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SIM vard vs mobile wifi, or both?

Posted by (Folsom, California) on

The choices are becoming overwhelming for me, so I'm looking for some guidance.

In the past I have always traveled with just my phone (hard to believe that years ago I actually traveled without being connected at all!) and assumed I would get wifi if needed. Two years ago when visiting Italy we signed up for the AT&T plan for $30/month for some calling and limited data, and hardly used it.

This trip there will be four of us and we will be staying in at least one place without wifi.

So, I am seriously considering the mobile wifi route as it will solve the connection problem for all of us at once, and we can use it wherever we go. See Rick's blog post where he tried one and it seemed to be very useful: http://blog.ricksteves.com/blog/ricks-consumer-report-on-a-wi-fi-hotspot-rental/

However, I know that doesn't handle calls or texting. Which would be really only for emergencies.

I admit to being totally clueless about SIM cards and why I would need/want one.

I also realize that this is probably a lengthy topic, so if anyone just wants to point me to some articles or reference material where I can figure it all out, that would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance for input!

Posted by
824 posts

Rizell,

First, you CAN make calls via WIFI. There are many Voice Over Internet Protocol (VIOP) options for smart phones and tablets. Skype and Google/ Gmail are just a couple.

A SIM card provides you with cellular communications. The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a chip that interfaces your device to the cellular network. In addition to voice, you can purchase options for data.

I find that pre-paid local SIM cards are the best option for me. Cellular data connections are inherently more secure than public WIFI but I still use a VPN service on all my devises. Plus, I like the flexibility to use online mapping and search tools in real-time. Basically, when I travel with a local telecom SIM card, my phone operates just as it does at home. (That's why I own my own unlocked phones and I have disconnected from "contract" phone plans - and pay a fraction of the price for equivalent service.)

If you want to do the pre-paid local SIM options, make sure you have an unlocked quad-band GSM smart phone. If you own a GSM (T Mobile, AT&T, others) phone already, it may be unlocked for overseas travel. If not, you can purchase unlocked phones online fairly cheap.

Posted by
3279 posts

First, read the "Phones & Tech" section in the Travel Tips on this site. It will answer a lot of questions. As far as SIM cards in Italy, I would suggest Vodaphone or TIM. Here's a link to SIM cards in Italy. Both companies offer tourist plans that should fulfill your needs. Last year, I was using T-Mobile from the US because I was visiting three countries in Europe. I had a problem with my phone and, in desperation, walked into a Vodaphone store in Parma. The clerks there knew I wasn't a Vodaphone customer but they went out of their way to help me. This autumn I'm going on a Rick Steves Sicily tour and then spending another 10 days roaming around. When I change planes in Rome, I'll get Euros out of an ATM and a SIM card from the Vodaphone store.

Posted by
1888 posts

I go the local SIM card route. I pick a provider and plan that allows tethering which allows my phone to be a mobile wifi hotspot. I can then use that functionality to allow internet access for my tablet.

With 4 of you then that mobile wifi device may be the best option. My question is would it be able to handle your needs if all 4 of you are trying to use it at once? Also the service can get expensive but if you all share the cost it becomes more reasonable.

I generally suggest waiting until you are in town to get a SIM card vs at the airport. I like to be able to go back and get help if needed. And then there are potential issues like the second to last post in this thread.

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/can-i-buy-a-sim-card-at-fco-terminal-3.cfm

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