All one needs to go about mobile phone issues in Europe

The world has evolved to a global village where you can meet and talk to whoever you wish from wherever you are. Thanks to what technology has done in Europe by being able to bring those far apart closer. Today, Europe is not just made up of countries that share a landmass but a diverse group of people deeply connected through robust transport and communication systems. Actually, one of the greatest emblems of Europe is how seamless trans-country communication has become to the extent that it matters not whether someone lives in the Balkan, Mediterranean or Scandinavia.

Anyone planning to live in Europe must as a matter of necessity be curious to know the communication systems in place. If anything, the Covid-19 era has redefined how critical communication can be in Europe with limited movements and interactions reigning supreme.

By any standards, the robust communication technology that links European countries defines the continent’s greatness. Make no mistake, Europe has some of the most reliable technology that enables your phone to produce voice, data, and satisfactory images to share with the rest of the world, as we can read on Megetnyttig.com.

Seamless mobile telephony is a hallmark of success in Europe

What we witness across Europe today is the popularity of internet access on smartphones. You can openly testify that smartphones have gone beyond telephones since they are much more than just a device used to receive and make calls. They are a version of handheld computers with photo and video cameras defining the gateway to information stored in remote servers. Don’t forget about your smartphone’s ability to track and its GPS-enabled maps.

Europe is extremely filled with beauty as mobile phone services connect people from all over the world. A mere collection of multiple devices has turned Europe into a very exciting scenery be it work, entertainment, and social life, mobile phones have become part of life in Europe just like is the case globally. It is now possible since you can now share data from one device to the other. From the comfort of your home or while on vacation, your apple device can share information to your other android phone. Life is easy, simple, exciting, and intelligently satisfying with the mobile ecosystem in Europe.

Smartphone Use in Europe

At least more than a third of the world population are either using smartphones or have access to a smartphone network. This population, is however expected to keep rising as internet use is rapidly becoming mobile as well. The percentage of web traffic generated from mobile phones in Europe keeps increasing every year. Technology is advancing at an accelerating rate which means that the future impact mobile phones in Europe will have after enhancement, is staggering.

If you happen to travel to the EU, there is no need to worry of any additional costs to use your mobile phone. You will simply be operating on a “roaming network” where your calls, data, and text messages will still be going at the domestic rates. The mobile phone call, messages, and browsing rates will still be charged at the same price level as if you were still home. This will also be the same for any phone services you receive while abroad. You will not be charged extra to receive calls or messages. Absolutely no extra charges even if your caller uses a different service provider.

What are Roaming Charges In Europe?

When you use your mobile phone while occasionally travelling outside your country of origin, then you are roaming. When you spend more time at home than abroad and use your mobile phone more times at home than abroad, then this is considered roaming. Your calls, text messages, and browsing in this case, will be charged as per the domestic rates.

You will be entitled to a fair use of roaming services. Immediately you cross the border within the European continent, you are likely to receive a text message from your mobile phone operator. It will be informing you that you are now on a roaming network and a reminder of the fair use policy.

There are situations where some people would still move to Europe permanently but choose to keep using their domestic SIM card. In such a case however, your mobile operator will charge you extra call, text messages, and browsing costs for roaming. But it is good to know that these charges will be capped under the fair use policy of roaming networks.

Understanding the Fair Use Policy for Roaming Networks in Europe

Your mobile phone operator may opt to apply a “fair use policy” to make sure that you have access to and benefiting from the “roam like at home” policies. This is basically being charged your roaming services at the same price level as the domestic prices while in the EU. Your mobile phone operator may be forced to apply very reasonable control mechanisms to deter users from taking advantage

When roaming, you are not on any limitations with your mobile phone operation; be it with your voice calls or messages. This is because any call or messages coming or leaving your handset will follow the same charge rates as if you were home. There are however some rules and limitations on the quantity of data you can purchase based on the home charges. Such limits will be dependent on your mobile operator contract details.

However, in some specified cases, you may be entitled to pay a data roaming surcharge equivalent to the EU larger data cap. The maximum amount is usually €2 per 1GB of data in addition to VAT charges. This is expected to decrease overtime for instance, in 2027 moving forward, it will be capped at €1 for 1GB plus VAT charges.

