International sim card - Use your phone while traveling Europe
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ย. 2018
- You need data when you are traveling - to load maps, to keep in touch with friends and family back home, to check train schedules and more. Chris explains how easy it is to buy a prepaid SIM card in Europe and he shows you how to install the prepaid SIM card into your iPhone. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked before you leave to travel and you can easily swap out and use a new SIM card.
We’ve found that using iMessage and FaceTime with our iCloud account is the easiest way to text with other iPhone users.
For our non-iPhone friends and family, we tell them to install the WhatsApp app and we can send texts, make phone calls and video calls all using data only. Be sure to set this up before you travel using your US phone number. Then you can continue using that US phone number with WhatsApp.
Another thing to note - if you do make phone calls or texts to friends back in the US, you might need to add the +1 country code to their phone number in your Contacts. By default, none of our contacts had the +1 added and we couldn’t figure out why our calls weren’t going through at first!
Music: Electro Dollars by Rondo Brothers
We are Sandra, Chris and James the Poodle and this is Our Big Adventure! Join us as we travel with our dog around the US and Europe and be sure to check out our blog at OurBigAdventure.com - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
One of the best walk through I have seen on using your phone in Europe.
Thank you so much! You deserve more subscribers. Your video is the only one that helped me understand about using SIM cards abroad.
It'll be my first time traveling solo to Holland. No clue how to get service for my US phone but this video really helps out alot! Thanks a bunch!
Thanks!! Great video. Super helpful
Great video. I clarified many questions. Thanks for sharing
This was so helpful! Thank u so much 😊
Thanks so much! This is very helpful!
Thank you. This was so helpful.
Thank you for sharing.
This video was extremely helpful.
You must be a Teacher.
thank you so much. easy to understand
One feature that is available for most new phones is an eSim. That allows you to keep your existing SIM card in the phone and use the eSim for the international card. Most new phones allow one physical sim and on eSim and both can be set to function at the same time (or, of course, you can chose to your US Sim card off until you get back in the US).
What is the difference between a SIM card and an eSIM card? A SIM card is a chip that is physically installed or removed inside your phone with your carrier's plan. An eSIM (embedded sim) is built-in to your phone and downloads your carrier's plan indirectly.
Nice! Thanks Gary
Thanks for explaining! We are definitely going to do that eSIM thing when we switch to Mint Mobile this week. No clue if it'll work, but it sounds a good idea! LOL
@@MagentaOtterTravels We have Mint mobile and it worked about as close to seamlessly as it can be.
Thank you. You're the dad I never had.
Good information! Thanks!
Btw I bought a prepaid 12gb Europe SIM card $49, once I reached Germany. I activate the card n can use immediately. Don’t have to choose the amount. Well, different country sell different cards. Thanks
Love this video. I am a traveler and I always get ripped off for cell phone charges. Just to be clear, was your phone in "Airplane Mode" when you switched the SIM CARD? Do you take it off of Airplane Mode once you get the new SIM CARD put in? AND finally, did you have to back up your phone before you removed the American SIM card? I'm probably making this more complicated than it needs to be, but I'm OCD about this kind of stuff. Thanks for this video!
Actually no, I just grabbed the phone and swapped the card. If it was in Airplane mode it was probably because we had just arrived. Swapping the SIM card doesn’t affect anything on the phone except the cell capabilities. Sometimes you have to reboot after but not always.
Great. Thank you for your reply. Happy traveling. 💜👍🏼📷
Where did you buy SIM card ? Can we buy prepaid SIM cards in relay store in Paris airport and use in any unlocked phone ?
oh my word. been watching youtube on this subject for over an hour and you guys are the FIRST people to show how it actually works! So it doesn't erase your apps or anything?? is it better to buy from 711 or go to a cell phone shop?
It doesn’t erase anything just switches your carrier. And you can get a sim just about anywhere. If you want more help I’d say to go to a phone shop. Since we hade done it before it was fast and easy to just go to the 711
This is very helpful thank youu
Glad it was helpful!
@@ourbigadventure can you recommend places to go in europe i have an internship in Portugal this summer and thinking about going to another two countries
Love
@@TheAhmed123456789 We love Southern France along the Med :)
So you back up to iCloud. Do you lose any apps/ contacts / pictures / existing messages ? I’m planning on moving and want to keep existing hand set .. I’ve heard people can use phone like they would at home getting a contract with local provider .. thanks. I’m paranoid about losing stuff on my phone ..
