Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To make totally free voice and video calls over the Internet, all you need are a smart-
phone, tablet, or laptop; a strong Wi-Fi signal; and an account with one of the major
Internet calling providers: Skype (
www.skype.com
), FaceTime (preloaded on most
Apple devices), or Google+ Hangouts (
www.google.com/hangouts
). If the Wi-Fi
signal isn't strong enough for video, try sticking with an audio-only call. Or...wait
for your next hotel. Many Internet calling programs also work for making calls from
your computer to telephones worldwide for a very reasonable fee—generally just
a few cents per minute (you'll have to buy some credit before you make your first
call).
There's yet another option: If you're traveling with an unlocked smartphone (ex-
plained later), you can buy a SIM card that also includes data; this can be far, far cheaper
than data roaming through your home provider.
Using your American phone in Europe is easy, but it's not always cheap. And unreliable
Wi-Fi can make keeping in touch frustrating. If you're reasonably technology-savvy, and
would like to have the option of making lots of affordable calls, it's worth getting comfort-
able with European SIM cards.
Here's the basic idea: First you need an unlocked phone that works in Europe.
Then, in Europe, shop around for a SIM card—the little data chip that inserts into your
phone—to equip it with a European number. Turn on the phone, and bingo! You've got
service (and access to cheaper European rates).
Getting an Unlocked Phone
Your basic options are getting your existing phone unlocked, or buying a phone (either at
home or in Europe).
Some phones are electronically “locked” so that you can't switch SIM cards (keeping
you tied to your original service provider). But it's possible to “unlock” your
phone—allowing you to replace the original SIM card. An unlocked phone is versatile;
not only does it work with any European provider, but many US providers now offer no-
contract, prepaid (or “pay-as-you-go”) alternatives that work with SIM technology.
You may already have an old, unused mobile phone in a drawer somewhere. Call
your service provider and ask if they'll send you the unlock code. Otherwise, you can buy
