Q&A for How to Buy a Prepaid Phone in Europe

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Where can I buy a prepaid mobile phone without having to give my name or ID in Europe?

Community Answer

It depends on where you are, but most European countries carry ones in grocery stores that you can just buy.

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Is there a European prepaid SIM card that covers all or most of Europe for both telephone calls and for internet data?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

Yes. Most SIM cards bought in Europe offer Europe-wide connection.

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Question

Can I purchase a prepaid phone in the US for use in Europe?

Community Answer

You can buy the so-called "unlocked" phone that has the GSM network built-in and then when you get to Europe, buy the SIM card at the airport.

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I have a phone that is currently inactive. Can I use a European SIM card in it?

Community Answer

You should be able to use it as long as your phone uses the same GSM/3G/4G band the European SIM card is designed for. You should also make sure your phone isn't locked to one specific network carrier. If you're not sure whether it is unlocked or not, just test it with another SIM card that differs from your usual carrier.

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I have an iPhone 5C - will a SIM card in Europe fit?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

Yes.

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We are going to Europe this spring and then China next spring and want to get a cheap phone that we can use in both places, should we need to. What are our options?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

The best thing to do is just to buy a phone where you live and then buy a SIM card in Europe and a SIM card in China.

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Will a SIM card fit an iPhone 5S?

Community Answer

Yes, any SIM card fits in any phone, they are all standardized. Make sure your phone is unlocked before traveling, however (this can be done by calling your carrier).

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Will a SIM card fit in an iPhone 5?

Community Answer

Yes. Check that the SIM is offered in nano SIM or multiple size.

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Question

For texting, do I need a smartphone in Europe?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

No, texting also works with regular flip-phones.

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Will my phone work after I change my SIM card back to my US SIM card (after using a European SIM card)?

Community Answer

Yes, your phone should work fine after switching back to your US SIM card.

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What would be the approximate cost to rent a mobile phone for use in Belgium and France for one month?

Community Answer

You will not be able to rent a mobile phone for a month. You might be able to get a 6-month contract at best. Instead, you use a prepaid plan such as weekly or monthly or just simply pay as you go.

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Can I charge my cell phone in Paris?

Community Answer

Yes, if you have an adaptor to use in France.

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