We are traveling to Dubai, UK and Europe in the next few weeks and wanted some advice on a sim card for my Ipad. I mainly need the simcard for checking emails and using google maps throughout our trip as are driving through London, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and finishing in Barcelona and the cruising the Mediterranean to the Greek Islands.
Is there a simcard that will cover these areas? Can I buy it whilst in Australia to when I arrive in London
Any advice would be appreciated
Barb
Barb,
While it is possible to find a network provider that will cover all those areas, the cost will likely not be cheap. Of special concern is cruising the Mediterranean to the Greek Islands as cellular coverage on board cruise ships is often very expensive. Using the Wi-Fi provided on the ship might be the best option in that case. The least expensive option will be to use the free Wi-Fi provided in your hotels, and not bother with a SIM card.
Is there a reason you need to be continuously connected to the internet via cellular data? This is one option that was mentioned on another thread here on the forum - https://www.skyroam.com/
You could also buy a SIM card in London, but be sure you're clear on how to top it up when you leave the U.K. Once you arrive in London, visit the nearest Carphone Warehouse and they should be able to set up an appropriate plan for your needs.
Do you happen to use T-Mobile domestically? My plan with them includes very good international coverage in something like 180 countries.
I think you can download routes via google maps and use them offline if the sim card situation doesn't work out. And won't your hotels or wherever you're staying have wifi for checking emails?
I picked up a Vodafone SIM in London last month for my phone. Big value bundle package included 1GB of data for use within the U.K. and 500mb in their roaming area which includes much of Europe. All for just £15 and valid for a month. Higher data amounts were available at higher price points. Worked fine in London and Switzerland.
http://www.vodafone.co.uk/shop/bundles-and-sims/sim-only-deals/index.htm#bundle-list
Headed to 2 countries in Europe soon and my plan is to bring a 'burner' and rely on free wifi. I've also invested in a VPN service for additional security using free wifi with all my devices, including the burner. I added all of the apps that I needed for travel on that phone.
