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US cell phone use in Eastern Europe?

We are headed to several countries in Eastern Europe with AT&T (locked) cell phones. We are seeking recommendations for what we should do for cell phone communication while we are there. We are wondering if we can set them on wifi only and use WhatsApp. Additionally, we thought we could bring an old, unlocked phone to purchase a SIM card that will work as a regular phone while we are there (will it work in all countries, or do we need one for each country)? The latter will allow us to make calls locally. Not sure how calls from the US work on our regular US numbers...? Thank you for your advice.

Posted by
5687 posts

Yes, you can certainly keep your AT&T phones in Airplane Mode (but then turn on WiFi) so you won't incur any roaming charges from AT&T. Just use them only on WiFi. But you'd also have the option of using AT&T's $10/day international roaming plan - pay that only on days you use your phone besides WiFi. You may be able to use "WiFi Calling" to make/receive regular calls without the $10 roaming while you are on WiFi. Depends on whether your phone supports the "WiFi calling" feature (ask AT&T).

Yes, you can use VOIP apps like WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, and Skype to make voice calls. Google Hangouts lets you make free calls to US numbers, even to landlines (in case your phones don't support WiFi calling). WhatsApp is popular in Europe, so if you need to communicate with locals, they may already be on WhatsApp. Otherwise, you can call any phone with Google Hangouts or Skype for a few cents a minute (say while you are on WiFi), after you've added some credit to your account. You can install any or all of these apps if you wish.

To dial an international number from your US phone, type the + sign (hold down the zero key), then the country code, then the number (drop the leading zero if there is one, except for Italy):

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

Sure, if you have an unlocked phone that will work in Europe (not all of them do, especially older phones), you can bring it and buy a SIM card. The EU has done away with most roaming fees, so you should be able to use one SIM for all countries, but the prices depend on the individual SIM and mobile company. But if you just need to make an occasional local call, you might be better off with Skype or Google Hangouts on WiFi instead of fooling with another phone and buying a SIM card.

Posted by
8859 posts

Consider the ATT passport monthly plan. For $60, 1 GB data, unlimited messaging, phone service. Sign up for 1 month at a time. It works for me because I don't really make calls, but it would allow my elderly parents to call me the way that they usually do in the event of an emergency. I like the unlimited messaging feature and usually just operate off wi-fi to keep data usage down. However, there is some data if I need it.

There is a small charge per minute for phone calls.

Posted by
8 posts

Thank you, both, very much! This is very helpful. We will look into the ATT options that are available with our plan and our phones. Does it matter where we purchase the SIM cards - at the airport, hotel, other?

Posted by
5687 posts

You don't mention which countries you will be visiting. Each country has different rules for the sale of SIM cards. In some countries, you can buy them at convenience stores and kiosks. In other countries, you need to show your passport to register and activate a SIM card, probably at mobile store (like an AT&T or Verizon store). If you aren't confident about using a SIM, it can be easier to get an agent at a mobile to set it all up for you. But as far as prices, it probably doesn't matter that much.

Posted by
35 posts

Recently spent 2 1/2 weeks in Austria and Czech Republic. Used the ATT 1GB plan for $60, for emergencies or quick research when needed. Didn’t come close to exceeding the limit.

With all of the WiFi spots available, it is easy to get a connection, at least where we were. I spent way more time pre-trip looking into options than was necessary, in hindsight.

Have a good trip.

Posted by
5687 posts

But WiFI hotspots don't really help me when navigating with Google Maps for walking and public transit. It's just not practical to go seek out a WiFi hotspot each time you want to get to the next place - at least, it hasn't been for me. You need data. 1GB might be enough for a few weeks if you are really conservative with the data - I guess had I chosen a locked phone like that with AT&T then I'd have to, but if you don't have that problem - if you have an unlocked phone - buying a SIM card is really cheap and practical, to make your phone more useful for on-the-fly navigation for low cost.

Posted by
226 posts

I don't remember the details, but I opted to add one of AT&T's international plans a couple of years ago. I believe it was about $50 extra for one month. Phone worked perfectly for calls and texting (both within Europe and back to the U.S.) and data, for significant - GPS mapping, booking hotels and tickets, etc. in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Romania. There were also many AT&T WiFi hotspots throughout this corridor that allowed me to conserve data.

Posted by
8 posts

Thank you, all, for these excellent tips! I think we may look into Skype + local SIM cards. Really great ideas - thank you!