Using Your Smartphone in Europe Without Incurring Roaming Charges

While living in Europe, there are a couple of things that you will need to do to ensure that you will be able to use your phone. You will definitely need to buy a new SIM card if need be and make sure that your phone is capable of taking in a new SIM card.

Given your country of origin, there are high chances that your phone may not fully work on the European network. In Europe, phone carriers will mainly use the GSM network system which is likely to be different from other phones from different countries other than Europe. What it simply means is that your phone may lack a SIM card which will recognize the GSM service.

The main reason behind such disappointments is attributed to the fact that your phone might have come with a carrier set-up for you already. It is exactly what makes it completely impossible for your mobile handset to work in Europe. If you are coming from the US, then I bet you are likely to be affected.

GSM is the common phone service for most countries in the word including the European nations. Your ability to make and receive calls, text messages, and access data is all possible because of the SIM card you have inserted on your phone. So, changing your phone carrier would do you the honour of perfectly staying connected while in Europe.

Buying your First Smartphone in Europe

When you come to Europe you may not bring your original phone with you or find out that your phone carrier doesn’t work in Europe. What do you do? The only option you got is to buy yourself a new phone while in Europe. In this process, you have the desire to get yourself an interesting and high-end phone.

Popular high-end phones such as iPhone 13 Pro, Google Pixel 6 Pro, or even Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra pack, are very great performing phones. These phones have some of the greatest features you would want for a mobile phone. However, these premium phones are often very expensive and could not actually be your best option especially if you are just into something decent for a phone.

All in all, you have got numerous varieties to pick from while shopping in Europe. But please note that the best devices in the market not only come down to prices but also a phone’s screen size, camera specs, and its storage capacity. Nonetheless, follow on to the following tips on how to get your perfect first phone while in Europe.

Identify what feature you value the most then make your choice
Shop the sales
Look into the previous year’s phones to have a closer look
Buy your new phone a casing and a screen protector
Do not discount the midrange
Hold the phone at the store first

Buying a SIM Card in Europe

If you are in Europe and your phone fails to support the eSIM technology, then it means you must purchase a physical SIM card. That’s when you will let go of your existing SIM card if your phone doesn’t have two slots. After getting your SIM ensure that your new European SIM fits perfectly into your SIM card slot and that it also fits your phone.

Mostly when travelling abroad with your phone and you plan on staying for a longer time, your phone will need to be unlocked. If not, then you will make a choice either to purchase a new European cell phone or you’d rather have your original phone unlocked. However, there is a little more involved in choosing a perfect European SIM card other than just the price.

Look into the size of a SIM than your phone will accept whether it is a regular, micro, or nano sized. Most SIM card companies in Europe usually have all these three sizes so this should not be an issue for you. If you have an iPhone, then your preferred European SIM card size would be micro or nano.

After buying your right European SIM card, you have to ensure that your SIM card has a data plan that would allow you to text, talk, and access the internet. Your data plan must be that which perfectly suits your needs. In Europe, cell phone services are generally great and high-speed data plans for travellers are very affordable.

Key Mobile Phone Operators in Europe

Considering the rise of the digital-first generation, most people’s evaluation of mobile plans has completely evolved. What is highly valued now are things to do with rapid image upload speed and the quality that comes with video streaming. Don’t you like this kind of experience? You are taking advantage of the expansive geographic coverage of 4G, a formal key selling point in Europe.

Therefore, to match up the pace, mobile operators in Europe have introduced an auxiliary digital service. We now have the very top services like Netflix, WhatsApp, eBay, Hulu, and amazon. These are some of the brands doing a great job in shaping their digital presence in the European continent. So mobile phone operators must match up to this competition and excite their users. While in Europe you will likely have the following mobile operators to service you.

Orange

With a digital IQ at 140, orange is the single genius brand in the study as it leads the index in the number of impressions created. Orange will promote services and numerous benefits over your device as well as your plans. One thing about Orange is that it leads the way when it comes to social media connections as the Facebook competitors drive an organic engagement. If you happen to visit France, Orange will greatly welcome and service you.

Vodafone

The highest ranked Vodafone region in Europe is Italy. It will offer you with the best mobile experience that enables an e-commerce capability. To add to this, Vodafone has maintained the leading iOS application to help you manage your account. In Italy Vodafone has a digital IQ at 139. While in the UK, you will get to experience a strong site on your mobile incorporating effective guide and selling e-commerce, thanks to Vodafone. At the same time, Vodafone invests heavily in mobile advertising. Vodafone is also popular in Spain and Germany.

