Will my mobile phone work in Europe? | Intrepid Travel (2024)

FAQs

Will my mobile phone work in Europe? | Intrepid Travel? ›

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 traveling.

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. Plan pricing varies wildly by carrier. Call your provider or check their website for the latest pricing.

Speak to your cell service provider about the best way to stay in touch when travelling internationally. Different mobile providers offer varying degrees of coverage in different countries, and it's important to determine whether your current plan and device will be compatible with the network wherever you're going.

The general rule is that as long as you spend more time at home than abroad, or you use your mobile phone more at home than abroad, you can pay your standard domestic prices for your calls, texts and data services when you travel in the EU.

You can set your phone to airplane mode before arriving at your destination and keep it there while traveling abroad so that your phone doesn't use data. You'll just have to manually connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth if you'd like to use these options while abroad.

How do I use my iPhone in Europe without charges? To avoid roaming charges in Europe, consider using an eSIM or getting a local SIM card at your destination. Both options give you access to prepaid data when you travel. An eSIM is the better option, with more affordable rates and 100% digital functionality.

How do you know if your phone will work internationally? Most Smartphones do, as long as they are not locked to a network, or you do not have a service plan that has Roaming data/calling allowance with the service provider it is locked to.

Most have international coverage, but there are a few gaps and exceptions. This means that your phone will need to be compatible with something called VoLTE Roaming (also known as 4G Calling Abroad). You can check with your network provider to find out if your phone will be compatible.

You don't pay extra. The person calliing you from overseas is paying for the call. It would be awfully stupid for people on fido to pay more to receive international call, especially if someone does not have call display and can not tell where the call is coming from, so in conculsion, NO YOUR not charged any extra.

Should I keep my phone on airplane mode in Europe? ›

It is true that Airplane Mode can help you to avoid international roaming charges. With Airplane Mode turned on, your device will not be able to connect to cellular service, meaning you will definitely not incur any international roaming charges.

Most gadgets are "dual voltage," which means they work on both American and European current. If you see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such as "110–220"), you're OK in Europe.

So receiving a SMS and receiving voicemail should not incur roaming charges. However, sending text messages and checking your voicemail would likely incur those charges. In order to prevent roaming, it is generally recommended to enable Airplane or Flight mode on your device.

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 traveling.

Phones connect using frequency bands. Different countries have specific bands for mobile networks. Ensure your phone supports the frequency bands of the country you're traveling to. Multi-band phones, supporting several frequencies, offer better international compatibility.

You only need a converter if you're using a device that cannot convert 110V to 220V. Today's smartphones, tablets, and most devices are able to withstand both 110V and 220V electricity without damage because they've been manufactured as dual voltage appliances.

How to text an international number? You can send an international SMS to a phone by using your carrier data roaming plan. The cost varies from one carrier to another. You are charged twice, when you send and when you receive international messages, so take that into account when you send texts the “old-school” way.

To use your unlocked phone abroad, you will have to purchase a SIM card from one of the local carriers. Luckily, global SIM cards are available at most international airports so you don't have to scramble around looking for one after you arrive at your destination.

If you anticipate heavy phone or data use, consider traveling with a mobile phone equipped with a European SIM card. This gives you a European mobile number and access to cheaper rates than you'd get through your US carrier, even with an international plan.