Better to obtain a temporary smartphone in the US or in Europe
I'm an American, planning to fly to the British Isles at the end of the summer. I'm going to do a quick tour of Ireland, England and a few countries on the mainland over a few weeks. After reading What is the best way to get temporary smartphone data service across multiple countries?, What sort of computer / electronic device would you take on a backpack trip around Europe to allow you to keep in touch? and other posts here, I decided I would like to carry a smartphone with me. Nothing fancy, since I'm only going to be using it for a few weeks. Just enough that I can use keepgo (or a similar service) to have maps, a translator and the other powers of the Internet with me even when I'm not near WiFi. I don't care about voice or text service.
My issue now is that keepgo requires an unlocked phone. I don't know how things work in Europe, but in the US, unlocked phones are somewhat more expensive than carrier locked phones and are slightly harder to find in stores. I have seen some advice that it's best to wait until you get to your destination country and purchase a phone there because carriers and handsets aren't tied to each other in the same way they are in the US, but this advice is vague and not consistent.
Just to be clear, is it possible to buy unlocked 3G/4G smartphones in Europe? More importantly, if so, would it make more sense for me to buy there or to get one before I leave and bring it with me?
Off the cuff, potential considerations include
- European regulations or restrictions that might make it harder for me because I am a foreigner?
- lack of easy availability of unlocked phones
- in US, would need to find a GSM quad-band phone, but in Europe, would just need any regular phone
- price difference?
One of the answers brought up a third option: unlocking my current phone. If we're being honest, that did not occur to me before. But after considering it I think I don't want to. It looks like my US carrier doesn't cooperate with unlocking (although, as Michael Hampton pointed out, they may now be required to by their trade organization's recent policy) and Internet unlock code retailers are sketch. Also I don't want to have problems with it when far from home or have to think about regular life issues when on vacation.
Best Answer
I'm also planning my first trip to Europe towards the end of this summer. From what I've researched you can buy unlocked GSM phones in Europe (See this answer), but I wouldn't think that's the best way to approach this, after all, I've heard electronics are more expensive in Europe...
If you're in the US, like me, you could just try to buy online cheap, used/refurbished unlocked smartphone (I bought a refurbished (unlocked) Nexus 4 from woot) and also buy a SIM card adapter kit (in case you need to adapt to different SIM card sizes). This way you can just use your keepgo SIM on your unlocked phone, and mix and match with local SIM cards, if needed. Also, your US cell service might actually have pretty good data roaming abroad... I know for Colombia T-mobile had free data and unlimited text, and voice at a 0.20USD/min rate... which is not bad, considering.
I did something similar when I went to Colombia, which works the same way as Europe. I swapped around a local SIM with an international data SIM when needed.
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How do I get temporary phone service in Europe?
If you have a European postal address and a major credit card, you'll be able to buy a prepaid mobile online. Just arrange to have your device sent to your hotel or hostel. Once you have your new phone, you'll be able to top it up with call time using a credit card or by visiting local top-up points and paying cash.Can I buy a US phone and use it in Europe?
Virtually all modern smartphones (iPhone 7 and newer) are compatible with Europe's mobile infrastructure and every major US carrier has international data plans \u2014 so your smartphone should automatically work once you arrive in Europe because the major US carriers have partnerships with local European carriers.Do US version phones work in Europe?
It's a fairly painless process: Confirm that your phone will work in Europe. Nearly all newer phones work fine abroad (as do older phones purchased through AT&T and T-Mobile), but it's smart to check with your carrier if you're unsure. Research your provider's international rates.Do prepaid phones work in Europe?
Yes. Most SIM cards bought in Europe offer Europe-wide connection. Can I purchase a prepaid phone in the US for use in Europe? You can buy the so-called "unlocked" phone that has the GSM network built-in and then when you get to Europe, buy the SIM card at the airport.HOW TO USE YOUR PHONE IN EUROPE: cheap phone plans and SIM cards for your trip to the UK and EU
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Answer 2
Is there a reason you cannot have your current smart phone unlocked? (Not owning one for example)
It's certainly possible to buy unlocked phones in the UK, where your journey apparently starts. The costs are normally quite considerable for a smart phone, although there are some budget options. Carphone Warehouse would be the chain most likley to suit your needs. A better option may to be buy a second hand phone. There are independent shops doing this everywhere, as well as the chains CEX and GAME. Ensure that any phone you buy second hand is unlocked (most will be, if not they'll do it for a fee). Ensure that any second hand phone has not been blocked, or showing any other signs of being stolen.
The biggest problem you are likley to face however is that you will be travelling to different european countries and hence subject to roaming charges there. (Note that this includes the Republic of Ireland for UK based networks). If you're staying somewhere long enough, then you can get a local sim - otherwise you may find it worth just paying the inflated rates.
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