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Questions tagged [cellphones]

Issues with taking your mobile phone with you, and buying a phone, SIM card, or cellular data plan in another country.

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9 answers
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US phone service for long-term travel

I'm going on a six-month trip to Mexico and Central America. In addition to whatever I do with local SIMs, WhatsApp, and Google Voice, I still need a regular US phone number to receive verification ...
NewSites's user avatar
  • 221
11 votes
3 answers
2k views

Risks around eSIM providers with cheap plans

I often find that some of eSIM providers are able to offer very cheap plans as compared to actual mobile companies which own the network. For example Nomad/Lyca provide very cheap plans which make ...
Travelling Juggernaut's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
625 views

Is it possible to activate German SIM abroad for non-EU person?

There are many German mobile operators selling SIM cards online. It is possible to order them with post forwarding abroad. However, it seems that activation of all these cards is possible only in ...
Boris Zinchenko's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
2k views

Can I travel with extra mobile phones?

I have one broken touchscreen smartphone and one used normal button-operated phone that I don't use anymore. I also have another smartphone that I use. I want to take them home from Poland to ...
user366312's user avatar
  • 1,453
3 votes
2 answers
227 views

Buying a Bolivian data SIM card in the UK

I'm looking to buy a SIM card – not an eSIM, as my phone doesn't support them – with a reasonable data allowance for Bolivia, and which ideally supports tethering. Because of how and where I'm ...
Richard Smith's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
224 views

Google Maps has stopped giving me spoken instructions when I ride public transport, how do I turn it back on?

Google maps always used to speak audible instructions like "stay on the 16 for 4 stops" and "get off at Dam Square". It's suddenly stopped doing that as of late. The text ...
Fiksdal's user avatar
  • 14.7k
2 votes
2 answers
364 views

Question about Three mobile operator cellular network coverage in Oban UK

I have multiple Sim cards, and one of my Ukrainian sim card isn't even registered in roaming, however, it is supposed to be working in roaming. However, I bought it a long time ago and it is Mini-SIM (...
Patlatus's user avatar
  • 281
13 votes
1 answer
388 views

Who do I reach when calling 116117 abroad and how do I ensure reaching the local version?

I was travelling in Norway with my German phone. When I phoned 116117 due to a non-emergency medical problem¹, I received an answering machine speaking German. Assuming I was connected to the German ...
gerrit's user avatar
  • 60.1k
0 votes
2 answers
148 views

Bluetooth and other trackers for use in Eastern Europe

Planning a trip to various eastern european countries like Slovakia, Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria, I am thinking of taking some bluetooth trackers like Apple AirTags, Samsung Galaxy SmartTags or ...
this.myself's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
3k views

eSIM for China with a local number

I would like to get an eSIM with a Chinese number so I can use it to register for local services, apps and so on. I'm aware that: I can get a regular SIM in airports, but I'd like to save my SIM slot ...
Koterpillar's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
139 views

What are good options for data-only SIM and eSIM card options for Albania? [duplicate]

My friend and I are travelling to Albania soon. We want to avoid using our everyday UK SIM plans because the roaming costs are expensive. I can use either an eSIM or a physical SIM. My friend, however,...
Ichi's user avatar
  • 169
10 votes
3 answers
3k views

How can a Russian mobile number receive texts in Canada?

In the last few months all Canadian mobile operators have terminated roaming agreements with Russian carriers, reportedly to comply with the Canadian government's sanctions against Russia. If someone ...
Psychonaut's user avatar
  • 2,219
3 votes
1 answer
194 views

Real prepaid sim card in Britain

I would like to have a British sim card for identification purposes mostly, e.g. registering on food ordering services. So I do not want a subscription and pay monthly. I would like to buy some ...
Gergely's user avatar
  • 407
11 votes
2 answers
5k views

New smartphones that are unlocked

What does "Unlocked Worldwide (Only T-Mobile/Mint/Metro USA Market)" mean in this link (on Amazon Canada)? And since the mobile product in question is only unlocked for T-Mobile/Mint/Metro ...
Maurice's user avatar
  • 279
2 votes
0 answers
1k views

Where can one buy a SIM card at Woodlands checkpoint in Singapore?

I'm entering Singapore via the Woodlands checkpoint from Johor Bahru and I'd like to buy a SIM card to use in Singapore. Where can I buy a SIM card at the Woodlands checkpoint? Is the closest 7-Eleven ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
973 views

How to choose an eSIM for China + Hong Kong?

For a trip to China and Hong Kong, I'm planning to purchase an eSIM so I can use mobile data with my device. During my research, I've found a pretty large variation in prices for my options (as much ...
Wing's user avatar
  • 639
5 votes
1 answer
748 views

What's the best China mobile SIM card operator to use long term for a foreigner?