Thank you
Good Stuff 👍
I pay £20 PM for lte now 5g unlimited data, I also have unlimited hotspot use. Unlimited minutes and text. As for roaming. I can use 19gb per overseas trip. In over 70 countries.
From what I have read. Americans are ripped off big time with sim card charges
Great explanation, but still not sure if I will use my same phone number from the US with the different country code or if a new number comes with the SIM card. I will need to communicate with local people in Belgium so want to give out phone number in advance of my arrival.
The new number comes preassigned to the card. If you want something that just works everywhere take a look at Google Fi. I’m working on a video for that and will be posting in in a few weeks.
Unfortunately, as of right now, to cover the cellular bands used around the world, there are multiple separate models for cellular devices. They have been optimized for use in the country/region of purchase, and not all models work in all countries or regions. For example, unlocking a US Galaxy S23 will let you use it on another carrier in the USA and Puerto Rico, but not outside of it. However, unlocking a European S23 will allow you to use it in Taiwan and Hong Kong but not mainland China (first time ever for an international model). Your best bet is to either get an international plan and keep your current model, or get a local SIM and buy a new model optimized for that region.
I'm in my country, and when i decided to travel do i have to removing my phone number especially my phone number already with my Gmail and my accounts in social media, and when i get to the country that i want to go, and buying a new SIM card there, or buying international SIM card or kinda something like that?
Hello! Thank you so so much for this video! I have a question- I plan on traveling so several different countries for a few months at a time and purchasing sim cards in each country. I have Verizon here in the US on a pre-paid plan. Can I cancel my prepaid plan back in the US with Verizon if I'm using a sim card in a different country? You purchased a plan through another company meaning you wouldn't have needed your Verizon or T-Mobile services during that time, correct? I don't want to have to pay for Verizon here for a year if I won't be here if I don't have to. Thank you so much for your time! I appreciate it :)
Royce is a very interesting name choice. I remember a Royce.. taught yoga .. And look at you now.. traveling through the north west coast. Good for you. I wonder if you ever met someone with the memory abilities.. you told me once not to fuck you over.. I didn’t.. remember?
Does this work in Asian countries and how do you know when it’s ran out and does this include calls and texts or not
Do you have to keep your phone on airplane mode all the time to avoid roaming charges even after installing European SIM card ?
Thank you so much for this video! Very easy to follow! Would I need to buy a simcard in every country in Europe? Or can I just continue to use the same card?
Generally you can use the same card. But plans do vary for minutes and data so be sure to read the details on the plan to find the one that works best for the countries you want to visit. It’s also easy to switch if you find a better one too
Just to confirm, if I buy a sim card in France, I can use it in every other EU country?
Verizon travel pass gives near nothing, not even 1 GB for $10 per day. Its the worst.
Any of the 'International' add ons are going to be a rip. We've found the prepaid cards so easy to obtain and use that it's just easier to switch as needed. Germany is a little tougher because they require a video chat, your passport number, etc. to activate the cards.
Just picked up a GoogleFi card and had a chance to play with it a bit. We will be posting a video about it once it's edited.
Noahvis4 Gaming I’ve heard you can purchase a code online line for these situations. Might want to look into it. Another TH-cam video mentioned it in his video.
Do you get a phone number with the sim card??
Thank you! Will I still get messages on WhatsApp on my USA number? Will my contacts be the same or do I have to enter them?
You will get WhatsApp messages on your US number and contacts will be same
What the name of simcard
Thanks. Very cool leather jacket...what brand?
It's a Carlo Sacchi made in Spain. To be honest I wasn't sure about the elastic cuffs at first but it helps the fit. I went into the store looking for a Bomber Jacket because I like the style but this one was a great fit and I could wear it over a sweater or fleece if it needed to be warmer.
Nice im from denmark to, i was wondering if a snapdragon 865+ samsung note 20 ultra could use a danish sim card and work
If you have questions on compatibility you should probably ask at one of the local stores.
Does your phone number stay the same for both SIM Cards?
