Semester Study abroad question

[Anonymous]

My kid is going to Italy for the semester in the spring. What is the best approach for cell service? We use the Verizon travel pass when we travel, but that is not a good option for long term.

This might not be the right direction lace to put this message, but I thought this group might have experience.

[Anonymous]

Haven't done this for a semester, but our T-Mobile works really easily on short trips abroad. If you're willing to change providers, I'd look into it.

[Anonymous]

We have T-Mobile and it served us fine in Europe. The only thing is it is speed restricted. Meaning after a while you get a bit bumped down, but it is not down to a crawl.

Younger DC was still able to play Pokemon Go, if means anything

[Anonymous]

Is her phone unlocked? Buy a new SIM card that works in Italy.

[Anonymous]

My DC is in Europe this semester and we also have Verizon. He had a monthly additional charge which is approximately $100/month.

[Anonymous]

If you don't need an Italian phone number (i.e. using Whatsapp, FB messenger for calls) and just need data, consider an eSIM. Most work in multiple countries. Example:https://www.airalo.com/europe-esim

Italy specific eSIMs would be cheaper but I assume your kid will want to travel across Europe and need to plan accordingly.

[Anonymous]

My kid's program in a different European program gave advice about eSIM cards. DD got one and used the international phone number day-to-day, presumably checking her US phone number occasionally using wifi.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you don't need an Italian phone number (i.e. using Whatsapp, FB messenger for calls) and just need data, consider an eSIM. Most work in multiple countries. Example:https://www.airalo.com/europe-esim

Italy specific eSIMs would be cheaper but I assume your kid will want to travel across Europe and need to plan accordingly.

+1 for esim cards. They were the most affordable for us with Verizon

[Anonymous]

Make sure phone is fully paid off so it’s unlocked and just get a Sim card over there. My DD did that for three months this past summer and it worked great

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you don't need an Italian phone number (i.e. using Whatsapp, FB messenger for calls) and just need data, consider an eSIM. Most work in multiple countries. Example:https://www.airalo.com/europe-esim

Italy specific eSIMs would be cheaper but I assume your kid will want to travel across Europe and need to plan accordingly.

We used an airalo esim when in Italy last year and my daughter used one while spending a semester in Greece. It’s great except that you do not have an actual phone number that works for calls. Important to switch two-factor authentication to email from calls before leaving the US.

[Anonymous]

My kid is in Italy now. The school will have a booth set up during orientation with eSIM providers and your DC can do it in about 5 minutes. Super cheap.

[Anonymous]

My kid went to New Zealand for a semester. Phone was paid off and bought a new SIM card in the airport. Newer phones have e-sim cards.

[Anonymous]

eSim or a travel wifi device. Verizon international will cost you an arm and a leg for a semester of use.

[Anonymous]

Why can’t they use what’s app to text and call if data service is from good provider like T mobile which already has international plan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t they use what’s app to text and call if data service is from good provider like T mobile which already has international plan.

That’s fine, if all they want to do is text and call, but if they need to use their phone for other things and can’t necessarily count on being in Wi-Fi range, eSIM cards are just so easy and give them access