I was wondering if anyone has good recommendations for SIM cards for Europe? We will be spending 3 months going to a bunch of different countries. All we really care about is data. We're 6 weeks out from our trip so we could buy a SIM online and have time to get it mailed to us in Austin. Thoughts?
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
768 posts
Get a FreedomPop sim for about $1. They are advertised all the time on slickdeals.net
BUT, be sure to read the comments. The folks will tell you how to avoid extra charges.
The sim works with GSM phones and is located in the UK. I've used them, free, in France and Switz and USA for data (only).
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
Switch to tmobile for your trip. Switch back when you get home.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32766 posts
If your 3 month trip is only to Schengen countries you might overstay. The limit is 90 days not three months. That includes arrival and departure days. I am aware of severe penalties for only a one day accidental overstay.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
We're staying for 87 days.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1803 posts
Easiest option is to use an international plan with your US carrier. But this could get expensive.
Cheaper option may be to get a local SIM card once you get to Europe. Historically you would need to get a SIM card for each country. EU roaming rules should kick in mid June so the second half of your trip may be covered by it and allow low or no cost roaming within the EU.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
Don't over think this , Since my wife and I have been traveling in Europe ( seven years ) we have seen substantial change in communication technology . At the start , we used to buy SIM cards , Now we just take a plan from our US based carrier ( Verizon ) which is comparable price wise . The increasing ubiquity of wifi generally makes data access a non issue these days . We also stay about three months at a go , each Autumn .