Very helpful. Thanks. I'm always unsure whether texts travel by email address or phone number. If someone from the US texts me when I go on a trip to Spain, don't some texts go to my phone number rather than my email address? If I understood correctly, a new SIM card will give me a new phone number. That new phone number will be fine if the tour director on my trip needs to reach me, but if someone back in the States sends me a text message, or needs to call me, will I not receive it until I get home and re-install my Verizon SIM card? I'm sure you didn't send your new Danish phone number to all of your contacts. Did you give out your new phone number just to immediate family members you wanted to hear from while on vacation? Did other messages just trickle through when you got back to the States?
This is a great question! Yes, you get a new phone number with the new sim card. If you are on an iPhone the phone will ask if you want to add that new number to your Apple ID, you can always remove the number later. (I'm not sure if Android does the same thing). On an iPhone, anyone using iMessage will still be able to reach you. We basically did exactly what you describe, give your new number to people you may need to hear from and get your other messages when you get back. When we are overseas we prefer to use WhatsApp which will associate with your phone number. Then people can reach you from an iPhone or Android with WhatsApp for calls and text messages. Set it up before you leave with your US number and just remember NOT TO UPDATE your WhatsApp phone number when you put the new sim card in. Let us know if you have any other questions and we will try to help!
@@ourbigadventure I tought wasapp is free and works anywhere u travel only if there is wifi around
do you have to make sure your phone is unlocked first or are US carriers like AT&T more flexible about that kind of thing?
Yes, your phone has to be unlocked. Or if you are like me and still have an older phone lying around you can always unlock that one and use it while you are traveling.
I have read that yes, you do have to have the phone unlocked to switch the sim card.
What does it mean to have your phone unlocked and when you are prompted to enter your number, which number is that? Is it a number on the packaging?
7-11?! everyone wants a piece of America in their country. anyway, video was helpful. thanks.
7-11 is VERY different in most countries than in the US.
Do they sell sims in the airport? I might go to rome in February
I’m not sure, but you can find SIM cards in a ton of stores so I wouldn’t be surprised to find them at the airport. Just be sure to have a paper clip or tool with you so you can swap it out.
@nick si muzica they actually sold sim cards in the airport,by the way Rome is an amazing fkn place ❤️
great video info... does this work with most carriers as I have Cricket mobile .
If your phone is unlocked you can switch your card any time you want
@@ourbigadventure What happens if you travel to different countries? Is there a Sim card you can use for different countries instead of having to buy one for each country?
How about Canadian cell users
You said that Verizon told you that it would be $10 a day but here you are taking out a tmobile SIM Card from the iPhone
Yes, that’s true! We use two different carriers on our phones in the US to be sure we can get data if we need it. The first phone (with the Verizon card) was my test run, this one was for the video.
As for the two carriers, in Angel Fire New Mexico T-Mobile is the only carrier. In Page, AZ you can’t get AT&T. But for most of the Mountain Time Zone T-Mobile is very spotty while Verizon is more reliable.
We use the prepaid cards to have more flexibility in the event that one of us doesn’t have service somewhere.
So, I’m in the military and I’m getting deployed to Greece and Germany. I’ll be there for 10 months and I’m trying to find a wireless that works over there.
Any recommendations? I was searching in t mobile and they said it works in Europe without extra cost
As military you may have some extra benefits for keeping your plan overseas. If there is no extra cost give it a try and if it doesn’t work for you then at least you tried. We’ve never been to Greece so I can’t suggest anything there but in Germany we used Aldi Talk. You do have to do a video chat and show a passport to activate a plan in Germany due to German law. But you can always ask on base if they have any suggestions as well. Stay safe and thank you for your service!
What does it mean to have your phone unlocked and when you are prompted to enter your number, which number is that? Is it a number on the packaging?
Unlocked means you are not making payments on the phone. Phone companies put a carrier lock on your phone if you owe them money, you can call to get you phone unlocked as long as it’s paid off.
Did you bring the Poodle from the US?
We did! We came from Washington, DC
What documents are needed to be sunmitted to get a sim card in Europe? Will an Asian passport be enough?
Some countries require documents and others do not. Your passport will usually be enough but you may need to ask when buying the card.
will my uber app work fine if i buy and use a local prepaid sim card abroad?
I can't answer that, we didn't use Uber overseas
At 4:43 are you entering your U.S. phone number, or something else?
