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Internet Access via SmartPhone/Tablet

hi there,

I just want to confirm several things:

  1. If I buy a SIM CARD at CDG Airport, does it mean that I can go online directly? What provider do you suggest?
  2. If I want to travel from Paris to Brussels, Amsterdam, etc, can I still use the same SIM CARD with Internet Access or do I have to buy a new SIM CARD for every country I visit? If I still can use the same SIM CARD that I buy in Paris, will I be charged an international roaming while I use it on Brussels for INTERNET? I won't probably make a call, but I need it for internet
  3. How much does it cost?

I have read from this forum and I can see that there are many public WiFi available in Paris. However, still, I believe I need a sim card which allows me to go online on my smartphone

Any help is very much appreciated

Posted by
8319 posts

I switched to T Mobile because their $50 unlimited voice/data package has $.20 voice calls outside the home country. Data is free in Europe, and the service works exactly like at home. Best part is that there are no two year contracts and you can cancel the plan after a month.

We were in Budapest and the phone rang at 3:30 a.m. It was our 2 1/2 year old granddaughter calling on her mother's speed dial, and she wanted to talk to her Mimi.

A GSM AT&T phone that's been unlocked can be used on T Mobile's system. Verizon phones are incompatible.

Other cell services have international cell phone service, but many charge a $10 monthly fee and $.99 per minute. You can cancel the service after returning home.

I just find having to buy a SIM card every time you switch countries to be a hassle. If you have a problem with the SIM card, you'll call an 800 phone number where you'll get an automated attendant speaking Italian, or Hungarian.

Posted by
784 posts

You don"t need a SIM card to access wi-fi. The SIM is for voice/text and data (3G/4G). If you just want wi-fi, you just need to find a hot spot and sign on. Be careful about using unprotected public wi-fi for doing business, such as banking. You won't have trouble finding hotspots in France or Paris. If all else fails, go to McDonald's or Starbucks, but that is the only reason I would go to one while in Paris. Have a great trip