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using dectivated phone on Camino

Nanc

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances (Sept 2016)
SDC/ Finesterre/ Muxia (2016)
When I upgraded phones, I kept my old iPhone 5s (It would be nice to take something I am less worried about losing or damaging)
Can I charge it up and take it to the Camino and put a Spanish SIM into it and expect it to work? I recognize that between Biarritz and Pamploma? I might be stuck without service.

Would it be possible to down load some of the apps I have been planning on using on that phone?
thanks
Nanc
 
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
Yes you can. As long as your iPhone has a slot for a SIM card (not all cellular companies use removable SIM Cards).

The phone also has to be unlocked. For example: my cell service is with ATT. I submitted a unlock request on their website and then followed the directions they emailed me. Or many "mom and pop" type independent cell phone shops will unlock it for a small fee.

I use a Vodafone SIM while in Spain.

Yes, you can still download apps.
 
I often use 'old' phones when travelling in remote areas.

Just make sure it is 'unlocked' from the carrier that provided the phone. A quick phone call will find tat out.
 
Holoholo automatically captures your footpaths, places, photos, and journals.
Yes, I put a Spanish sim in my Samsung galaxy s6 and used the phone at free WiFi spots with all the normal features and apps.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Yes, I put a Spanish sim in my Samsung galaxy s6 and used the phone at free WiFi spots with all the normal features and apps.
Any added charges with the Spanish Sim card? Text, voice, or data? CF late August through September. Dates fluctuate. Not looking so good this year.
 
I am using my old 5s as a backup. Be sure it really is unlocked if you plan to use it for cellular data with a European SIM. An "unlocked" AT&T phone is not unlocked until, after AT&T unlocks it, you do a reset. Be sure to back up first since the phone will have none of your data (photos, notes, etc.) after a reset. If you back up first you can then restore.

Even without unlocking and getting a European SIM, your 5s will still work with local wifi and the GPS is functional. If you download the maps before you go, or with local wifi, a GPS app such as MotionGPS will be fully functional. With wifi, you can make calls with Skype or Google Hangouts and send texts with Whatsap.
 
Any added charges with the Spanish Sim card? Text, voice, or data? CF late August through September. Dates fluctuate. Not looking so good this year.

No extra charges
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Thanks all esp for added info kmrice
Nanc
 
Any added charges with the Spanish Sim card? Text, voice, or data? CF late August through September. Dates fluctuate. Not looking so good this year.
Just put a Vodaphone ES sim in my unlocked iPhone. €15 for 1.5GB. As much as possible make use of local wifi in restaurants, bars, albergues, etc to make the 1.5 last longer. Starting from Ponferrada tomorrow!
 
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).

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