I'm planning to come to China and buy a SIM card. I'll use it mainly for receiving OTPs because I'll try to open a bank account and will be using it outside of China as well to receive the OTPs. I'll ...
Fredric's user avatar
  • 151
1 vote
0 answers
98 views

Why SIM in Japan for traveller is data only? [duplicate]

When I arrived at Japan, I tried to find a SIM which would allow me to make and receive call. However, SIM was data only. Why is this? For examples: I can not make / receive calls (Travel SIM/WiFi) ...
mon's user avatar
  • 1,700
10 votes
5 answers
7k views

Is there a way to keep my SIM card but use my phone in Japan besides international roaming?

I live in the United States, and have an American phone carrier. At the end of this month, I will go to Japan for about a year. I want to register my phone with a Japanese network. However, I do not ...
Kyle Lin's user avatar
  • 211
3 votes
1 answer
619 views

Trouble accessing internet and MMS with T-Mobile prepaid SIM card in my EU phone

I recently purchased a T-Mobile prepaid SIM card for my trip to the USA, and I'm encountering difficulties accessing the internet and sending MMS messages on my Motorola G22. Back home, my phone ...
Richard's user avatar
  • 33
32 votes
7 answers
11k views

How to ensure two-factor availability when traveling?

It's been about 10 years since I've traveled out of the US. In that time, it's become more and more common for various services (including basic things like email) to (randomly or systematically) ...
BrenBarn's user avatar
  • 719
0 votes
0 answers
50 views

Best phone plan (ideas) for travelling in France from the United States [duplicate]

Excuse the specific nature of this question. Hopefully it somewhat applies to a more general audience. I live in the United States and I'm travelling to France this summer for 2 months. I use to ...
Dave's user avatar
  • 461
4 votes
1 answer
521 views

How do I purchase a Turkish SIM card as a tourist and not run afoul of cell phone registration laws?

I am a tourist visiting Turkey for the first time. I am a regular tourist, not intending to stay in the country longer than my visa permits, and as such, I do not possess a residence permit and do not ...
intelfx's user avatar
  • 141
0 votes
0 answers
192 views

Need alternative to US Cell phone provider for short codes

Has anyone found a good alternative to T-Mobile for foreign travel to the Philippines with short codes? Shortcodes are the two step authentication that you get from Google or your bank. Capital One ...
Skycaptain681's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
712 views

Can't receive text on Vodafone Indian number abroad

I have an Indian Vodafone number and I am unable to receive any text Messages on it, I can receive calls thou. Any help would be appreciated.
Himanshu's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
244 views

Help with Australian ETA app in Japan

An elderly relative of mine in Japan is planning to visit Australia soon and needs to apply for a Class 601 Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Unfortunately, some genius bureaucrat has decided to ...
lambshaanxy's user avatar
  • 99.1k
6 votes
2 answers
878 views

Can you reactivate a previously expired data plan when travelling to Australia?

My wife has previously held an Aussie phone number with Amaysim. Can she reactivate that number but with a different provider, with different data plan etc, or does she have to go with Amaysim to re-...
Mark Mayo's user avatar
  • 160k
4 votes
1 answer
636 views

Problem with roaming in EU (European operator)

I have a Swedish phone provider and use roaming when traveling in EU. I have noticed that it is slow to connect when turning off airplane mode, often without 4G as default. As I have a budget/low cost ...
SN082 traveller's user avatar
2 votes
8 answers
10k views

Can I use a UK iPhone charger with my US iPhone in the UK, or do I need to use an adapter and my US charger?

I live in the US and will study abroad in England this spring. I'm wondering if I can just buy a new iPhone charger once I arrive there or if I need to carry around an adapter with my current charger? ...
leftclique's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

How can I use cellular phone in Istanbul airport?

Suppose, I am traveling from India to Munich. My friend is traveling from Warsaw to India. Both of our transit is in Istanbul. We arrived at Istanbul airport, and we want to talk via mobile phone. How ...
user366312's user avatar
  • 1,453
10 votes
3 answers
2k views

Getting a SIM for a foreign phone in the US

I am staying in the US for 3 months, and I want to have a cheapest possible mobile data plan for it. I think it makes no sense and is a waste of resources to buy a new phone just for that phone, so ...
Bubaya's user avatar
  • 201
3 votes
1 answer
355 views

Do you know a 100+GB SIM in Spain?

I'm going to work remotely in Spain for one week and I wanted to know if there was a large (80-100 GB, ideally unlimited) data SIM plan with no engagement available in Spain? My current SIM card give ...
Alexandre's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
2k views

What is a cheap & effective option to get basic cell phone coverage while visiting the UK? [closed]

I will be travelling very soon in the UK (London first for a couple of days then up north to Scotland for the greater part of the trip). I live in Canada. I was wondering if there is a cheap & ...
ereOn's user avatar
  • 473
1 vote
0 answers
60 views

Resources discussing best data SIM card in Morocco [closed]

I will travel to Morocco soon and I am considering buying a SIM card. I am mainly looking for data, but if cost is similar, I might buy data+voice. Additional information like where to buy, is welcome....
nsn's user avatar
  • 32.2k
2 votes
0 answers
159 views

How to approve a new phone model in Ecuador?

