We'll be on the Best of Eastern Europe tour in a few weeks, and will also be taking a few days before and after for some extra sight-seeing. I'm curious what others have done recently regarding their phone and internet use during travel. I'd like the option to be able to call for an Uber pick up, talk to a restaurant/hotel owner, and do some map navigation when needed. What is the current recommended method of smart phone plan and usage while there? We'll be in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Croatia.
Posted by
2527 posts
A couple of years ago, I subscribed to Verizon's travel plan while in Europe...just wanted a tiny amount of data, etc. Worked fine. All other times, I just use WiFi/Skype to make calls, check e-mails, etc. I purchased a SIM card for my unlocked "smart" phone during an international trip apart from Europe....worked great. if you need to make calls on the fly, buying a SIM card at a local phone shop with staff installing and answering all questions, would seem to be the way to go. Gosh, how did we ever travel without "smart" phones and the Internet? Oh, I remember.
Posted by
Berkeley CA
1307 posts
On my recent 7 week trip I added the Verizon international plan for 2 months - you can do this without the start and stop dates corresponding to your regular plan monthly dates.
For $25/month you get 100 MB data and phone calls cost $1.79/minute and texts are, I think, 5 cents each.
I ran over my data one month by 35 MB and was charged an additional $25.
For $50/month you get 250 MB, everything else is the same.
If you need the data for maps, I'd recommend the $50 plan.
And you can download maps in advance so you can use them off-line.
I kept my phone on airplane mode most of the time and only turned on the data when I needed it.
Most hotels and cafes have free wifi -- you just have to ask for the password. (But it won't be very secure so I wouldn't access my bank or credit card accounts.)
I've used my phone with Verizon in all your destinations except the Czech Republic and Hungary. Verizon can tell you if those countries are covered, either with a call or chat or on their website.
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thanks so much for the quick replies thus far -- exactly the info I was looking for!
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
I also use Verizon's monthly plan...it is just enough for when I need to access the internet and don't have wi-fi handy. Wi-fi is so prevalent now that you don't need a lot of data for your phone. I also use Google maps offline so I don't eat up data...
Posted by
midwest- Michigan
489 posts
this is what we've found also. On another note, when letting your bank (ours was chase) they told us that we may not be able to get cash in Slovenia and Croatia .... not secure??? We had absolutely no trouble last fall.