Title: Using a European SIM Card by Rick Steves
Headings: Using a European SIM Card
Using a European SIM Card
By Rick Steves

Content: Using a European SIM Card by Rick Steves
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Using a European SIM Card
With a European number, you can call (and text, and get online) within Europe for the lower rates locals enjoy. By Rick Steves
While using your American phone in Europe is easy, it can get expensive. And unreliable Wi-Fi can make the reality of keeping in touch via a service like Skype more frustrating than it should be. If you anticipate heavy phone or data use, consider traveling with a mobile phone fitted with a European SIM card. This gives you a European mobile number and access to cheaper rates than you'd get through your US carrier, even with an international plan. Generally with a European SIM card, it's free to receive domestic texts and calls, about 2–20 cents/minute to make domestic calls and calls within the EU, and 5–15 cents to send a text within the EU. For the best rates, buy a new SIM card every time you arrive in a new country. To get a European SIM, you'll need to do the following: 1. Make sure you're equipped with a proper phone.