Any thoughts of either for an iPhone?
In Germany a few years ago I had problems getting the sim to work.
Israel was a breeze. I bought extra data 10 g total for 3 weeks.
Im going to Poland in April.
I want to make a decision. If I decided on sim, is it best to get it in Warsaw proper instead of airport? I’m not looking for a kiosk. I’d be more comfortable with a wireless company.
Thanks
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
Data/cell service is SO much cheaper in other countries, I always buy a SIM when I'm somewhere for more than a few days.
I've had issues with iPhones on foreign SIMs—there was some deep-in setting that needed to be changed. An iOS system update made that automatic a few years ago, but I always buy from the company's retail store, not a 3rd party, just a layer of precaution/protection.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
6310 posts
The one advantage that the Verizon Int'l Plan has is that it is convenient. But it's also expensive - the plan is $100 per month, or $10 per day for the Travel Pass. The $100 per month plan has a limit on data, text and calls. The Pass does not, but does cap it once you use up a certain amount of data. But if you're only going for a week or so, it may make sense to just stick with that.
If not, have you thought about an eSIM plan? If you have an unlocked iPhone that is an XS or newer, you have dual SIM capability and can just buy a data plan that will use your eSIM capability. I posted something about it before that gives more detailed information. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/buying-an-international-esim-data-plan-for-your-regular-phone-with-esim-no-more-burner-phones
Posted by
Philly
247 posts
How many days will you be traveling? On a trip that’s worth thousands of dollars, Saving $50 is not worth the hassle of changing sims, worrying about plans, providers, roaming etc etc esp if you iPhone does not have a dual sim space. I use the ATT version of the international plan and its $100 each billing cycle. The data speed is super fast and as Mardee says above all, it’s convenient. One less hassle.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for your replies.
I found TravelSim online. They have what I need. 30 days, 20 gb. for $45.+. They mail 3 sim sizes in 3/5 days. I contacted them this am, within a hour they answered.
I haven’t had luck in Europe buying there and getting my phone to work. Always ran out of data.
I’ve used the international Verizon plan. Data isn’t enough, if I use it for directions and searching.
Still not sure, I have time, not leaving until April more answers.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Mardee, I went through your instructions.
I have a XR IPhone. It says Digital Sim, IMEI. NO, IMEI2.
I know it’s unlocked, I used it in Israel with an Israeli Sim.
Where did you purchase your SIM card?