Hello,
I 'm sure this has been asked before, but we are not very tech savvy and having trouble sorting through responses. My husband and I will be spending a few days in Istanbul and 3 weeks in Italy, leaving on 4/12. I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 with US Cellular which I have been told will not work in Europe. I was originally OK with that, but am now feeling I would really like to have a phone for any needed calls to B&Bs, apartment owner, scheduled tours, etc. US Cellular says probably the best bet is to pick up a phone from WalMart or Best Buy to use for this limited time. Does this make sense? I read about picking up a phone while in Europe but it sounds confusing and I'd rather not spend the time if there is an easier option. I do have Google Maps downloaded and WhatApp for calls and texts through wifi, so I would bring my S4 for that.
Any help is appreciated!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32201 posts
bd,
"US Cellular says probably the best bet is to pick up a phone from WalMart or Best Buy"
That sounds like a lot of rubbish, as the Trac Phones and other cheap phones sold at Walmart will also not work in Europe. In addition to that, any phone that you bought would have to be unlocked in order to use with SIM cards purchased in Europe.
Given the short time until departure and since you're visiting two countries, I'd suggest buying an inexpensive phone from one of the travel phone firms such as iRoam, Cellular Abroad, Telestial or Mobal. Some have phones as low as about $30 and can supply a SIM that will operate throughout Europe with fairly consistent rates. Many of these use a U.K. based number, and have post-paid billing (calls charged to a credit card), so no worries about having to "top up" your minutes. Keep in mind however that this would be a "basic" phone rather than a smartphone so you'd be limited to voice & text. Some phones can be renewed every year, so could be used on subsequent trips.
Check the websites for the various companies to see which one might work best for you.
Posted by
OP
Wonewoc, WI
47 posts
Ken,
Thank you for that information. You have saved me time spent in Wal-Mart, which is invaluable. I'll check into the other options you have listed.
Barb
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
Given you're in Istanbul for only a few days, is it worth it to worry about having a phone there (in addition to Italy)? It seems more trouble than it's worth. I basically tell any lodging or tour people that I need to lock things down before leaving (as I won't have a phone with me) and I give tour people my hotel info in case they really need to reach me (that's never happened and I've taken day tours in various places - Mexico, Croatia, etc). I've spent over two weeks in Istanbul and never needed a phone (are you bringing a laptop with you? if so, using free wi-fi and e-mail could be a decent substitute).
Posted by
OP
Wonewoc, WI
47 posts
Thank you for your thoughts. We most likely don't need a phone in Turkey, and in Italy it will probably just be for peace of mind--we can't find the B&B in Venice, arrival time will be delayed, no hot water in the apartment in Rome, etc. We will have a tablet with us for email and can text and call home on my phone with WhatsApp.