Recommended SIM for Europe

[ctrunfree]

Hi everyone

I've got a 6 week trip to Spain coming up, then another 3 months mostly in Canada, Iceland, the UK and Thailand starting in June.

What would people recommend as a good SIM to use while in Europe? I don't want much by way of calls or data, just to be able to get an Uber or a Googlemap up when I need to. Something that can be topped up using Oz credit cards would be useful. Am I right to think that with the new data roaming rules in the EU the main differential is coverage?

 

[bosox76]

I’m currently Holidaying through UK and France and got the 3 Sim from Simcorner. Offers unlimited calls in and to the UK but need to preload some money either in store or online if you want to call (or receive?) outside of the UK. I got it more for data. You get 12GB of which 9GB can be used outside UK. I think most EU countries and Canada are on the list but not sure if Thailand is. Check the website it lists all the countries. Roaming strength has been a little hit and miss in Paris but it’s worked about 90% of the time.

 

[VPS]

I'd recommend 3 too. I'm currently in NZ and can use the data from my 3 UK SIM here although I can't use data from Telstra

 

[jbman]

I always use the 3 Sim however as you are traveling for more than 60 days you will need to purchase a few. The initial sim will last 30 days then you can purchase a recharge for another 30. You can only 'roam' on the 3 Sim for 60 days total per 12 months.

Buy a few and throw them out once then run out would be my suggestion

 

[ctrunfree]

I always use the 3 Sim however as you are traveling for more than 60 days you will need to purchase a few. The initial sim will last 30 days then you can purchase a recharge for another 30. You can only 'roam' on the 3 Sim for 60 days total per 12 months.

Buy a few and throw them out once then run out would be my suggestion

Thanks people. I take it the 3 SIM can only be bought in the UK, which I won't be getting to until well into my second trip.

 

[jbman]

Thanks people. I take it the 3 SIM can only be bought in the UK, which I won't be getting to until well into my second trip.

You can buy them online for quite a few places in Australia and from the Sydney airport.

 

[ctrunfree]

You can buy them online for quite a few places in Australia and from the Sydney airport.

I notice that there is a requirement to use the 3 SIM in the UK before anywhere else.

 

[jbman]

So they say........

 

[Mal]

I notice that there is a requirement to use the 3 SIM in the UK before anywhere else.

Allegedly yes. In practice ...

My general comments. Three Mobile is ok for roaming, but you are restricted to 3G when not in the UK. That plus the routing of all data to the UK does make some browsing slow.

The EU regulations on roaming have benefits, but overall it is generally situation neutral.

Three Mobile can't be topped up online by Australians via Three directly. In the UK, recharges can be done in many places, eg major supermarkets etc.

 

[erin]

I notice that there is a requirement to use the 3 SIM in the UK before anywhere else.

So they say........

Allegedly yes. In practice ...

I'm of on a 5 week Europe trip, starting in Italy, won't be in London until the last few days. Really want to the 3 SIM for this trip but was put off by this requirement.
Are you all saying you don't actually have to use it in the UK first?!

 

[jbman]

My last trip started in Copenhagen and I used a 3 Sim.....

PM if you want to discuss

 

[erin]

My last trip started in Copenhagen and I used a 3 Sim.....

PM if you want to discuss

All good, thanks for clarifying. Reading the fine print on the Simcorner website, it actually says you can activate it at any of the 'feel at home' countries.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I'm of on a 5 week Europe trip, starting in Italy, won't be in London until the last few days. Really want to the 3 SIM for this trip but was put off by this requirement.
Are you all saying you don't actually have to use it in the UK first?!

In Italy, they are called “tre” (just amalmated with Wind.)

Wind Tre - Wikipedia

We’ve had good service from them.

 

[bosox76]

I first turned on the phone in Dubai. No problems. Worked fine on arrival in UK.

 

[PLANT]

Ireland and Germany recommendation for sim with data need 6 weeks

 

[jbman]

As I usually sugfets, 3 Sim. As it's 6 weeks you will need two or a top up.

Since you are going to Ireland, when in the North you will be in the UK so the SIM won't be roaming. In the South you will be roaming as in Germany. I have used the 3 Sim in all three places with no issues

 

[PLANT]

So where and how to get the 3 Sim and the rates?
Which prepaid or is there only one deal?

Or is it better to go with ALDI

So it's the process walk into to ALDI, buy Sim and place in phone..... Job done?
How much talk and data over there for what price?
12.99€ 600min 3Gb or do you have to buy starter kit first?
So it roams free to France but not Switzerland as driving "romantic road" route?

 

[jbman]

£20 SIM which has the offer free to roam on it. Gives 12 gig of data and 1000 mins of calls to uk numbers.

You can either buy from one of the travel Sim companies in AU or eBay from sellers in the uk who will post it over to you.

I have bought from these guys before
3 UK SIM card for the United Kingdom and Europe
Very helpful and will answer any questions you have about the service

 

[PLANT]

Issue is I'm not in going to UK but Ireland and Germany....therefore UK 1000min will not work?

Anyone used Euro8

Vodafone NL?

 

[PLANT]

Had giffGAF for UK but have no used in 3 years....... Can that Sim be reactivated?
So Southern Ireland and Germany, France and Switzerland all fine with 3 Sim?
As stated before landing in Dublin.
Is that £20 a month?