Mobile Phones and SIM Cards in Europe
Need to make calls in Europe? Figure out your best option, whether it's bringing a cell phone from home, buying a prepaid phone, renting a European mobile phone, or purchasing a European SIM card. What is a SIM card? Find out below!
Once you've purchased a mobile phone in Italy, you can consider the full makeover.
Mobile Phones 101
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The standard mobile-phone network in Europe, and much of the world, is called GSM. Some American mobile-phone companies — most notably AT&T and T-Mobile — use the same GSM technology as in Europe. Others (including Verizon and Sprint) use a different system called CDMA that is incompatible with European networks.
Within the GSM network, different regions operate on different bands. The United States uses two bands, and most of Europe uses two other bands. A GSM phone that's tri-band or quad-band operates on both US bands, plus one or both European bands — so it works well at home and abroad.
The "identity" of a GSM mobile phone — your phone number and account information — is stored on a removable fingernail-sized chip, called a SIM card, which slides into the phone. The phone won't work without a SIM card.
Some phones are electronically "locked" so that you can't switch SIM cards — therefore, you must stay loyal to your original service provider. But you can usually get this lock removed — or "unlocked" — allowing you to replace the original SIM card with one from a different company. This is especially useful if you want to use the phone in multiple countries, as you can buy a different SIM card in each one. While switching SIM cards may sound intimidating, it's actually quite simple: Just pop it out and put in the new one (usually located on the side of the phone or behind the battery).
If you venture outside your mobile phone's home area, you're roaming. Making calls when you're roaming in a foreign country can be expensive. To avoid high roaming fees, some Europeans switch SIM cards as they cross borders. (The European Union regulates roaming fees within their territory — but if you're roaming with a non-EU SIM card, it could be pricey.)
Texting (also known as SMS, or short message service) is much cheaper than calling — usually 5 to 10 cents to send and nothing to receive (potentially more if you're roaming outside your SIM card's home country).
Europeans might not understand the American term "cell phone." Try "mobile" (pronounce it the way Brits do — rhymes with "smile") or "Handy" (most common in Germany).
By Rick Steves
Imagine the efficiency of getting driving instructions from your hotel as you approach; or letting your friend know that your train is late but you're on your way; or being reachable day or night by loved ones back home (or a lost travel partner). Pay phones are sufficient for many travelers. But if you're willing to spend more for the convenience of calling from wherever you are, a mobile phone will come in handy.
You have three mobile-phone options: Take your American phone (if it works in Europe), buy a phone in Europe, or rent a phone. No matter what kind of phone you use, as you cross each border, you'll usually receive a text message welcoming you to the new country's network and explaining how to use their services. If you're traveling within the European Union, the message will indicate how much it costs to make and receive calls in the country you're in. Be aware that having people call you on your European mobile phone number typically costs them much more than calling a fixed line (the rates can be as much as double). It might be cheaper for them to phone you at your hotel, rather than calling your mobile.
First, figure out whether your phone works in Europe. Many T-Mobile and AT&T phones work fine abroad, while only specialized phones from Verizon or Sprint do — check your operating manual (look for "tri-band" or "quad-band"). If your Verizon phone doesn't work in Europe, they'll loan you one that does for a one-time shipping fee — described below, under "Renting a Mobile Phone."
Your mobile-phone service provider likely has an international plan, which allows you to roam throughout Europe using your own phone number. Most US providers charge $1.30 to $2 per minute to make or receive calls in Western Europe, and 20 to 50 cents to send or receive text messages, with no additional fees. (Rates for roaming in Eastern Europe vary, but are generally higher.)
Before you leave, call your mobile-phone service provider to ask whether your phone will work in Europe, what the rates are, whether there are any other fees (such as for data roaming — explained later), and whether you need to activate international calling on your plan. (This is usually free, though some companies also have the option of paying a monthly fee to lower the per-minute charges — but remember to deactivate this service when you return.) Mobile-phone companies have received furious complaints from customers who've rung up huge bills because they didn't realize they were incurring roaming charges, so they can be a little over-the-top in making sure you understand all the potential costs. But it's better to be informed.
A few caveats: You'll be charged for incoming calls, even if you don't answer them (and, in some cases, even if your phone is turned off) — so tell your friends and co-workers not to call except in emergencies. And smartphones (such as the iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry) can incur hefty fees for data roaming.
If the rates are high or you plan on making a lot of calls, ask your mobile-phone provider for the code to "unlock" your phone. (You can also pay a third-party company for an unlock code, but it's less reliable.) Once your phone is unlocked, you can buy and change SIM cards as you travel (explained below). Rather than using your American number, you'll have a European number...and pay cheaper European rates.
Using a European Phone
It can be surprisingly affordable to buy a basic "pay as you go" mobile phone in Europe. Shop around at the ubiquitous corner phone marts or at mobile-phone counters in big department stores. No contracts are necessary — most phones come loaded with prepaid calling time — and additional minutes are usually easy to buy.
Your basic choice is between a phone that's "locked" to work with a single provider (starting around $20 for the most basic models), or a more versatile "unlocked" phone that allows you to switch out SIM cards to access multiple networks (starting around $60). To save even more, look for special promotions or shops that sell used phones. (You can also buy European phones online from the US, but it's generally cheaper and easier to get one in Europe.)
