Mobile phone in France

Colin Findlay
Colin Findlay Forum Participant Posts: 1
edited February 2017 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

Could anyone advise on the best options for using a mobile phone while touring in France with particular thoughts on using the ACSI app when not on a wifi site. Thanks.

Comments

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
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    edited February 2017 #2

    The ACSI Europe App that I use (the one that lists all 8600 inspected sites....not the one that only lists the discount sites) is downloaded to the device and works offline.

    ACSI  is good. but they certainly don't make life easy with their assorted options!  Their 'buying window' is also crazy for anyone who travels from November to avoid British winter, and can't easily get hold of the hardcopy book to get the silly paper 'Card'.

  • IanH
    IanH Forum Participant Posts: 4,708
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2017 #3

    Agree that ACSI can be used off line. Just update whenever you do have 3g or wifi, but it rarely changes significantly between updates.

    For phone and internet use in France, simply get a Three contract / sim inly deal, but make sure it's an 'Advanced' package and not an 'Essentials' package. You can use it just the same as in the UK, no extra charges.

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,433 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2017 #4

    as regards phone use, my EE standard contract gives me the same unlimited calls and txts when in the EU as I get at home. The data is capped at 1Gb though.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited February 2017 #5
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  • David2115
    David2115 Club Member Posts: 548 ✭
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    edited February 2017 #6

    If going after June then it will be the same cost as if using phone in the U.K.  Calls, text and data all included whatever network you are on Payg or contract 

  • Billyc
    Billyc Forum Participant Posts: 64
    edited February 2017 #7

    We make at least 3 trips abroad in Europe in our van a year and I have my own iPhone and Vodafone monthly pay "Red" SIM card, for which I pay £17.20 pm, plus one add on of £2.50pm for 100 picture messages pm in the UK.   For that I get unlimited txts and calls and 12Gb of data for UK, 4Gb data roaming in Europe each month and the "Red" bit allows me to use all of my package calls and txts roaming around Europe, except the picture messaging bit.

    I now get 4G almost everywhere I go and the new Vodafone app allows me to keep track of everything at the touch of a button.   And remember, 4G is a lot faster than any camp site wi-fi.

    I have been with Voda for 25+ years and I know they have taken a lot of stick in that time, but I now think, finally, they have got their act together, but remember, those prices are based on me buying my own phone, which I prefer to do anyway.

    BillC

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2017 #8

    I have no monthly contract and just pay 4 pence a minute to phone restaurants in France to book for lunch. 

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,868 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2017 #9

    The cost of actually using a phone for calls and texts is fairly minimal and will become the same as at home, at least as long as we remain in the EU. Data whilst the cost is coming down all the time and may even include an ability to use what you have at home. However it might be worth checking your own network to see if any caps or restrictions remain in place from June of this year.

    David

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,680 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2017 #10

    We are with 3 network and use of the mobile in France is included in our package - inclusive minutes can be used as is a reasonable amount on Internet access without extra charge.  It works well for us.

    David

  • IanH
    IanH Forum Participant Posts: 4,708
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    edited February 2017 #11

    I didn't think that you could get 4G in most of Europe?

  • lagerorwine
    lagerorwine Forum Participant Posts: 310
    edited February 2017 #12

    I'm like AD above - minimalist using PAYG for calls that are currently 4p/min calls and 1p texts from Spain (and most of Europe) with Tesco Mobile, which is actually les than the cost of calls in the UK!!

    We use site wifi for skype/messaging etc

  • Billyc
    Billyc Forum Participant Posts: 64
    edited February 2017 #13

    I did not say 4G was available around most of Europe, I said I pick up 4G in most places I go to, which includes going from A to B on the roads networks.      But, the availability of 4G is growing very fast.

    BillC

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