I have never used my phone overseas before but, last year in London I really wish I could. So this year I’m going to Spain & Portugal for a month and I want to use my iPhone. I read that I can buy a SIM card at the airport. Do I need to do anything before I leave the USA? Do I just buy the SIM card and just pop it in? How does it work?
Posted by
99 posts
First question is what service do you have for your phone?
Posted by
OP
24 posts
Cricket wireless
Posted by
MPLS, MN
399 posts
What version IPhone do you have? If it is 10s or later, ESim is likely the easiest way to go. Just Search online as there are many carriers that offer this. No need for a physical SIM card.
Posted by
OP
24 posts
Iphone SE ios 16.2.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1888 posts
You have to determine if
- Your phone is unlocked
- You need your US number while overseas
- If you need data only (for mapping, web surfing, email, FaceTime calling) while away from WiFi or also a local phone number and texting
Then you can figure out what the available options are. I don’t believe cricket offers overseas service. So if your phone is unlocked you can get a local SIM card and plan or if your iPhone accepts them an e SIM. Usually these are for cellular data only but there are exceptions.
Posted by
OP
24 posts
I suppose I can contact Cricket to see if my iPhone is unlocked? That’s where I bought my iPhone. I imagine using the iPhone for train schedules and reservations, e-mail, Facebook, audio tours at museums, maybe using the cloud for added storage. I don’t think I will make calls to the USA.
Posted by
OP
24 posts
Gps, I would like to use that.
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
Having mobile data really is very convenient while traveling. I find depending on occasional wifi is no longer sufficient.
There are a hundred ways to skin this cat. But yes, you must call Cricket and assure that your phone is unlocked. eSIMs are great, but might be intimidating for technophobes. Airport stalls can be hit or miss for value.
I like to look up a retail location for any of the country’s major carriers that’s close to my hotel (in Spain that’s: Vodafone, Movistar or Orange), and set it as an arrival day task—something to motivate me while I’m getting oriented and pushing though the jetlag.
Posted by
MPLS, MN
399 posts
What generation SE? If it is the third generation, you can keep your physical SIM and add an ESim, which I believe is easiest. If you have generation 1 or 2, then swapping out a sim is the way to go. Either buy one upon landing or go to the online machine and order one.