Broadband in Europe
We are new to the motor home community and will soon be taking the plunge and will set off on some extensive touring in Europe.
We will need broadband access for my lap top and need advice on dongles, cost etc. We currently have phone sim only deals for our phones with BT. Can someone advise on the best and most cost effective way of keeping in touch, accessing emails etc while on the move.
Comments
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I have a sim only deal with Vodafone, £17 for 20gb incl all calls and texts...I think this is pretty good, others have even better (more data) deals...
tethering to this device supports our use of two iPads while away....we do two long (10 week plus) European tours each year.
for us, no need for dongles, or extra kit etc though some use mifi type devices with dedicated, low cost, pre paid SIM cards.
im happy just to use the data from one place, one cost, same as when at home.
good luck.
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I use a mifi device (mobile router) with a Three data only SIM, which have a year or more life (depending on duration/size bought) usable all over Europe (& beyond). The Three SiMs seem to be best value although worth shopping around. Of course, one could buy similar SIM in any country whilst travelling.
the router will support multiple devices.
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My needs are little when I am overseas. I send and receive family e mails. I listen to BBC radio news occasionally. I look at a weather forecast if the sky seems doubtful. I read this forum. And I do all those things with free wi fI wherever I find it. I am afraid I have none of the technology that others have described as I am very old fashioned - and miserly. Sorry!
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Just a tip if you are using mobile data on a Windows laptop. Go to settings and set it to a metered connection as this will stop any unnecessary updating of apps which can eat into your data allowance.
David
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We also carry a preloaded 3 Data SIM, the present one is a 24GB one valid for up to 2 years from first use, in fact we carry a couple in case we use up the first one, and have a small router that the dongle goes into.
Our phones are also on 3, with only PAYG SIMs as our needs both here and abroad are modest, so no point in a contract.
We use free WiFi whenever possible.
In a 12 month period this set up usually costs us about £60-£80 in total for 2 phones/ i pads etc, including using mobiles for all calls at home.
We make use of the 3 "feel at home" set up, but you need to be aware that after you have used a SIM abroad for 2 months they may cut off use, though the SIM will work ok once back in UK. This is usually long enough for our foreign trips, but if we go for longer we use only one phone at a time so we can get 4 months use abroad. We have not actually ever been cut off, but it can happen.
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In busy spots, even 4G can be a problem: at times here in Cavalaire Cath's 4G connection is unusable, presumably because of the number of users. I'm connected via paid-for campsite wifi ( 20€ for 15 days) which we can use to stream Cath's youtube Tai Chi lessons, inter alia.
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This may be useful.......
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cheap-roaming-calls/#need-2
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