getting a SIM card for my phone?

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech

You should have no problem using WhatsApp when WiFi is available.

What service providers do you use? That will make a difference to what is best for you.

I utilized an eSIM so no fretting about with a physical card and could easily top-up my data as I was running too low.

As for WhatsApp, just make sure the app is running before you leave on your trip. I hadn't used it in a few years and attempted to sign-in while overseas....didn't work.

We get SIM cards delivered to us at home (US) before we leave, as our phones aren't eSIM compatible. They're good for data (varying limits available), talk and text while in Europe (but not to the US); we usually go through Simcorner, and find them very reasonably priced, and we know our phone numbers before we arrive, which can be handy when making reservations

I recently returned from France and used the eSim by Airolo. The plan only allowed data and I could make What'sApp calls and texts easily in Normandy, Loire Valley, and Paris. I can only discuss eSims, not regular Sim cards as I haven't had to use them.

A couple of things to note:

• You will need to verify whether your phones can accept an eSim, not all can.
• Purchase only the amount of data you need. Airolo allows you to easily add data to the eSim you install. The only gotcha is the French eSim doesn't provide notifications when you are running low, so check you the Airolo app to ensure you have enough data as you go through your trip.
• Not all merchants/vendors use What'sApp (most do, but not all).
• I always have a back-up plan for data. I have AT&T and I subscribe to the International Plan which means when I turn on the line, I pay $12/day. I only do that if I need to make a phone call to someone not on What'sApp.

Good info from SandyO. I'd add that you need to be sure your phones are not locked to your home service provider. Otherwise, sims or esims won't activate.

And I use Google Voice to make free calls to anywhere (or maybe it's a few cents per minute if international). It only needs data, either cell or wifi.

thank you Everyone, this is helpful!

Leah, it would also be helpful to know what phones you have.

Keep in mind that the iPhone 14s on up do not have a SIM card slot, so you would have to get an eSIM. Newer Android models have discontinued SIM cards as well, but I don't know which models.

Thank you, that is very helpful to know. I have an iphone 8, my folks have much newer models.

I’m currently in Paris and using an Airalo SIM card on my phone. The carrier happens to be Orange. I have an iPhone 16e and added the eSIM before I left the states. It had been wonderful. I use it when I’m away from wifi with Safari, Google maps, and Citymapper app to use transportation. It has been worth every penny.