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Sim Card Europe basics?

Posted by (Corralitos, CA) on

I have asked questions before about a sim card but now I have several really basic questions on how it works and how to use it

I have had my Cellular One cell unlocked and I have purchased a Orange Holiday Sim card that has 12GB of internet data, 200 free texts, 30 minutes of international calls and unlimited European calls. I know once I land and take my cell off airplane mode in Amsterdam and put in my Sim card it will be active for 14 days.

Since I have never used a sim card, here are some very basic questions

When I have access to local WIFI, do I need to change something on my cell(like put it in airplane mode or?) so it won't use up my Sim "credit"?
If I want to stop all my emails do I need to do something with my cell, don't want it overloaded with emails
Can I still get to my contacts on my cell with the Sim card?
Can I use my apps, Goggle translate, Goggle maps, GVB info ETC?
And finally will it let get to an audio book that is downloaded

Lots of questions, tried to find info on Tech Tips to no avail

I know very basic simple questions, but Consumer was no help as they want me to use their International plan
Thanks so much for your help

Posted by
987 posts
  1. SIM card has no impact on wifi. When using it, you don't need to put your phone in airplane mode, though doing so won't hurt anything so long as you configure airplane mode to leave wifi turned on.
  2. If you don't want to receive emails, you'll need to do that via whatever email client you use - Gmail, Outlook, etc. Again, nothing to do with your SIM.
  3. Contacts maintained on your phone also are unrelated to your SIM.
  4. Yes, all your apps will be unaffected.
  5. Yes, audiobook will be available. SIM won't affect your downloaded content.
Posted by
155 posts

Thank you so much, such simple issues can be so intimidating, really appreciate your help.

Posted by
238 posts

Make sure your Orange card can CALL LANDLINES. I recently used a Three Mobile SIM in the UK that did not allow this, making it difficult when I tried to call businesses and hotels.

Posted by
504 posts

I gather this is the Orange Travel eSIM, right? If so, the site says it can can be used to call landlines.

I would recommend you read the reviews for this product, however.

Posted by
155 posts

Not an E Sim , but will check about calling land lines, thanks

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