I have straight talk with walmart. Will this work in France?
It will. Just make sure your phone is unlocked.
@@ourbigadventure Thank you
Small one is called a nano card.
I have ATT in the USA. Do I need to get my phone unlocked first?
Yes! Definitely make sure your phone is unlocked
I chose a different route than what is described in this video. I activated international roaming on my AT&T plan while traveling to India. It was $10 a day for unlimited calls, text and data. If used consecutively, for a maximum of 10 days and the remaining month for free. This turned out perfect for me because I wanted to stay connected to the US via phone and not be confined to a data limit, as I am a heavy user. The other advantage for me using it this way was that the phone would scan and switch to the best available network in that particular area or you could choose the network you want to connect to as compared to being limited to only one if you choose a local sim with a data cap. For a maximum of $100 extra, this option was the well worth it for me. I also took my US cable TV channels with me using TH-cam TV and paired it with express VPN to bypass the location restrictions. Some local carriers block the use of personal hotspot, but with my international roaming plan, I used personal hotspot flawlessly on my iphone 13 mini. I was fortunate that India was part of the 230 countries AT&T had alliances with otherwise I wouldn’t get the same low rate. You should check to see on their website if the country you’re traveling to is one of those countries and then activate the international roaming otherwise you can consider a local Sim. I hope this information helped and by the way, I did not have to get my phone unlocked to travel to India, or use international roaming & data speeds were just like in the US at least for me, your experience might be different.
Once the new sim is activated are your iMessages sent on a new number or on your original phone number?
And if it’s the new number, how do I change that? Right now I’m still sending iMessages on my original #
You get a new number with your new sim
You get a new number with your new sim
how do you link up a payment method/source?
You don’t have to but they will have a website where you can ‘top off’ your account. These are prepaid cards so your first month is included.
@@ourbigadventure thanks!
I'm Norwegian traveling to the U.S. Can I bring my phone and do the same? Do you have sim card?
Unfortunately the prepaid cards are very expensive. Make sure you have the data saver on and synchronisation off.
Don't know about Denmark but in Norway you need a type of social security identifying number, but just go to an immigrants store. They'll know what to do and will help you.
Yes, as long as your phone is unlocked you can get a sim in the US too. Cheaper sims are at big stores like WalMart but you may find one with better coverage from a phone store. T-Mobile, ATT and Verizon are our big three and all are nationwide.
Mostly, yes. There are complications with t-Mobile because not all international phones have band 71.
Is this sim suitable for any cellphone?
I'm not an expert on that but it worked fine in my iPhone. If you are on an Android you should check out Google Fi and simply laugh that all of us on iPhones have to swap SIM cards like this.
@@ourbigadventure this is significantly cheaper than Google Fi
Do you keep your American number on the prepaid?
No you will get a local number. If you want to keep your number for international travel, check out Google Fi. You may not be able to hot-spot in some countries but you will have your number and usable data.
@@ourbigadventure Thank you!
So when it asks for an address to activate it, what do you put if you’re just traveling? And does this give you a new phone number?
Put in your home address and if it won't take that address you can put in the address of your airbnb or hotel. And yes, you will get a new phone number. It will have the country code of where you bought the SIM. The little card that comes with your SIM has the phone number on it. We have a US Google Voice number that we use for our WhatsApp so our friends and family can always reach us at the same number. WhatsApp will ask if you want to use the new number but we always tell it to keep our old number.
Does it work in all of Europe
All of the cards we have bought have worked in all of Europe except Switzerland. We bought new SIM cards there.
Just remember to take good care of your home phone sim card so that you don't lose it. It's so small that I end up scotch taping it inside my passport.
Does your phone have to be unlocked in order to do this?
Yes
What does this mean ?
@@1ovesyou means that it’s not locked to be used with a certain carrier. Like you can only use your phone with Verizon.
@@joshie19922 thanks for letting me know!@
Does my phone need to be unlocked for this to work?
Yes
What the simcard for international
Can you use your same number?
No, the number goes with the card
This didn’t work for me ☠️
This is why they will do away with all cash for real transactions.... your forced to put in a NAME and address that will have to be accurate and all match with credit card info.... your you then your location will be tracked every second
Get a 3 SIM it's a 4g sim