If you have ever traveled internationally, like to another continent... One day I would like to...

Some people already suggested it, but the best option, which I've been using for years, is to use WiFi and Whatsapp. Every restaurant, cafe, beach, hotel, airport, etc. has WiFi, never have one refuse to hand the login info.

Trying to deal with sims can be very expensive and with Whatsapp, it's like you're dialing in the US, using your own number.

ThePatientAnarchist · 61-69

During a recent two weeks in Europe I just relied on wifi, which lets you use WhatsApp, Messenger, etc., leaving the phone in airplane mode and not using any data or roaming charges.

During a month in India earlier this year I did get a SIM card but it was bloody complicated. There appeared to be many forms to fill out and steps to go through to get one legally. Fortunately a friend of friends there got me one "under the table".

Gibbon · 70-79, M

The biggest thing is whether the phone is CDMA or GSM. GSM is standard through out Europe. If your phone is on Verizon it's most likely CDMA and won't work over there even with a new simm

Edit: I just realized my phone is GSM yet on Verizon network 5G LTE. If your phone is LTE compatible it might be GSM

CrazyMusicLover · 31-35

I know that people often use virtual SIM but unfortunately not every phone supports that. I know that my brother had some problem with it last year in Asia or the USA so he just bought a local SIM.

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

Long ago, long before cellphones. And by myself to Germany at 14. Long story.

There are cellphones with the ability to have duel SIM cards. It's how you reboot to whichever SIM card

And I have heard of such SIM cards for all of the EU.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

To some extent it depends on your US carrier. Also what you want to use it for. My T-Mobile phone includes unlimited data, and $0.25 minute of I need to make a voice call. I have an old unlocked phone,been when on other countries and think I may need a phone, I buy a sim card, available almost universally in vending machines on arrival.

Celt50 · 51-55, M

When in usa i used to rely on wifi in hotels, bars snd shopping malls , but it requires you giving your email adress to sign in, and always found once home youd be inundated with scam emails, so im sure Europe is no different, simcards are widely available in france for phone data .

Roundandroundwego · 61-69

T-Mobile works in Europe.
There's free wifi in most towns, but it's often too slow for wifi calls. Cafes, hotels and coffee shops have faster wifi.
I'd still have to wait for the world to become foreigner friendly and open, again.

Strongtea · 22-25, M

I tend to just use Wi-Fi, but it can be a pain if you want to really explore (using maps etc) Your service provider may be able to give you coverage at an extra cost, you can call when you get there (using hotel wi-fi) and set it up(usually.)

Thatsright · 61-69, M

The kid at your provider store will tell you exactly what you need. That’s what I do.

NewWorldToronto · 51-55, M

Use your normal phone, just get a pay-as-you-go SIM card there when you arrive. Very cheap. Oh..also many phones have wi-fi calling that allows you to text and phone using your normal phone number...but just over wi-fi and not cell reception.

braveheart21 · 61-69, M

Apparently phones are no longer locked to a single network ( in the uk anyway) so a local sim should work.

FairyDuster · M

Absolutely not, darling. I'm all about staying fabulous right here in the USA, darling

Elessar · 31-35, M

Visit Italy first, get an Italian sim (you get like 100GB of data/mo. for like €6), move anywhere else in Europe and you have like 10GB of free roaming 😜

Definitely enough for WhatsApping back home