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Lycamobile | Tagged Posts

2018
30
April
Where Can I Find Affordable Prepaid SIM Cards for Europe?

Question:

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Suzi

Best place to buy prepaid SIM card for Europe? I know London drugs has them but seemed a bit expensive. Thanks!

Humans say...

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Sharon

Buy them at the destination airport, cheaper and more options.

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Sofia

Buy in the destination country - there are options for Europe-wide or country-specific.

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Ciara

Where are you travelling to? Even if you're going to several countries in Europe.prepaid pre loaded sim cards are much cheaper when you get there. If you buy an english sim for example. If you move from say England to france you will get charged roaming on the English sim. So get a new one in france. Or check about roaming too.
Make sure your phone is unlocked before you go. There's no such thing as a European sim card.

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Linda

Data works in all the countries, phone does not. You have data you can use viber etc.

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Ciara

Linda I know. But having lived in Europe for most of my life signal does not always work to use your data but celular service does.

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Tricia

Definitely buy at airport in your destination country. Make sure your provider unlocks your phone before you leave. Just did this for Ireland. Worked fabulously for Both Ireland and Amsterdam. 30 euros for one month.

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David

Any of the big British mobile chains or supermarket chains should be able to sell you one

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Dana

https://www.lycamobile.co.uk
Widely available at any European airport...they sometimes even have kiosks with cheap or free promo SIM cards.

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Linda

We saw those for free but had already bought. I’d try it.

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Linda

In April, I got one in Paris 35 € for 1 month, my Bf got his in Spain, 35€ but for 2 months. The deals are goofy, they gave us both more data than we’d ever use in the time frame, but maybe others would. They’re both good. (Portugal was cheaper still but didn’t work outside of Portugal 5€ for 2 weeks). We’ve used both sims in Italy and Croatia As well as the 3 countries mentioned. I can add 500m for 5€ Or 2 g for €10. It’s cheaper to add data than buy a new sim. We buy only data, but you get the phone number and can use it free in the first country and can pay extra to use it outside the country you bought it in.

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Susan

Definitely wait and buy in country you are going to. Way, way cheaper!

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Stephani

I also just buy them in the airport once I land! SO much cheaper

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Patrick

Fiona Ip

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Patrick

Don't mean to highjack this post, but my wife and I are also travelling to Europe this year. We'll be flying into London for a 7hr layover then off to Barcelona and multiple cities in Italy. We're thinking of heading into London for a few hours just to check it out. Would it make more sense to buy the Sim in London or should we wait and buy it in Barcelona? If I bought it in London, would the sim work in Spain and Italy? Thanks

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Ciara

Wait till Barcelona? Least your calls will be on their rates not roaming rates from uk. Some networks do have free roaming though. You'll have wifi etc at the airport and in most public places. So for the short time in london no need to use them specifically.

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Dana

The airports in London will have the promo Lyca cards available. And wifi is also widely available.

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Diane

Don't worry about roaming charges - there are none in the EU. Hard for us Canadians to even fathom! Check coverage and cost, then buy in the first country you visit. https://www.wired.co.uk/.../european-union-mobile-roaming...

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Ciara

Diane. I wonder how accurate this article will be soon since the UK are leaving the EU.
Europe is amazing for data and just mobile carriers in general. Canadians have no idea how much they're overpaying for this service. The distance size(of the country) thing can't really be used as an excuse because it's Europe wide. Similar to airline costs there's not enough competition.

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Daniela

Diane true

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Chris

Get one in Tesco when you arrive. Not the airport. Ask if it has European cover. Make sure your phone is unlocked or it's useless


A.I. says...

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Best Place to Buy Prepaid SIM Card for Europe

If you are looking to buy a prepaid SIM card for Europe, there are a few options you can consider. While London Drugs may have them, as you mentioned, there are other places where you might find better deals.

1. Airport Kiosks

One convenient option is to purchase a prepaid SIM card from a kiosk at the airport when you arrive in Europe. This way, you can start using your phone right away without having to worry about finding a store in the city.

2. Local Mobile Providers

Another option is to visit a local mobile provider's store in the country you are visiting. They often have competitive prepaid SIM card packages that are tailored to tourists and travelers.

3. Online Retailers

You can also consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card from online retailers such as Amazon or eBay. This way, you can compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.

4. Tourist Information Centers

Lastly, tourist information centers in popular European cities often sell prepaid SIM cards to visitors. They can also provide you with information on the best mobile providers in the area.

While London Drugs may be convenient, it's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase. Safe travels!



   










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