just make sure it takes a SIM card.

How do you install the SIM card?

So you have an unlocked phone and have purchased a SIM card in Europe. Now you just need to install it in your phone.

While the installation process is different for every device, the process should be as simple as powering off your phone, locating the SIM compartment, popping it open, removing the current card, and placing your new SIM card inside. When you power on your device, you usually will need to dial an activation number (provided with the card), and you should be good to go.

On iPhones 4 through 11,  the slot is located along the right-hand side of the device. On newer models (iPhone 12 and 13), the slot is on the left side. Regardless of the location, the slot can be opened by inserting a small point (such as the head of a pin or paperclip) into the hole. (Read more about loading a SIM card on Apple.com.)

Important note: It’s very important that you put your old SIM card in a safe spot! Don’t lose this card — it’s your home phone number!

A sign for the “Orange Holiday” package geared to international tourists in France. Photo: EuroCheapo

Buying SIM cards in Europe

Although rules and regulations about the buying and selling of SIM cards vary depending on the country, in most European countries, you can easily buy a SIM card in just minutes from cell phone stores, newsstands, tobacco shops… even vending machines in some relaxed countries! Other countries may require that you register with a passport or other form of identification.

Most commonly, you can buy SIM cards at:

• Newsstands and unaffiliated cellphone store: In France, for example, most newsstands at train stations and airports sell a variety of SIM-card products, including the cards, credits, and packages. These shops will sell you SIM cards offered by Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, low-cost Lycamobile, and other carriers.

• Carrier-specific stores: Don’t be afraid to drop into mobile carriers’ stores. Be aware, however, that they’ll obviously be limited to selling only their particular SIM cards and credits. They won’t be able to offer the objective advice you’re likely to find from a newsstand or unaffiliated phone shop. (On the other hand, they’re more likely to spend time with you talking through the options and helping you set up your phone.)

• Buy before you leave. Many international companies will sell you European SIM cards before you leave home for your trip. These can be convenient, saving you the hassle of hunting down a SIM card once there. But they rarely present the same savings you’d find simply by buying directly in Europe. (And, as noted above, you can also order the Orange SIM Card before your trip.)

Check out the options available in unaffiliated mobile shops, like this one in Paris. Photo: EuroCheapo

Considerations when shopping for SIM cards

With so many carriers and so many choices, you’ll need to do a bit of comparison shopping to figure out which carrier will work best for you. I would suggest heading for the nearest newsstand or unaffiliated cellphone shop once you’ve arrived, check out the SIM card options, and strike up a conversation with the cashier.

There are several things to keep in mind when deciding on a SIM card.

Package or pay-as-you-go

Are you buying a SIM card that needs credits or a SIM package that’s already loaded with a set number of minutes, texts and data?

How much do calls cost

When you buy credits, how much do calls, texts and data cost? (These credits usually come in increments of €5 / €10 / €15 / €25, and often include small bonus credits that increase the more you purchase.)

Connection charge

Are you going to be assessed an initial “connection charge” each time you make a call? (Lycamobile, for example, offers very low per-minute charges, but also charges to make the connection.)

Other countries

Will your SIM work in other countries, or will you need to buy another card if you cross borders? With policy changes in June 2017, SIM cards can be used throughout the EU without extra roaming charges. In the past, you might have had to buy a new card for each country, depending on your plan. You can see the details of the new EU rules here.

Wi-Fi hotspots

Does your SIM card grant you access to Wi-Fi hotspots? Many packages from larger carriers will offer this, which could come in handy.

Finally, don’t forget…

If you’ve made it this far in the article, you’re obviously serious about using a SIM card abroad. However, there is just one more major, if obvious, point worth considering.

When you place a SIM card in your phone, your phone number will change.

At the risk of repeating myself: The SIM card that you buy dictates your phone number. When I slipped the French SIM card into my phone, I now had a French phone number. (You can now see why some people prefer to bring along an old phone or purchase a cheapo “travel phone” expressly for SIM card use.)

This also means that if you swap a new SIM card into your phone, your normal U.S. number will not work. When people try to call your U.S. number, it will go straight to voicemail. You’ve basically just taken your number “offline.” You could prep for this by changing your voicemail message in advance to state that you’ll be traveling, and include your new number. (This can be tricky, as you usually won’t know the new number until you buy your new SIM card.)

And the same goes for text messages. As your phone number will have changed, your texts will be coming from a number that your friends will not, at first, recognize. This can be a touch awkward at first, but they’ll catch on. Some people get around this by sending text messages through an app like Whatsapp or Facebook Messenger. But these will only work when using data or connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Your SIM card questions and stories

Do you have an experience buying and using a SIM card in Europe? Share with us below! Have questions about how it all works? Ask away — we’ll try to help!

The post Buying a SIM card in Europe: The cheapest way to use a smartphone while traveling appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But not so fast! Chances are, there are still a few details you’ve forgotten to consider — like choosing the right phone plan for your trip.

Thanks to roaming charges, you can rack up the euros if you use your U.S. plan while traveling in Germany. To avoid the shock of a major phone bill once you’re back home, we suggest buying a German SIM Card during your stay to call and surf like a local.