Renting a Mobile Phone: These days, car-rental companies, mobile-phone companies, and even some hotels offer the option to rent a mobile phone with a European number. While this seems convenient, hidden fees (such as high per-minute charges or expensive shipping costs) can really add up — which usually makes it a bad value. One exception is Verizon's Global Travel Program (available only to Verizon customers). If your Verizon phone won't work in Europe, you can pay a one-time $20 shipping fee to borrow a Europe-compatible phone that can make calls at the regular international rates (generally $1.50 to $2 per minute). The phone uses your regular phone number and can even carry over your contacts. As long as you send it back within 30 days, there are no additional rental fees or charges.
Buying SIM Cards
If you have an unlocked phone — whether brought from the US or purchased in Europe — you can buy a SIM card to make it work in Europe. Remember that a SIM card is a small, fingernail-size chip that stores your phone number and other information. If your phone is unlocked, getting your own European phone number is surprisingly easy and cheap.
Each country has various service providers, all of whom sell their own SIM cards. Since these companies are very competitive, they're pretty much the same — just look for the best rates. SIM cards, which generally cost around $5–15, come with a European phone number and starter credit. These days, mobile-phone companies are working hard to attract customers; I've bought a few SIM cards that came with more calling credit than the cost of the card (for example, a €5 card that includes €7 of credit) — making the SIM card effectively free.
While you can buy European SIM cards online from the US, they're usually overpriced. Just buy one when you arrive in Europe. In some places, getting a SIM card is as simple as buying a pack of gum. For instance, in Greece, I walked up to a newsstand and bought a SIM card for about $5; in the Brussels train station, I bought one from a vending machine. But other countries are regulating SIM cards more carefully, so you might have to fill out some paperwork and show your passport before buying the card.
Though you can buy SIM cards at newsstands in many countries, don't expect much help from the newsstand vendor. For first-timers, it's often worth the extra time to go to a mobile phone shop, where an English-speaking clerk can help you explore your options, get your SIM card inserted and set up, and show you how to use it. (The mobile phone desk in a big department store is another good place to check.) Note that some mobile phone shops sell SIM cards for only one provider, while others offer a wide range. Unless you're certain you want a particular company, look for a place that gives you several options, then ask the clerk which one is best for the types of calls you're going to make. (Mostly domestic or international calls? Are you using it only in that country, or planning to "roam" with it across a border?) Also ask for a list of calling rates: for making phone calls and sending text messages — both domestic and international — and for roaming (if you'll be leaving the country).
When you first insert a new SIM card, you might be prompted to enter the "SIM PIN" (a code number that came with your SIM card). In some cases, you'll be asked for this every time you turn on the phone — which can be a hassle. Fortunately, this feature can usually be disabled; look through your phone's menu and security features, or ask the shop clerk for help.
Text messages and other instructions from the service provider are generally in another language. It's often possible to switch this to English — again, get help from the shop clerk.
Be sure you know how to check your remaining credit balance. This is different for each phone company, but generally you'll enter a three-digit number, then #, then hit "send." The remaining amount should pop up on your screen. You can buy additional prepaid credit as you go: Buy a printed voucher from your European provider at a mobile-phone shop or newsstand, then punch in the numbers from the voucher to add the time to your phone.
Before leaving the shop, go through the entire process, from turning on the phone, to checking your credit balance, to actually making a call — to the store, or, for fun, to the shop clerk's personal phone.
Rates: If you're calling from the SIM card's home country, you'll generally pay around 10 to 20 cents per minute for domestic calls to fixed lines, and nothing to receive calls. (Calls to mobile phones tend to be more expensive.) Calling the US can cost $1 per minute or more — but using an international phone card with your mobile phone can bring that cost down to pennies.
A SIM card works most affordably in the country where you buy it. If you roam with the SIM card in another country, call prices go up, and you pay to receive incoming calls. If your SIM card is from a European Union (EU) country, fees are regulated when roaming within the EU: You'll pay no more than about 55 cents per minute to make calls or 21 cents per minute to receive calls. If your SIM card is from a non-EU country — or if you're traveling in one — roaming fees can be much higher. If you'll be making a lot of calls, it can be cheaper to buy a new SIM card for that country.
Tips: Be aware that most European SIM cards expire after a certain period of inactivity (typically 3–12 months) — including any credit you have left on the card. So saving your Italian SIM card for next year's trip isn't a sure thing.
Remember to store your phone numbers in the phone itself, rather than on the SIM card — or you'll lose access to them when you switch SIMs. When storing phone numbers, include the plus (+) sign and the country code so your calls will go through, regardless of where you're calling from.
The Bottom Line on Mobile Phones
Here's a wrap-up of my advice for those who want to go mobile.
If your American mobile phone will work in Europe...take it and use it if you have a reasonable calling plan. If you will be making lots of calls, first get it "unlocked" so you can switch out the SIM card in Europe (and get better rates). If you have a smartphone, disable data roaming or invest in an international data plan.
If your American phone won't work in Europe... buy a new phone when you reach your destination. If you're planning to visit multiple countries, make sure it's an "unlocked" phone so you can change SIM cards as you cross borders. The only rental program I'd entertain is Verizon's, which is a decent deal for its customers.
I've roamed with my American phone in two dozen different countries, and it's become a convenience I can't live without. But mobile phones aren't for everyone: If your trip is brief, if you'll be visiting several countries in a relatively short period of time, or if you just really want to be on vacation, you can easily get by using public pay phones.
Updated for 2011. For lots more tips, check out our best-selling Europe Through the Back Door travel skills guidebook.