Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
operate in multiple European countries, let you call a US number for less than 10 cents
a minute). Rates are higher if you're roaming in another country. But if you bought the
SIM card within the European Union, roaming fees are capped no matter where you travel
throughout the EU (about 25 cents/minute to make calls, 7 cents/minute to receive calls,
and 8 cents for a text message).
While you can buy SIM cards just about anywhere, I like to seek out a mobile-phone
shop, where a clerk can help explain my options, get my SIM card inserted and set up,
and show me how to use it. When you buy your SIM card, ask about rates for domestic
and international calls and texting, and about roaming fees. Also find out how to check
your credit balance (usually you'll key in a few digits and hit “Send”). You can top up
your credit at any newsstand, tobacco shop, mobile-phone shop, or many other businesses
(look for the SIM card's logo in the window).
To insert your SIM card into the phone, locate the slot, which is usually on the side
of the phone or behind the battery. Turning on the phone, you'll be prompted to enter the
“SIM PIN” (a code number that came with your card).
If you have an unlocked smartphone, look for a European SIM card that covers both
voice and data. This is often much cheaper than paying for data roaming through your
home provider.
If you prefer to travel without a smartphone or tablet, you can still stay in touch using land-
line telephones, hotel guest computers, and Internet cafés.
Landline Telephones
Phones in your
hotel room
can be great for local calls and for calls using cheap interna-
tional phone cards (described in the sidebar). Many hotels charge a fee for local and “toll-
free” as well as long-distance or international calls—always ask for the rates before you
dial. Since you'll never be charged for receiving calls, it can be more affordable to have
someone from the US call you in your room.
Phones are rare in
B&Bs,
but if your room has one, the advice above applies. If there's
no phone in your B&B room, and you have an important, brief call to make, politely ask
your hosts if you can use their personal phone. Keep in mind that most British people pay
for each local call (whether from a fixed line or a mobile phone), and rates can be expens-
ive. To be polite, ask to use someone's phone only in an emergency—and offer to pay for
the call.
While
public pay phones
are relatively easy to find in Britain, they're expensive.
Unlike most of Europe, British pay phones don't use dedicated, insertable phone cards;
