Good news! Your mobile phone will almost certainly work in Europe, but the cost, internet speed, and the ability to make calls and send messages when using mobile phones in Europe depend on the service you opt for.
First, you need to make sure your phone can even connect to European networks. Most modern smartphones are built for international use. They support GSM networks, which is the standard in Europe. However, if you’re still using one of those cool vintage flip phones or a device locked to a specific carrier, you might not be able to use it in Europe.
Many carriers offer international roaming plans that let you use your phone abroad just like you would at home. Contact your carrier for plan add-ons before you start your trip!
Most carriers have daily or monthly international roaming packages that give you a set amount of data, calls, and texts while abroad. Big carriers in the U.S. such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer daily passes that charge a flat fee for each day you use your phone in Europe. Prices usually range from $5 to $10 per day, make sure to look into the details, what exactly is included. Some passes are for calls/text only, using the internet might ask for an additional fee.
Some carriers, like T-Mobile with its Magenta plan, have built-in roaming plans that include free data and texting in Europe as part of their package. Again, look into the details of each plan, as data speeds can be slower than your plan back home and calls might not be included.
If your carrier doesn’t offer an add-on plan or you don’t opt for a package, your carrier will charge you per minute, per text, and per megabyte of data used. Be aware that this is usually the most expensive option and should be avoided unless you enjoy using your mobile phone as a paperweight on your trip.
Before you drain your bank account, you can choose from several options — from purchasing a local SIM card, buying an eSIM, to looking into a pocket Wi-Fi or using free local WiFi networks. Let’s have a closer look at these options and avoid roaming charges.
When you arrive in Europe, you can purchase a local SIM card from a local provider, often available at airports, convenience stores, or media shops. While it’s easy to do, just swap your current SIM card with the local one, some devices don’t have a SIM card slot or are not compatible with your device. If your phone is not unlocked, the local SIM card will not work. Just be ready, it will take some time to figure out the contract details, activation process, and so on. Wouldn’t you rather be sitting in a cafe, or exploring the sights?
If your phone supports eSIM, you can set up a European plan without swapping physical SIM cards. This is the most convenient option, especially for those who want to keep their home SIM active for receiving calls and texts while using a European plan for data. The eSIM can and should be activated before you leave for your trip. No more hassle and wasted time when you arrive. You will be connected the moment you arrive in Europe! If you keep your local SIM card activated for calls and texts, keep in mind that international charges might apply. Check with
Pocket WiFi works just like any WiFi device, but it is a lot smaller and portable than your traditional home WiFi router. Unlike the router, Pocket WiFi is designed for use without any location restriction, this way you can stay connected to the internet no matter where your travels may take you. You can either purchase a Pocket WiFI and prepaid SIM card or rent a Pocket WiFI and purchase a prepaid SIM card. Purchasing one can cost up to $400, plus the SIM card, and you need a battery pack to keep it running. Pocket WiFI used to be a great alternative, but compared to eSIM, it’s much more expensive and takes up room in your luggage. Let’s be honest, you can use that space for better things!
Free WiFI is a good way to conserve data while keeping up with emails, social media, and video calls. It’s not ideal for on-the-go navigation or emergencies, and you shouldn’t use your personal information or access financial details, while on public WiFi.
As you can see, your phone will work in Europe, but how you use it depends on your needs and budget. The easiest and most affordable way to stay connected is with an eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE Data.
Getting to see many amazing sites in Europe is exciting and of course you want to share them with your family and friends back home right away. Purchase an eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE Data and never worry about running out of data on your trips again!
If your data plan doesn’t cover your destination or is too expensive and you still want to share your experiences or use other apps to watch movies while relaxing at your hotel, get the eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE. We offer data plans in over 100 countries worldwide. You can choose how much data to purchase and when you have used up 80% of that data you will receive a reminder and you can purchase more data, if necessary. You can check yourself how much data is left in your app.
And there is more! The eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE is also available on cruise ships and ferries with the Telenor Maritime package. Please note, this package will only work on cruise ships and ferries. To purchase a land package please select the destination where you travel to.
So, how does it work to get data on your trip and avoid roaming charges?
It works with an eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE for land packages and Telenor Maritime for cruise ships and ferries.
Red Bull MOBILE is an app-based data plan for travelers. With the use of eSIM, it allows you to surf from anywhere around the globe. Whether you’re sightseeing, base jumping, climbing, or in fact cruising.
That means you never again have to worry about running out of data for your internet connection wherever you might travel, when you need it the most or about unexpected fees and invoices.
All you have to do is download the App, register, search for – or scroll down to your destination or the Telenor Maritime option, and purchase your package. Please note, the Telenor Maritime package will work on cruise ships and ferries only! To purchase a land package please select the destination where you travel to.
Set-up instructions for Android devices can be found here.
Set-up instructions for iOS devices can be found here.
In order to ensure proper functionality, you should purchase and install the eSIM before you start your trip or board your cruise ship. You will need a steady internet connection to set up your data plan, therefore it would be advisable to have your plan set up where you have a strong internet signal. The packages are valid for 30 days after activation. When you’ve used up 80% of your data, we’ll let you know — so you won’t get stuck without any data. You’ll get another notification once your data has finally run out.
In the Red Bull MOBILE App you will also see how much data you have already used.
Where does the Telenor Maritime package work?
The Telenor Maritime package currently works on many ships and ferries; get a full list of all vessels by clicking HERE to search for a cruise ship or ferry.
You should switch off data roaming for your primary SIM card to avoid roaming charges. Since streaming movies, videos and TV shows use a lot of data, it is advisable to download these ahead of time to minimize data usage.Get the Red Bull MOBILE Data App now and be the first to experience the most convenient way of staying connected while traveling or cruising!
