In today’s day and age everyone wants to know where they’ll have WiFi, how they can check email and whether the cell phone will work abroad. Some may opt to leave everything behind and try to unplug from time to time. Either way we want you to be prepared should you want to reach out and touch someone from the other side of the pond.
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Cell phones that support the GSM Wireless system (Global System for Mobile Communications) work in most places around the world these days. Most cell phone providers do provide GSM-capable phones, although you may have to call your service provider to have the technology “turned on” or “unlocked”.
In order to make phone calls or use data you may either activate an international plan or rely on WiFi. For the former option, call your cell phone provider to see what they offer and make sure to check about expected cost, options and limitations. Rick Steve’s post about calling and data-roaming is very detailed and helpful.
You might consider buying a local pre-paid SIM card to switch out – remember you will have a local number then. For more information about using European SIM cards in your smartphones check out Rick Steves’ blog post.
You’ll need to know the International Access Code (sometimes called Exit Code) for the country from which you are calling (IAC) and the country code for the country that you are calling (CC). You’ll also need the local number (LN). European local numbers can vary in length; whatever digits follow the country code is the telephone number. For more specific information on how to make phone calls in the country you are traveling to, please check out our country-specific instructions.
You will also find instructions on how to make a phone call on your Day 1 Dayheet, which you will receive by email about 30 days prior to your tour start.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows you to make free device to device phone calls over the Internet. Some allow calls to a cell or land line telephone for a small charge. Try Skype, Google Hangouts, Facetime, WhatsApp etc.
Throughout your trip you’ll have the opportunity to connect to local internet and WiFi hot spots in a number of cafes, hotels and restaurants. Most of the hotels we use (on some tours 100%, on others 70%) have WiFi, although at times it is only available in common areas. We will mention on the Hotel Itinerary (emailed out to you about 30 days prior to your tour starting date), if there is no WiFi on any day.
Nadine Dirksen - A German native, Nadine is a happy Colorado transplant who moved from lush Bavaria when she married. She left the land of pretzels in 2012 and has been enjoying a fun life full of cycling, mountain biking, CrossFit, hiking, running and any other outdoor activity that involves her little black Dachshund-mix. When not having fun outside or at work, she tries her hand at different craft projects with varying success. She helps our travelers by answering all their questions before their tours and she can't wait to help you bring your dream trip to reality!
