Normally I use wifi for any communication needs, but will need more connectivity this trip. I'm looking at esims (Airalo or Nomad) and pretty sure I get how they work. But how popular is WhatsApp in Spain, esp. northern like Asturias/Cantabria? My primary need is for maps and connection while driving and hiking, but might also want to call hotels or restaurants. Is WhatsApp commonly used by hotels? One I just looked at in Bilbao (which I realize is not Asturias/cantabria) doesn't mention it, but maybe that's because "duh of course we use it"? Or because they don't.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7157 posts
How common WhatsApp is I’m not sure, but many hotels do use it. If I don’t have connectivity I just use Google maps downloaded for offline use. They work fine.
Posted by
Bilbao
743 posts
WhatsApp is massively used by Spanish population, and it´s also used by many hotels.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8058 posts
Basically, I have WhatsApp loaded only for talking with hotels (usually booked via Booking.com). I suppose if you will be using guides, city tours or the such, then Whatsapp is preferred since they do not need to make an international call to phone or text you.
Posted by
The Netherlands
1588 posts
Given how hugely popular WhatsApp is here, I’m always amazed by how unpopular it seems to be in the USA. WhatsApp is my main form of communication with basically every one, from friends and family with whom I’m in all kinds of group chats to businesses.
Posted by
The Netherlands
1588 posts
Whatsapp was already hugely popular in Europe well before it was bought by META, so it must be something else what makes Americans so reluctant to use it.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
7994 posts
Dutch_Traveler, I think most Americans are unfamiliar with WhatsApp as SMS and Messages has been in use for so long, and there is no need to use it. Many Americans don't even know it exists; much less that it is owned by META. I use it a lot more than my friends (except those who travel) but still use Messages and SMS on a daily basis.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4586 posts
I’m always amazed by how unpopular it seems to be in the USA.
I'm always amazed, and curious about it's popularity in Europe. Whenever I consider getting a SIM card while I'm in Europe it always states that it's good for most countries and really good prices compared to home, which makes me wonder why WhatsApp is so popular. I'd never heard of WhatsApp until I read about it on this Forum 6 or 7 years ago. I use it a little bit but I only have a couple of friends who also use it so there's not much point. I'm able to use Facebook Messenger much more to communicate with family back home because I know they're on it, but as long as I'm home I have North American wide calling and texting so no point in WhatsApp.
Posted by
Bilbao
743 posts
I'm always amazed, and curious about it's popularity in Europe. Whenever I consider getting a SIM card while I'm in Europe it always states that it's good for most countries and really good prices compared to home, which makes me wonder why WhatsApp is so popular. I'd never heard of WhatsApp until I read about it on this Forum 6 or 7 years ago. I use it a little bit but I only have a couple of friends who also use it so there's not much point. I'm able to use Facebook Messenger much more to communicate with family back home because I know they're on it, but as long as I'm home I have North American wide calling and texting so no point in WhatsApp.
Blockquote
Allan, SMS in Europe were very expensive before WhatsApp appeared. We do not use it for calling, really, it´s more a questions of sharing pics or videos, sending messages (both written and oral) and to share your exact location in seconds, in case you want to meet someone. Facebook Messenger is "outdated" and very little used, as my kids say "it´s for boomers". WhatsApp has it all and you only need very little data to use it. Cultural differences, I guess, what would this world be without them!!
Posted by
OP
West Coast
436 posts
Thanks, all! I suppose I could add a few bucks to google voice- or Skype that I hadn’t considered!- but good to know I might not have to. The data only esims are so inexpensive and it’s nice to have some place to save a few bucks, even if it’s a tiny amount compared to the overall trip. Still feels like a win.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10601 posts
I use WhatsApp to communicate with people in Europe both from home and while traveling. I also communicate with my German cousins on FB messenger. I originally got WhatsApp to communicate with my vacation rental host in Paris who wanted me to send a message just before my arrival. I find it comes in handy while traveling.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
1313 posts
Consider using an Orange Travel eSim. For €20, in addition to data, you also get a French telephone number so that you can make unlimited calls and SMS texts all over Europe and 30 minutes international call back to North America. We have used Orange Travel in Spain, Portugal, Germany and the UK.
Posted by
USA
134 posts
In USA, it is not adopted because there is no need of it.
WhatsApp requires either WiFi or cellular data that is not available in majority of USA wilderness.
SMS requires simplest form of data and it's availability even for a second is good enough for text to work.
Plus, 90 pct of US population do not make international calls the way Europeans and Asians do.
For very long time in USA, data cost was high whereas SMS were free.
Use of WhatsApp in Europe is still not as widespread as Asian countries like India where everyone literally lives (personal and business) on WA.
But having Skype on your phone is essential as it allows free call to US 800 numbers and when your overzealous bank blocks your credit card because it finds 3 euro purchase at McD suspicious, Skype will help. Not WhatsApp