If you have ever traveled internationally, like to another continent...

One day I would like to travel to France.
Of course I am in America.

Anyways, for cell phone service, how does that work? I searched a bit on the web, a bunch of confusing stuff.

It seems to me that one would have to buy a local SIM card and of course service (hopefully they have pre-pay in France.)

OR, have to buy a whole different phone and service in the destination country.

Would just using one's phone over wifi, and using an app like whatsapp for calls and messages be the most practical option?

What would the best option(s) be?

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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.

Punches · 46-50, F

@DeWayfarer I think mine can hold just one.

I am guessing it is not as simple as pulling one card and installing the other then buying a month of service?

I do not remember the exact process but even to activate a phone domestically seemed like a huge hassle.

Not that this matters but my phone's area code is not even one that is used in my state.

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

@Punches I bit more complex with just one. You need to set up through the new carrier. Yet not really complex. There are things you need to have ready. Like your cellphones IMEI number and cellphone make and model numbers for the new carrier as well as the new SIM card number.

I can take a couple of hours to set up and be active.

I have had to switch SIM cards many times.