Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
cell phone sim in Europe cell phone sim in Europe
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Donmanolo

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Dec 2015
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Southeastern Illinois
Posts: 48
cell phone sim in Europe
Hi -- I'm headed back to Europe and Morocco again this summer, and am looking for a good cell phone solution. I carry an Iphone 6, and I want a sim that I can use to communicate with European places (friends, hostels and hotels, Etc.). I am not very interested in using it to call back to the United States. I do want something that I can use throughout Europe as I ride my VStrom through several countries each summer. I don't want a solution that, while cheap for me per minute of calls, is expensive for my European friends to call me. I have used Eurobuzz in the past. I am looking at Telestial. I am wondering if any other travelers have found a good solution to this dilemma. On a side note, I think the European laws have changed so that a sim bought in one country is now seamlessly workable in all other countries. Does anyone out there have any information on this? Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Dec 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: amsterdam
Posts: 63
Smile simming in euro land.....
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Youngs View Post
Hi -- I'm headed back to Europe and Morocco again this summer, and am looking for a good cell phone solution. I carry an Iphone 6, and I want a sim that I can use to communicate with European places (friends, hostels and hotels, Etc.). I am not very interested in using it to call back to the United States. I do want something that I can use throughout Europe as I ride my VStrom through several countries each summer. I don't want a solution that, while cheap for me per minute of calls, is expensive for my European friends to call me. I have used Eurobuzz in the past. I am looking at Telestial. I am wondering if any other travelers have found a good solution to this dilemma. On a side note, I think the European laws have changed so that a sim bought in one country is now seamlessly workable in all other countries. Does anyone out there have any information on this? Thanks.
Hi Ron, any sim from the major providers will work all over Europe. I live in Amsterdam & use Vodafone pay as you go. Have used it all over Europe. In Morocco I buy a local sim, also pre pay, but to be honest it doesn't save much over my Dutch sim .

Laws have changed here but more for standard roaming charges.

I use free wifi hot spots, available everywhere, also in Morocco. I have an android & use Viber & whats app, free text & phone. I also use voip. Some local providers may block these free telecom services, though, kinda spoil sports .

Google the major providers & compare their prices. Don't think that you can get an abonnement, think you need an European address & bank account

I also use skype on my laptop.

You could also just buy local pre pay sims in countries where you are staying longer, may save on roaming charges.....

Save journey keep the black rubber bits pointing down
Vince
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Dec 2015
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Southeastern Illinois
Posts: 48
Thanks Vince:

Then, as I understand it, if I buy a Vodofone SIM when I arrive in Germany to pick up my stored motorcycle, it will be good throughout Europe due to the new law. Am I understanding that correctly?

Ron
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Dec 2015
Donmanolo's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mainly Slovenia
Posts: 371
If you mean the abolition of roaming charges within the EU then no , that won't happen until sometime in 2017.
Any German simcard will work anywhere else in Europe , although data roaming is not cheap. Personally I just head for the nearest shopping centre or petrol station whenever I need to use wifi outside my home country, never been a problem anywhere, particularly in eastern Europe .
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Dec 2015
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Southeastern Illinois
Posts: 48
Actually, all I was interested in was the phone service for calls and text messages, not the data. I do use WiFi for data, but I can find it pretty much throughout Europe. I don't know. Maybe I need to look again at the plans offered by Eurobuzz and Telestial. The problem with them that I see is that 1) both use a UK service which, I assume, means that people calling me will incur long distance fees and 2) although calls are inexpensive for me to make, I think anyone calling me will be charged a premium. Does anyone have any recent experience with these companies. I had Eurobuzz last summer and had a hard time making calls on it while in Scotland and Wales.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Dec 2015
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 973
https://www.netzclub.net/

offers 150mb fast free internet and unlimited slow internet in germany. you can also charge money and use it to call every were in europe.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Dec 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
UK Mobile Networks & Tariff Reviews | Ken's Tech Tips

There were about 20 mob phone service providers in the UK last time I looked.
The guy who writes the reviews above keeps on top of what is happening in the UK market.
For PAYG, he was recommending 3,2,1 provided by the "3" company, again last time I looked.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Dec 2015
Donmanolo's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mainly Slovenia
Posts: 371
Hi Ron, I must have misunderstood, its really only data that gets pricey, although there are usually 'holiday' offers for short periods . Roaming charges will be abolished completely in 2017, however calls and messages have already been drastically reduced . If you have an English or German simcard then your friends will have to call to the respective countries and you will pay a few cents per minute to receive , however it's not a big deal. Some shopping around should get you the bet offer in England or Germany . I've seen reviews come up here for different universal' sim card services, however with the recent reduction in Roaming charges they seem kind of expensive compared to any basic mobile plan. With a UK number your friends can call you cheaply using Poivy or similar VoIP apps .
Just to give you an idea, I use Three Italy, with a 3GB data allowance that I can use for free wherever 'Three-Hutchison' operates . that includes the UK but I'm not sure where else. If I'm outside Italy it costs me 24c per minute to make calls and 6c to receive .
I'm quite sure there are comparable prices elsewhere , as you can see it's nothing to really worry about.
All the best.
Antonio
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Dec 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Donmanolo View Post
Just to give you an idea, I use Three Italy, with a 3GB data allowance that I can use for free wherever 'Three-Hutchison' operates . that includes the UK but I'm not sure where else. If I'm outside Italy it costs me 24c per minute to make calls and 6c to receive .
I'm quite sure there are comparable prices elsewhere , as you can see it's nothing to really worry about.
All the best.
Antonio
That "three" is probably the same company as the UK version.
I suspect that, in preparation for the end of roaming charges in legai terms, the companies are updating their rates now.
I looked at this a shortish time ago and the "Three" 1-2-3 offer included no extra charges for using the UK service to call a list of 18 other countries, including the USA, from memory - it's all shown in my earlier link.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 8 Dec 2015
gR gR is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
just checked out your Telestial link which beats anything I could suggest, price-wise. I really doubt your gonna those rates.

If you go that route Id be interested to hear your feedback on call quality . . .
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
112 is THE Emergency phone Number for all Europe MooN TRAVEL Hints and Tips 1 1 Aug 2023 10:26
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 07:38
MTX Connect - prepaid data-only SIM card for traveling to Europe Bencol Communications 1 12 Aug 2015 05:16
Info on Voice & Data SIM Cards for Europe (and Australia/USA) Addie Communications 0 30 Dec 2013 18:26
Is There Any Cell Phone Coverage on the Dempster Highway? normw Communications 3 17 Aug 2013 05:50

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 22:58.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top