Getting and installing a European SIM card can be an essential part of travel planning.
It’ll help you can find that Roman speakeasy on Google Maps and text your friends back home without racking up a million dollars.
Having a country-specific SIM card in your phone also means you don’t have to rely on a portable WiFi device or the kindness of strangers (read: coffee shops with Internet).
Because, while the idea of ditching your phone and enjoying a completely off-the-grid vacation may sound appealing, it’s probably not too realistic. You need a way to share important information with your friends and family when you’re traveling to Europe, and by “important information,” we mean photos of chocolate croissants.
That’s where international SIM cards come in.
How Do You Get a European SIM Card?
I’m an American expat living in Europe, so my best advice for buying a European SIM card is to just go to the store and buy one. It’s really that simple!
But there are a few things you should know before you do:
- In many countries, you can order European SIM cards online in advance, but they need to be verified with your ID — so the best bet is to buy them in person after you arrive.
- Vodafone is considered the top option because you can buy a free prepaid one. They often have locations in the airport and the city center. And, they typically speak English, which is helpful since you definitely forgot to memorize that German phrasebook on the plane like you swore you were going to. Gesundheit!
- They typically work in all unlocked phones.
Before you buy a SIM card, make sure you ask about the rates for phone and data usage. You’ll want to know what it is for both calling or texting within the country you’re visiting, and for texting or — gasp — calling your friends back home.
How Do SIM Cards Work?
A SIM card connects your phone to a specific mobile network.
If you live in the United States, your phone is probably connected to a U.S. network. When you use it in another country, you’ll probably pay hefty international roaming fees. Inserting a European SIM card if you’re traveling to Europe connects your phone to a European number and network, so you’ll pay less in fees.
Just know that when you insert a new SIM card, your phone number changes to the one associated with that SIM. (It won’t affect your WhatsApp.)
How Do I Find My SIM phone number?
It can generally found by following the following steps:
- Go to Settings
- Find General
- Go to About
- The ICCID is your SIM card number (and your phone number)
How do I know if my phone is locked or unlocked?
To use a SIM card, you’ll need an unlocked phone.
Unfortunately, U.S. phone providers are not in a hurry to make things easier for Americans to find cheaper options when abroad. That means not all mobile phones are unlocked.
Not sure if your phone is unlocked? Check with your cell phone service provider. Verizon is notorious for selling locked phones, along with T-Mobile and AT&T. You may have to pay a fee of $20 or more to unlock it.
What if my phone can’t be unlocked?
In the worst case scenario that your provider can’t unlock your phone to use your European SIM card, it’s still possible to buy a cheap phone upon your arrival in Europe or before you leave the U.S. (These are different from burner phones so you’re not required sure to tell someone “you’ll never be able to reach me at this number again” before leaving it at your hostel.)
Or, if you don’t want to do that, you can connect to WiFi hotspots if you’re desperate for Internet access while traveling to Europe.
But these aren’t common in every EU country. In Germany in particular, you’ll definitely want your own SIM card or portable WiFi because public WiFi is basically nonexistent.
What Happens if I Go Over My Data Limit?
The beauty of buying a prepaid European SIM card is that you can’t exceed your data limit. You’ll just have to top up if you want to keep using it. If you opt for Vodafone, you can simply top it up in the app anytime.
If you’ve purchased a European SIM card with a set data limit, check with the provider about what the charges are for exceeding your limit.
How Do I Remove My SIM Card?
Removing a SIM card is easy and only takes a minute, but how it works (and where it’s located) depends on your phone. If you’re unsure, just do a quick search on Google or ask your service provider.
How to Remove the SIM Card on an iPhone
- Turn off your phone.
- Find where the SIM is located on your iPhone.
- If you have a regular card, simply press the button to open the slide.
- If you have a nanoSIM, use the card removal tool that came with your phone. Push on the small button and open the slide. (Oh, you lost that tool like everyone else? Use a paper clip.)
- Remove the tray and tap the card out gently.
- Insert a new SIM, or simply press the tray back into the phone.
How to Remove the SIM Card on an Android phone
- Turn off your phone.
- Find where the SIM is located on your Samsung Galaxy or other Android phone.
- If you have a regular card, remove the back casing and battery, and push gently so it pops out.
- If you have a nanoSIM, use the removal tool or a paper clip and gently push on the button so the tray pops out.
- Remove the card from the tray by turning it over. (Or, if you have a SIM in the back of your phone, it will come out when you push it.)
- If you’re putting in a new SIM, use the same method as removal.
How do I Install a New SIM Card without Screwing Up My Phone?
When you change out your SIM card, you’re changing your mobile network and phone number. Your SIM card is separate from your memory card, so nothing else on your phone is changed. Photos, contacts, screenshots of Kumail Nanjiani’s new abs — they’re all there.
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Changing your number will affect incoming and outgoing calls, text messages, and internet data based on your location. If you’re installing a SIM card that may require roaming charges for your current location, it’s best to turn your mobile data off.
What’s the Best European SIM Card?
First things first: Because of EU regulations, there are no roaming charges when traveling between member states.
That means the Europe SIM card you picked up in Amsterdam won’t rack up crazy international roaming charges in Brussels. And that means more money for Belgian waffles! (TBD on how Brexit will effect roaming charges if you’re traveling between the EU and England.)
If you’re buying your European SIM card in-store, consider these options:
Vodafone
- 4G
- Texts & calls depend on the package purchased
- Incoming calls are free in the EU
- Package options starting from USD $12.16 for 6GB (add more as you go)
o2
- 4G
- Texts & calls depend on the package purchased
- Incoming calls are free in the EU
- Package options starting from USD $12.16 for 6GB (add more up as you go)
If you’d rather pre-purchase your European SIM card online, consider these:
Three
- 4G LTE
- Unlimited within Europe
- $29.90 for 30 days for 5GB
Orange
- 4G LTE
- 30 Min. Global Calls/200 Global SMS
- $29.90 for 14 days for 3GB
None of these suit your fancy? Ask your current phone provider if they can give you a daily or package roaming option.
In the meantime, she has traveled to 35 countries but still enjoys a hot cup of coffee at home the best.Find her on LinkedIn here.
- What Is a European SIM Card and How Do I Use It? - February 5, 2020
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