If you’ve never used a SIM Card overseas, read our guide to using a SIM Card in Europe before your trip. Just make sure to bring your phone along as well as an adapter for your charger! Or consider using another unlocked phone specifically for travel.

This article was updated in November 2021 with new information and prices.

 EuroCheapo is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you!

Top Sim Cards for your trip to Germany

Although it’s still fairly easy to buy and use SIM Cards in Germany, it’s unfortunately gotten slightly more complicated. In July 2017, Germany passed an anti-terrorism law that requires all pre-paid SIM Cards to provide an address and ID. But no worries. You don’t have to be an EU citizen — the address of your hotel or hostel along with your passport should work just fine.

If possible, you may want to consider buying the SIM Card ahead of time by doing the ID check online and having the card shipped to your accommodations. If you wait until you arrive, make sure that you have your passport and proof of address ready to buy a card on the go.

Related:

• Top SIM Cards for your trip to France
• Best SIM Cards in Spain for your travels

Once you buy a SIM Card from a German carrier, you’ll get a little chip with a German phone number. Insert this chip into your phone, start the activation process, and soon you’ll be phoning and web-surfing with ease. That said, if you do have any difficulties activating the card, just head over to MediaMarkt or Saturn, Germany’s major electronic store chains, where someone can walk you through the process. But don’t forget to bring your ID and hotel information!

Four ways to activate SIM Cards in Germany:

• Present your ID (passport) online through a video verification process
• Go directly to a mobile (Handy) phone shop or electronics store (Saturn, MediaMarkt)
• Buy the SIM Card from Germany’s three major telco providers: O2, Vodafone, and Telekom
• Present a printed “Post Ident” document at any German post office (Again, to do this, you need your passport and a valid German address.)

Checking phones in Munich. Photo: Karlis

O2, Telekom, and Vodafone have many pre-paid SIM Card options, while resellers use their networks at cheaper prices, so you’ll have many options to choose from.

Here are the two best deals we recommend for budget travelers:

1. Aldi Talk

Cost: €7.99 to €17.99, depending on the plan you choose
Pros: Good deal, easy to use, offers 4G/LTE
Cons: Uses the O2 network, which doesn’t always provide good coverage in rural areas

Aldi Talk is the best deal you’ll find for pre-paid SIM Cards in Germany. They offer many different plans, the cheapest being Paket S, which offers 3 GB data and unlimited telephoning and SMS at €7.99 for 4 weeks. A second option, Paket M, offers 6 GB data, unlimited calls and unlimited SMS for €12.99, valid for 4 weeks. You can also purchase internet access only, the cheapest plan starting at €3.99 for 4 weeks (Internet-Flatrate S, 1 GB data).

If you’re traveling to any other countries in the European Union, the Paket L rate is probably the most ideal. This plan gets you 12 GB data and unlimited calls and texts for €17.99 for 4 weeks and includes EU roaming.

An added bonus is that Aldi Talk is sold at Aldi discount grocery stores, which are very easy to find anywhere in the country. You can either top it off online or buy a recharge voucher at Aldi.

2. Blau Surf M Prepaid

Cost: €9.99 for 4 weeks
Pros: Low-cost, includes €10 start credit
Cons: Charges for calls and SMS

Blau Surf M is also a great option for tourists. This plan offers 3 GB data with LTE for four weeks. Phone calls and SMS cost 9 cents (per minute/per text) within Germany and EU roaming is included. This pre-paid plan gets you a €10 start credit and can be easily topped off online.

A Vodafone SIM Card. Photo: CC

Telekom, Vodafone, O2, oh my!

Although these two resellers will get you the best deals, going with one of the top guns also won’t break the bank. In most cases, their plans cost around the same price as Aldi’s Paket L, but you get less data or bang for your buck. To help you understand the difference, here’s a little run down.

Telekom

Formerly the market leader, Deutsche Telekom (formerly called T-Mobile), Telekom still provides the best coverage in Germany, but it’s on the pricey side. If you plan to stay in major cities like Berlin and Munich, you can easily steer clear of the higher Telekom prices, but if you plan on visiting rural areas, you may want to opt for their plans to make sure you get the coverage you need. Telekom also has the fastest network and EU roaming. Resellers include congstar, ja!mobil, Penny Mobil, and Lebara Mobil.

Vodafone

Vodafone is exactly in the middle when it comes to price, coverage and speed. EU roaming is included, but rural reception can be spotty. Resellers on the Vodafone network include LIDL Connect, Otelo and Lycamobile.

O2

O2 is the cheapest provider in Germany and has greatly improved since acquiring the E-Plus Network. They have great coverage, except in rural areas, and are the only network that has reception in the Berlin U-Bahn train system, which is a big plus if you’re spending a lot of time in the city. EU roaming is included. Resellers include the two we recommended, Aldi Talk and Blau, as well as Ortel Mobile and Ay Yildiz.

Cheapo food for thought

If you really want to save, you might want to consider whether you need a SIM Card at all. You could also just put your phone in flight mode and seek out Wi-Fi at hotspots. There are lots of free Wi-Fi spots all over the country. If it doesn’t work out, you can always hop over to Aldi for that trusty SIM Card.

Have you used SIM Cards in Germany or elsewhere in Europe? Tell us your strategies for saving on your phone bill!

The post The best Sim Cards in Germany to save on your phone bill appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.