SIMs for Spain (Norte & Frances) and France (Gebenensis & Podiensis)

[Walter1407]

I plan to walk on the main route through France, and in Spain follow the Camino del Norte (there) and then the Frances (back).
I would love to hear from pilgrims who not too long ago were using French and Spanish SIMs on these routes. Which ones are recommended? Best coverage? Best price? I hope to get pre-pay SIMs which include internet access.
Thanks!

 

[Kiwi-d]

I bought a prepay Vodafone SIM in Pamplona for E40 which lasted for one month before having to be renewed at a cost of E40. Coverage was fine, though I primarily used wifi in albergues. I think Orange had a cheaper option, but Vodafone was the first supplier I came across.

 

[Dave2525]

I used Orange on the CF and had coverage for the most part. I think it was 5€ Possibly 10 but I only used it for voice.

 

[Bajaracer]

Lebara http://www.lebara.es (Vodaphone) has fair pricing and coverage in Spain along with Tuenti https://www.tuenti.com/movil (Movistar)

 

[NicoZ]

Best price? I hope to get pre-pay SIMs which include internet access.
Thanks!

Voice roaming is cheap. Data roaming less so. If you really need data on both sides of the border better to buy two sims. One in each country. Supposedly 1/1/2016 all roaming costs go away but before then you'll pay at least €3 a day for data roaming.

 

[jmcarp]

At the time (2013), my smartphone was a CDMA only device, locked to Verizon, a US carrier. So I took an unlocked dumb phone with an Orange SIM card for voice and texting, and also took my smartphone for use only as a wifi device when I sent email or needed internet access. I now have switched to an iPhone which works on both CDMA and GSM networks, so that will be my single communications device of choice next time. I was totally pleased with the Orange network coverage along the CF, so I'll probably use it again. As far as use in France and Spain, if you plan to spend a significant amount of time in France just get SIM cards for both countries -- they are cheap enough. Someone mentioned the elimination of roaming charges in 2016 -- will that apply throughout the EU (i.e. one SIM for all countries at one price)?

 

[Bajaracer]

The elimination of roaming fees in the EU is something that is long overdue.
The only issue would be trying to add credit outside of the EU country it originated from, unless you can set up a way to recharge online, that could be difficult for those from outside the EU.

 

[Former member 22438]

I stopped buying simcards.
I downloaded the app Ringcredible on my iphone from the appstore.
Put 10€ Credit on my account by an Itunes card.
Everywhere there is wifi you can use your phone.
Costs phoning abroad ? 12 minutes from Europe to a fixed phonenumber in LA 0,12 €
30 minutes to a Portugese fixed phonenumber 0,59 € .
Phoning to mobile numbers is slightly more expensive.
The experiences with this app are such positive that I stopped my fixed phonenumber at home and only use this app.
On my iphone I now use a prepaid simcard .
My phonecosts reduced significantly.. I have no need to use my phone for internet data during traveling f.ex. in public transport . Besides more public transport companies offer free wifi in trains,streetcars and buses.

Buen camino

 

[Former member 22438]

In addition to my post above herewith a pic of the app ringcredible.

 

[SYates]

I used a dual sim phone during my walk and changed the cards when I changed country. But I only used the phone for texting and calling, for internet I had a tablet with me. I used LaPoste in France and Vodaphone in Spain, both worked well. SY

 

[Walter1407]

Just for explanation: I prefer to have a mobile with internet access as I can see my precise location with GPS. And I can find out where I have to go with this website: www.jakobsweg.ch - This site provides detailed maps for all major routes in Europe (with zoom-in function). This way I don't have to carry any maps (paper or electronic). I am hoping that mobile coverage will be comprehensive...

 

[Bajaracer]

Just for explanation: I prefer to have a mobile with internet access as I can see my precise location with GPS. And I can find out where I have to go with this website: www.jakobsweg.ch - This site provides detailed maps for all major routes in Europe (with zoom-in function). This way I don't have to carry any maps (paper or electronic). I am hoping that mobile coverage will be comprehensive...

http://maps.me/en/home is a nice map app that works offline without a data signal, just zoom in and download the maps from the countries you'll be visiting before you travel on wifi (the file sizes are big) and you'll have some well detailed maps.

 

[Walter1407]

http://maps.me/en/home is a nice map app that works offline without a data signal, just zoom in and download the maps from the countries you'll be visiting before you travel on wifi (the file sizes are big) and you'll have some well detailed maps.

Thanks. But does this app show the actual routes?

 

[Bajaracer]

It doesn't show the Camino route itself, but it is well detailed as a map.