Using Your Cell Phone in Europe

Today’s technology gives you the opportunity to stay connected while traveling—ensuring you get that memorable call, photo or message from your loved ones. In addition, mobile phones provide convenient access for emergencies and confirming travel plans. Some basic guidelines and tips will help you save money, keep your phone working effectively, stay on time and in touch.

Before You Leave

Spending some time contacting your cell phone carrier in advance of your trip will help ensure you can call friends and family back home and eliminate any surprises on your phone bill when you return. Let your carrier know your travel plans, including how you plan to use your phone on your tour. You’ll want to make sure you understand all of the potential charges before you travel. Contact your carrier for specific details. Below, we’ve listed several common mobile phone carriers.

• AT&T
• T-Mobile
• Verizon

Check With Your Carrier For International Dialing Access

You’ll want to make sure international dialing access is active on your mobile phone plan, and remember that international and roaming rates will apply to calls placed during your trip  (charges will appear on your cell phone/smart phone bill). Because roaming rates can be high overseas, it’s a good idea to check with your carrier for specific cost details before you leave.

Smartphone Tips

As one of the most popular communication devices today, smart phones have revolutionized the way we connect with each other and the world. We know it’s difficult to leave your smart phone behind for an hour, much less multiple days. The following tips will help you save your phone’s battery life and get the most out of your smartphone while on tour:

Before your trip, you’ll want to disable any applications that give you regular updates, such as sports reports and weather updates.

When you board your flight, remember to set your phone to Airplane Mode. This suspends all calling and texting functions but still allows you to play games, use your camera and listen to music, etc. The flight attendants will request you to switch off your phone completely for take-off and landing. They will announce when it is okay to switch it back on while in flight.

On the trip, you’ll want to charge your phone every night to ensure you’ll have enough battery life for the next day. Make sure you bring the proper adapter to charge your phone in Europe, see Using Electronics.

Try to turn off your phone when you’re not using it. Leaving your phone on all day drains the battery, so it’s a good idea to turn it off while you’re touring a site, eating or reading.

Disable the Data Enabled or Data Roaming option on your phone. During your trip, you can check for email messages when you’re connected to a wireless Internet connection, such as in a hotel lobby or Internet cafe.  If you want to check your email or use other web applications when not on a wireless connection we suggest you turn off the function for “Automatic” checking of emails and change the email settings to “Manual” to reduce data roaming charges.   

Phone Cards and Rental

If you choose to not bring your mobile phone, there are various ways to stay in touch with others during your travels. Here are three options to consider:

Phone cards purchased at home. An international prepaid phone card bought before you leave will allow you to use it at card-equipped public telephones in Israel. However when purchasing your card, please make sure the card specifically indicates that calls can be made from an international location. If left unspecified, international phone cards will only enable you to call to international locations from your home country.  

Phone cards purchased in Europe. Most countries’ public telephones accept phone cards that can be purchased in various denominations from any post office and at various shops. Using a phone card, you can make international calls from card-equipped telephones or special telephone company offices in the  country’s major cities. If you need assistance, the country’s major telephone companies have toll-free numbers.

Hotel room phones. You’ll also find phones in your hotel room. It’s a good idea to check the hotel rates before placing calls to friends and family back home.

For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am-5:00pm, Pacific Time.