A few weeks ago, I bought a SIM from Claro Ecuador to use in a fairly recent cellphone. I had several Claro SIMs over the years when traveling around Ecuador in different phones and they never ...
Itai's user avatar
  • 46.3k
4 votes
1 answer
237 views

Drawing a path on a map and having a navigation software on my phone following it

I plan to drive in a city. I would like to decide to decide my exact route by drawing it on a map, then have a navigation software help me navigate to make sure I follow the route. Which solutions ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
341 views

Buying + activating Google Fi in the US but not a US resident? [duplicate]

I'm currently on a 3 week trip in California, visiting mostly in and around the major cities and I've been looking into buying a Google Fi 'simple unlimited' plan for a month for my data/calling/...
Siege's user avatar
  • 11
6 votes
2 answers
2k views

SIM for travel in both Germany (Berlin + Dresden) and Czech Republic (Prague) [duplicate]

Title more or less says it all. We are flying into Berlin, taking the train to Dresden then train to Prague. We'd like to be able to make calls (local) and have data access (email, maps, browsing, etc)...
Jason Reljac's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
407 views

Sending a 'blacklisted' phone from Kos to England, will there be any issues with customs etc.?

When visiting Kos, Greece, recently, my travel partner lost their phone at the hotel. When we returned home, we contacted our mobile network provider. They have 'blacklisted' the phone. We contacted ...
Xnero's user avatar
  • 19.9k
1 vote
0 answers
2k views

Is there any way to buy Google Play money in Taiwan without a credit card?

I've seen Google Play "gift cards" on sale in convenience stores in several nearby countries, but for some reason I don't see them in Taiwan. Convenience store displays show cards for Apple'...
uhoh's user avatar
  • 1,445
8 votes
4 answers
728 views

Worldwide phone number

So, I travel and what to be able to be reachable by phone wherever I am. What I want is to have a single phone number that I can give to everybody (people and services like banks or WhatsApp or Uber) ...
RiaD's user avatar
  • 255
1 vote
1 answer
268 views

Getting Short code SMS texts to US VoIP number from Panama

I am a non-techie, and I can't fix this myself. I use Amazon pharmacy for getting my prescriptions and they are using short texts to verify my phone number, which, of course, isn't working. Are there ...
Celeste Mendelsohn's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
525 views

Activate Verizon SIM Card While In Canada

I am in the middle of a long term trip in Canada (~6 Months). Until now I have been using a Verizon plan which allows me to roam on Canadian networks free of charge. I recently lost my phone and have ...
HenryPrickettMorgan's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
598 views

How do I activate my Vi sim in UAE?

I moved to UAE 45 days ago and i missed on activating the roaming pack on my Indian sim card. Though i would do a online recharge when in UAE, but now i see there is no network and iam not sure if i ...
user126847's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

Is there a way to get a US phone number in Europe that allows one time code texts from banks, etc.?

I live between Europe and the US, but spend the majority of my time in Europe. I still have several accounts in the US that require a one time use code texted to me every time I sign in (even if I ...
user9442769's user avatar
19 votes
2 answers
541 views

Can I travel to Dubai without a smartphone?

The United Arab Emirates is currently open for tourism, subject to certain COVID-19–related rules, which are set out on the government's travel website and which vary slightly from emirate to emirate. ...
Psychonaut's user avatar
  • 2,219
0 votes
0 answers
109 views

Calling foreign phone number that happens to be in the same country [duplicate]

I am French but currently living in the US. I have a French cell phone number (+33XXXXXXXXX). Would someone calling me from the US be charged an international call (the +33 prefix being more important ...
Nestor Demeure's user avatar
5 votes
4 answers
9k views

Can I use a personal satellite phone/Internet connection as a passenger in a plane?

I am reading some contradictory statements regarding the use of a personal satellite phone/Internet connection in a plane. E.g.: https://www.bluecosmo.com/satellite-phones Hardened structures, ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
941 views

Is it ever useful to allow access to phone data when connecting one's phone to an airplane USB plug?

If not, then why is the USB plug configured to ask to access data, which is typically the case?
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
4 votes
0 answers
294 views

International Cellphone Network Coverage Map/API

Query: I am trying to find a map, or database/API, which shows the cellphone network coverage given an arbitrary point for anywhere on the planet. This is in the context of planning a hypothetical ...
Steve's user avatar
  • 141

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