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2022
9
April
Cruising Through Central Europe: Should I Get a Local SIM Card or Rely on Wifi?
9
April
Question:
Humans say...
Andrew
If you have a modern phone, you can purchase an e-sim which will give you loads of data all over Europe. You can purchase while you are back in Canada.
Tiffany
Andrew have you used one and is there a provider you recommend?
Andrew
I’m using TruPhone on my current trip and it’s been working well.
Debra
Get a SIM at the first shop you see when you get off the plane. They all carry them, and are cheap - maybe £10 for 20+ GB. Don’t get it at the airport tho - they charge way too much. They are good for all the EU countries and a few that aren’t (likely not UK tho).
Wifi is common but this way you have the freedom to use data when you want not just when it’s available. Enjoy your trip.
Lisa
Your river cruise probably has free wifi.
Pamela
Pay as you go sim cards are cheap in Europe vs Canada. I would buy over there than here. I used to have a UK sim called ee and it works in the EU as well. There should be similar ones in Europe.
Maruf
Either by esim online in Canada. Alternatively, can buy prepaid sum cards and they're pretty reasonable with tons of data.
Bruce
The river cruise we went on had internet, and that was 2011.
Donna
We've used WhatsApp.
Carol
Donna Just needs Wifi which is available on most River Cruise lines.
Cyndy
I called telus and got on a European plan with unlimited texts and calls for just the dates I was gone for. Was easy and reasonable.
Carol
Cyndy How reasonable?
Cyndy
Carol...I cant remember because it was 2 yrs ago. I would call them and see what they say. I just remember thinking it wasn't bad at all.
Paul
Cyndy TELUS wanted $200 for 2 weeks. $15/day. Too rich for my blood.
Cyndy
Paul I Agree. I was only gone for 10 days and the price at that time was $8.00 a day and if you didn't use it they didnt charge. I just called and its up to $14.00 a day now so it adds up if you're there for a couple weeks.
Kerry
Which city are you flying into?
Paul
Kerry We are flying into Prague
Kerry
Paul PM sent
Cathy
We’ve been loads of times and never brought our phone, just an iPad. Wifi is abundant. Having said this, we might buy a card this time, and they are cheap and easy to get. Does your cruise offer wifi or are you only using local wifi in ports? We found it available in any cafe, even public spaces, of course hotels, McDonalds, Starbucks etc. and yes I’m afraid they have invaded Europe too.
Paul
Cathy Our cruise offers wifi but my wife did a river cruise a few years back and found the wifi very spotty. It was hard to communicate with anyone here in Canada hence me trying to gather some information from experienced European travellers ahahaha
Cathy
Paul I haven’t done a river cruise but on ocean cruises we never use their wifi. I usually just get in touch while in port. I figure part of the vacation is not being in touch anyway.
But as I said you’re in port often and can receive emails and Facebook messages then.
Kim
Paul I would look at some reviews for your river cruise and see if they have improved there Wifi.
Eileen
We used an iPad on our river cruise and throughout Europe. The only glitch was our flight from Dublin was delayed and the person who was picking us up in Danmark, did not have email on her phone. It took awhile to connect with her. Other than that, No problems. We were able to connect with family in Canada. I would post once a day and try to include any questions they had the next day. There are so many beautiful sites to see that you will be busy looking, and experiencing all you can.
Debbie
Gifgaf sim w goodie bag for data. Used what's app and fb messenger
Rhonda
I bought a LycaMobile 2gb SIM card at Heathrow on May 14, it was as simple as switching the card in the phone. I’m in Italy now and I’ve only used 50% of the data, it works in all of the EU.
Kim
whatsapp
Michael
Use FaceTime, it’s free, There’s Wi-Fi all over Europe we had no trouble when we cruised the Danube
A.I. says...
Staying Connected While Cruising Europe
Embarking on a river cruise through the picturesque landscapes of Czech Republic, Germany, and France is an exciting adventure, but staying connected with your loved ones back home can be a concern. In this blog post, we'll explore the best ways to ensure you remain in touch during your European journey.
WiFi Availability
WiFi availability has significantly improved across Europe in recent years. Many hotels, restaurants, and public spaces offer free or paid WiFi access. However, relying solely on public WiFi can be risky and unreliable, especially when you're frequently on the move during a river cruise.
European SIM Card
One of the most convenient and cost-effective options is to purchase a European SIM card upon arrival. This will allow you to make calls, send text messages, and access mobile data at local rates, eliminating the need to worry about roaming charges from your Canadian carrier.
Here are a few recommended European SIM card providers:
- Orange Holiday SIM: Orange is a popular network provider in Europe, offering prepaid SIM cards with data packages valid across multiple countries, including Czech Republic, Germany, and France.
- Vodafone EuroTraveller SIM: Vodafone's EuroTraveller SIM is another great choice, providing data and voice packages specifically designed for travelers exploring Europe.
- Three EuroInternet Pass: If you plan to primarily use data for messaging apps, social media, and browsing, the Three EuroInternet Pass offers affordable data-only packages for various European countries.
It's advisable to research the best SIM card option for your specific needs and travel plans. Many providers offer SIM cards that can be purchased online and delivered to your home before your trip or picked up at designated locations upon arrival in Europe.
Tips for Staying Connected
Here are some additional tips to help you stay connected during your river cruise:
- Download messaging apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype allow you to communicate with your contacts back home over a data connection or WiFi, avoiding expensive international calling rates.
- Share your itinerary: Provide your family and friends with your travel itinerary, including the river cruise schedule and any planned stops. This will help them understand when you might be available for communication.
- Utilize WiFi hotspots: While not as reliable as a dedicated SIM card, take advantage of free WiFi hotspots whenever available to check emails, update social media, or make video calls.
Enjoying the beauty of Europe while staying connected with your loved ones back in Canada is entirely possible with a little preparation. By researching the best SIM card options and utilizing available WiFi hotspots, you can seamlessly share your unforgettable experiences with those who matter most.
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Paul
I am doing a river cruise in September through Czech Republic, Germany and France and have never been to Europe. I was wondering if anyone knows of a good way to connect with people back in Canada. Is wifi pretty abundant in a lot of these places or should I look into a European SIM card? If so do you guys have any recommendations?