For those of us traveling internationally, what is the best approach to cell phones? if we want to be able to use it at all, is there such a thing as an international sim card? if so, where do we get one? is this the best option?... would it be better to buy a cheap phone in France and use it for any needs (like calling the hotel for instance).
any advice?
suzan
Verizon is my cell carrier. You can sign up on-line to turn on international. Each day you call it is $10. Also WhatsApp -need internet or data.
I just got back yesterday from 30 days in France, Belgium and Netherlands. I used the Verizon international $10/day program. I used it a LOT so next time will probably go with the monthly plan which is…
I just got back yesterday from 30 days in France, Belgium and Netherlands. I used the Verizon international $10/day program. I used it a LOT so next time will probably go with the monthly plan which is $100.
In Paris I used an app called CityMapper that is an excellent navigation program. Good for taking the metro and figuring out walking routes as well. I have a friend in Paris who recommended it and she was right on target. It's free.
I didn't think I would need it on my days on my RS tour but several people needed to call the leader who didn't have phones or didn't have international calling so I gladly loaned them mine.
I also wound up with all my independent travel museum tickets, rail tickets, airline boarding passes, various passenger locator forms and negative Covid test on my phone, either as screen shots or saved to the Notes function. I needed connectivity to be able to do that sometimes as well.
You can get an international sim card once you are in France. Many use a company called Orange BUT as I understand it the sim cards change from country to country. I have NOT used one so this is not experience talking!
~Pam
I have been traveling to Europe, mostly France, at least once a year. Several years ago I bought a sim from Le French Mobile that I can swap into my unlocked phone when I arrive in-country. It is good throughout the EU with different packages for France only and for EU. All reasonably priced. Mostly I use it for data when WiFi is not available, but I can give out the same phone # when I am making plans.
The customer support used to be very responsive, but not so much since Covid. All the help features online are in English. You can order the sim and have it delivered to your home in the US before your trip.