Will my mobile phone work in Europe?Â
Your mobile phone should work in most countries throughout Europe, especially if it's relatively new (made within the last 5 years or so) as most models are compatible with the continent's cellular networks. If you're travelling from countries such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand (among others), you should have no problem staying connected during your travels with a number of options available when it comes to internet access. These options include activating your mobile provider's international data roaming plan (this is usually an additional fee on top of your plan), connecting to the local wifi, or purchasing a local SIM card in your European destination if your phone is unlocked.Â
Most European countries use the Global System for Mobiles or GSM network, as do a whole heap of other countries around the world. This is one of the main reasons why, as long as your phone is operating on the same network, you shouldn't come across any usage issues when travelling. However, there are some exceptions to this. If your phone is operated using the CDMA technology (Code Division Multiple Access), which is a common network in the United States, then it won't work in Europe. Make sure to contact your local mobile provider if you're unsure what network your phone uses before you arrive in Europe to avoid any complications.Â
Buying a SIM card in EuropeÂ
Buying a SIM card is by far one of the best ways to stay connected throughout your travels in Europe as you don't need to rely on local wifi access at hotels or restaurants and you won't have to pay extra roaming fees. It's also incredibly easy to purchase one with most mobile providers having stores in all international airports. The most popular providers in Europe are Orange, Vodafone, T-mobile, and A1 and they all offer relatively good deals on prepaid packages and excellent coverage.Â
If you don't happen to pick one up at the airport, you can also go to any convenience store, post office, newsagent, department store, or standalone phone store to purchase one. These SIM cards can cost as little as USD$5 for 200 minutes of local calls and 10GB of data (enough for you to surf the internet, access maps, and upload photos to social media) or USD$10 for a more in-depth plan. But you can also purchase more credit at any store where SIM cards are sold if you do run out during your travels.Â
What's the coverage like in Europe?Â
European countries generally enjoy excellent coverage (with a rate of around 98%), especially in all major cities so you shouldn't have trouble sending/receiving calls or accessing the internet. However, your phone's strength and signal may vary when you move around each individual country itself with rural or remote areas unreliable when it comes to coverage. It's best to keep this in mind and pre-download any maps or important documents you might need in case you get stuck somewhere with no internet access.Â
Read more about EuropeÂ
Nov 15, 2023
Don’t miss these top destinations in...
I would include these spots on any Turkey itinerary.
Nov 27, 2023
22 new Europe trips for 2024Â Â
For an unforgettable adventure filled with cultural marvels, scenery and...
Mar 01, 2023
10 reasons why you should visit the...
Remote, wild and insanely beautiful. Find out why you should add the Faroe Islands...
Dec 14, 2021
5 of the best walks in Europe – The...
For anyone seeking a truly rewarding holiday, the Great Walks of Europe offer a...
Apr 06, 2017
6 hot springs in Iceland even better...
When you think of hot springs in Iceland, you think the Blue Lagoon. Unfortunately...
Nov 16, 2023
Iceland’s Folklore: 4 mythical...
Keep your eyes peeled for these 4 famous creatures of Icelandic folklore.
Apr 18, 2022
Meet the 66-year-old Black solo...
Diana Petterson is often the only Black solo traveller in her tour groups – and...
Jan 08, 2020
How to travel in Istanbul on a budget
Straddling the divide between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a humming metropolis up...
Jul 12, 2023
The top 10 destinations to travel in...
From the iconic Incan ruins of Peru to the rolling Saharan dunes of Morocco, here...
Sep 08, 2016
Flamenco & fusion: A local’s guide to...
Granada may be the most dangerous city in Spain. No where else is there city so...
Oct 05, 2023
This couple is exploring the world...
When Leanne and Lyle McCabe met over a last-ditch coffee date, little did they...
Sep 02, 2022
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
Whether you’ve always wanted to get off the beaten track in Romania, watch the...
Sep 21, 2023
Step out with confidence with this...
Here are five tried and tested tips from Annette Richmond that every plus-size...
Sep 16, 2017
Italian gem: 12 photos that will...
The fact it's the largest Mediterranean island is, quite honestly, reason enough...
Jun 05, 2017
6 reasons why Krakow is Europe’s most...
Krakow looks like a city straight out of a Disney movie. Cobbled streets lined...
Nov 24, 2016
From Russia with love: 8 reasons you...
We love Russia. We love New Year. We love spending New Year in Russia. Here's why.
Jun 14, 2017
Why now is the time to visit Bulgaria...
As you stroll the narrow streets of historic Plovdiv, music echoes along the...
Feb 27, 2023
15 photos so beautiful they’ll put...
When it comes to talking about beautiful, vast landscapes, it's much easier to...
Dec 29, 2016
Why You Should Take A Sustainable...
Ask anyone that’s been to Croatia in the last few years: the familiar backdrop to...
Oct 15, 2014
Cruising the continent: we reveal...
When sailing in Europe, you have to slap yourself every once in a while to make...
May 24, 2017
Heading to Greece? Here’s why you...
The capital of Greece is like nowhere else on earth. Athens fuses the ancient with...