Title: How to Buy a Prepaid Phone in Europe: 14 Steps (with Pictures)
Headings: How to Buy a Prepaid Phone in Europe
How to Buy a Prepaid Phone in Europe
Method 1
of 2:
Buying a Phone and SIM Card Combo
Method 2
of 2:
Bringing a Phone and Getting a SIM Card
Community Q&A
Tips
References
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Content: CDMA-only phones won’t work in Europe. GSM phones always require an installed SIM card that’s affiliated with a mobile carrier in order to operate on a mobile network. You can buy a new SIM card (with or without a phone) in each country you visit, or use the same SIM card throughout the EU without incurring roaming charges—up to a set limit. SIM cards are easy to buy in most European countries, but some, like Germany, have significant security-related restrictions that make the process much less convenient for tourists. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Buy-a-Prepaid-Phone-in-Europe-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Buy-a-Prepaid-Phone-in-Europe-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Buy-a-Prepaid-Phone-in-Europe-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1579358-v4-728px-Buy-a-Prepaid-Phone-in-Europe-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
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Shop for the best deal at convenience stores and corner shops. Retail shops throughout Europe sell prepaid phones, unlocked phones, and standalone SIM cards. You’ll usually have your choice from among several carriers that operate in that country, with phone-plus-SIM card price points that may start as low as $20 USD.