Deutsche Telekom

This is one of the largest mobile service providers in Europe with its headquarters located in Bonn, Germany. It is the famous operator of T-Mobile and owns major shares in Hungary and Slovakia through Magyar and Slovak Telekom respectively. While in Europe, get access to Deutsche Telekom mobile service provider and enjoy your video chats across your phone. Besides, you will enjoy differentiated customer service offerings. One of a kind in-class performance on Instagram and also intensifying the brand’s hold on social media.

Mobile Phone Packages to Expect while in Europe

Experiencing a high-speed data plan while travelling all over Europe is a necessary deal in the present world. When you are heading to a foreign or a completely new place, you will need to navigate through your Google maps and find your restaurant and hotel recommendations. But using your Android and an iPhone smartphone in Europe can be pretty expensive if not confusing hence a lot of caution will be necessary. Here are some of the best European phone packages for you;

The Orange Europe SIM card-20GB

This SIM card package gives your money a run for its value. It is usually the best SIM card for travellers or tourists. The only issue that most people tend to have with this phone package is the 14 days validity for they believe it should be longer. These are some of its features;

The price stands at $50
20 GB data package in the whole of the EU
1000 SMS to any country in the world
120 minutes talk time to any country
It is valid for 14 days
Free shipping to numerous countries

Euro link 3 GB E-sim Card for Europe

The price stands at $13
Just as the name suggests, there is a 3GB data in the whole of EU
It is a data only SIM card
For this one the validity for the package is 30 days
There are no any shipping costs

The Orange Holiday Zen E-sim Card for Europe- 15 GB

Price is $29.90
15 GB data plan in all of Europe
30 minutes calling outside Europe
Unlimited SMS and calls in Europe
14 days validity period

Euro link 5GB E-sim Card for Europe

Costs $20
5 GB data plan in EU
It is also data only SIM card
30 days validity
No shipping costs

3 Europe SIM Card- 12 GB

This package is slightly cheaper than all the above but has 40% less data. As compared to the orange SIM card it has an advantage of a 30 days validity offer. Meanwhile;

The price is $40
12 GB data package
Unlimited calls
Unlimited SMS
30 days validity
Valid in all of EU

International Mobile Phone Plans for Europe

In Europe, there are many mobile phone companies who make it very easy for you to use your phone. Sometimes when you move to Europe, your phone’s settings may not allow you to make calls, send SMS, or even access the internet. It is always good to do a bit of research on what you will be expecting. There are various ways to stay connected though. Have a look;

Use a Public Wi-Fi

If you are in no need of making regular calls but cannot do without internet connection, then you can possibly get access from a public Wi-Fi. It is very common in Europe to find free Wi-Fi especially in restaurants, bars, and sometimes on the streets. With your smartphone you can easily access your mobile phone applications like Skype, Google, WhatsApp, and Facebook. You can possibly make your calls and send messages home free of charge. However, you must ensure that your location of the free Wi-Fi access has a very strong connection.

Get a European SIM Card

Choose to buy your new European SIM card when you arrive in Europe. And if you intend to travel to multiple countries in Europe, just make sure that you get a SIM card for each country. SIM cards have a characteristic of specificity to the region where you purchased it. Above all, also ensure that your phone is unlocked before purchasing a European SIM card.

Get A Travel SIM Card

It is very possible that you can get a travel SIM card for Europe that will offer you discounted rates around the European continent. The SIM cards work by zones and you can choose a SIM card in advance depending on which country in Europe you are heading to. Many companies offer such services online. So, check for the prices in advance to select which travel SIM card is the best for you and offers the best international cell phone plans.

Unlocking Your Smartphone in Europe

Most cell phone companies often use software to lock their smartphones and confine them to their network. Such a phone may not work with a different SIM card from another company. But not to worry, because you can unlock your phone by calling your mobile carrier and ask them to unlock it for you. But, you must give a satisfying reason on why you need to unlock your phone.

It is not always an easy task to encounter as some carriers may put you through hell. Most of them have preferences on which customers should be eligible for unlocking their phones. But even at that, you need to contact your carrier to see how much help they will render you. Don’t wait until the last minute. When it fails to unlock then you have to buy yourself a new phone.