Your phone in Spain
Do I really need my phone while we are in Spain?
1) Do you want to post pictures to your social media?
2) Do you want to use Google Maps to get you around the city?
3) Do you want to use Google Translate to help you talk to someone who doesn't speak English?
4) Do you want to send messages to me or other travelers in your group while we travel?
Will my phone work in Europe?
Your cell plan may or may not have international service. Mine current plan does not.
1) How will you post pics, check social media, talk to family and friends at home?
WIFI is generally available in our apartments. It's also in airports, train stations, museums, etc. Is it reliable? We shall find out! I promise WIFI is not always reliable in cafés, on the street, and at stores and markets.
2) How will we communicate with each other?
First, you need reliable WIFI. Then, communicate with everyone both here and abroad thru apps:
a) Facebook uses Facebook Messenger as a texting program. This is popular with Americans.
b) Whatsapp is popular with Europeans. Whatsapp is just like using your phone, but you only
communicate with your contacts (no spam). To communicate with TourAndalucia, you will
have to have EITHER Whatsapp loaded on your phone, or a Spanish phone number.
3) I want to have CELL WIFI service throughout Spain. What are my options?
a) Contact your cell phone provider and ask about your international plan. When I was with
Sprint, I would pay $10 / week and have cell phone coverage in Europe. When we were in
London, Judy had to pay per DAY to have international coverage per her provider. It was too
expensive.
b) Check that you have an UNLOCKED phone.
Buy a Spanish SIM card online. Have it sent to your US address. Then install it when you
land in Europe. You will get a new Spanish phone number. I use Google Voice and my own
number...it's less hassle but costs $20.
Here's the SIM that I'll probably buy:
Amazon.com: Orange Spain - Prepaid SIM Card 50GB| 5€ Balance | 800 Minutes for
Calls to The US and More Than 50 Countries | Activation Online only at
www. tourtech.Shop : Cell Phones & Accessories
Once the SIM is installed, your US phone number will not work in that phone until you reset
it. Also, it is Spanish law that you have to provide your passport number to the cell phone
company for emergency and police services.
4) How do people from home reach you?
My family and I download WHATSAPP app. When they want to call me, they open the APP
and my phone rings as it normally does. It all connects through WIFI so you don't get charged
for minutes. If you are connected to WIFI, either through a cell phone plan or because you're
` in a free WIFI area, your WHATSAPP app with work.
NOTE: My husband has a government issued phone. He couldn't have it turned on
outside of the US. If you have an old Iphone that you no longer use, you can turn off
your phone once your flight departs and use any old phone. You can even install the above
SIM in the old phone. Then when you return States side, you turn on your regular phone and
you're back in business.
5) Can I wait until I get to Spain and figure it out?
ABSOLUTELY! You can buy a SIM card at the phone and tobacco shops in all the cities for
your UNLOCKED phone. I'll go with you and help you with the Spanish.
In fact, I bring an extra iPhone 6 just in case my phone doesn't cooperate. Has never happened.
But that extra phone may be available for you as well.
6) Where can I read more? Here's a site that agrees with me! All about Spain and your cell
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