Hello, I'm planning on traveling to Europe for 2 months and wish to get an international SIM card which works in all European countries, as opposed to having to get a new SIM card each time I enter a new country (because I will be visiting 10 different countries). Has anyone used Roam Simple, Call in Europe, or Telestial? I'm trying to figure out which will offer me the best plan. Also, does anyone have an opinion as to whether it is better to get a pre-paid or post-paid plan? A lot of people say pre-paid is a hassle because you have to keep adding money to your account. Also, you may wind up forfeiting some pre-paid credit if you leave for home before using all of your time. On the other hand [INVALID] with a pre-paid plan [INVALID] if your phone gets stolen in Europe [INVALID] you are only out the pre-paid money. On a post-paid plan, thieves can rack up thousands of dollars in long-distance charges. Does anyone have any insight into this? Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Patrick, I used Roam Simple for the first time this year, and was pleased with the service. In terms of "which will offer me the best plan", I'd suggest checking their websites carefully and perhaps phoning and talking to them (Roam Simple has a toll-free number, and I'm assuming the others do as well). ¶ The plan I used covered all of Europe and had consistent rates for all countries in the most travelled part of western Europe. Travel phone firms usually have their rates organized into "zones", so I likely would have paid more if travelling in eastern Europe. ¶ I used a post-paid plan, and wasn't really too concerned about the phone being stolen. I suppose that could happen, but I'm usually quite careful with my phone. I had the direct numbers for Roam Simple in my travel records, so could have phoned them from the Hotel (using a phone card or whatever) and had them cancel the SIM. ¶ Incidentally, I also travelled for two months this year in several countries. Good luck choosing a phone plan!
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
You seem to have the pros and cons of pre- and post-paid plans identified. No doubt you have a GSM phone which will work in Europe. It really depends upon how much you'll use a phone in Europe. If it's only occasionally, such as for emergencies, the international plan from your US carrier may be the simplest and cheapest answer for you. Otherwise, take s look at http://www.lebara-mobile.fr/en/index.php which has the best rates for France and very good for roaming outside France.