Heading to Germany in sept for 15 days, Frankfurt, Wurzberg, and Munich. I’ll then be heading to Dublin and then back to Croatia and through a few more countries within Western Europe.
Canadian carriers have cranked up their roaming to $15 a day which is prohibitivly expensive to use over 3 months. Just wondering if it’s possible to purchase a data SIM card in Germany that will work for much of Europe? Preferably in Frankfurt if at all possible
Yes, whatever SIM you purchase in Germany will work elsewhere in Europe, because the European Union introduced free roaming a few years ago. Even a few non-EU countries (like Norway) participate.
Perfect thank you
You'll be hard pressed to find a "tourist" data SIM card in Europe that won't require some kind of renewal after 30-days.
Also, my own experience with German data SIM card providers is, generally, they are the most expensive with the least amount of data included in their plans. Do your research before heading out!
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Having said that it looks like things might have improved, considerably, with Vodafone Germany offerings - still not that great on the data offering, but at least improvement on the price -
https://www.traveltomtom.net/destinations/europe/germany/best-prepaid-german-sim-card-for-tourists
You can simply buy a prepaid SIM, no need for renewal. And no, Vodafone has by no means the best offers in that field. I wouldn't recommend buying at the airport either. Go to a shop run by Turkish or Arab people around the station, they have way more expertise than those smart guys at the airport. Please note that you have to register any SIM. Insist that it's done on the spot. If they are not able to do that buy elsewhere.
In terms of renewal and registration are you creating an account with the provider to top up or how does that work?
Also will I need a passport etc. to purchase one? I know some countries seem to be sticklers in terms of selling non-residents sims?
(1) In terms of renewal and registration are you creating an account with the provider to top up or how does that work?
(2) Also will I need a passport etc. to purchase one?
(1) yes, you create an account and deposit a certain amount. When that is used up, there are various ways to replenish it, e.g. charging the credit card via an SMS.
(2) Yes, an ID card / paassport is necessary (same for residents).
back to Croatia
Are you in Coratia before? As far as I know, this is one of the EU countries where you can still buy a SIM without registration.
Nah unfortunately not in Croatia until about 20-25 days into the trip.
Will a German/EU SIM card work in the UK?
Since you just want data, you might want to consider an eSIM data plan, which is card-free and involves downloading a QR code to activate, then you have an additional SIM plan on your phone. You use the new plan for all cellular roaming but can still keep your regular phone number for messages, WhatsApp, and other apps you would use over wifi.
There are quite a few posts on the Technology Tips forum about eSIM data plans. I used one when I was in Germany for 30 days and it worked very well and only cost me $15 for 30 days of 5Gb.
Just back from Italy and Greece. Purchased SIM cards in both countries as Italy card didn't work well in Greece. Check your USA provider. We found out, after the fact, that Verizon had a $100 international plan good for 30 days. They also have a $10 a day international plan. Just got my Verizon bill and there was a big surcharge for providing service on the $10/day plan - need to check that out tomorrow. Unfortunately, having a cell phone with data is almost a must in today's world of traveling - communication with locals via Whatsapp; checking on reservations/whether sites are open/hours of operation; or just getting tickets/boarding passes online.
