Security

First things first, let’s cover security. If you don’t have a key code on your phone yet, set one up.

Adaptors vs. Converters

Did you know different countries have different outlets?  Yep, and not only is the outlet shape different, but different countries have different amounts of electricity! Crazy huh. But before we get into that, let’s clear up the difference between adaptors and converters.

• Adaptor: changes the plug shape
• Converter: changes the plug shape and converts the volts as well 

Ok back to electricity. America supplies electricity at about 110 volts AC. Most other countries usually supply electric power between 220 and 240 volts AC. So if you have an American appliance built for only 110 V, you’ll need a CONVERTER. If your appliance can handle anything between 110 and 240 V, all you need is an ADAPTER.

You can find converters and adapters linked on our shop page (or on Amazon, at Target, or other similar stores). 

So which one do you need?

• Check your appliance before you go
• Common appliances (like phone chargers and laptop chargers) usually only need an adapter
• Look for V or voltage on your appliance
  • If it says Voltage: 110 – 240V, all you need is an adapter
  • If it says Voltage: 110V, you need a converter

This appliance only needs an adapter	Adapter (U.S. > Europe)	Converter (U.S. > Europe)

Cell phone coverage: International plan vs. SIM card

​You’ll need to choose either an international plan or a SIM card before you go abroad. That way you can make calls in case of emergency. Usually, it’s simpler and cheaper to get a SIM card for phone service abroad. But some plans do have affordable international service. For example, T-Mobile has international coverage — however, bear in mind that the data is usually very slow (which isn’t fun when you’re out and about). We highly recommend going the SIM card with data route.

How to get a SIM card

• Before you go, your phone needs to be unlocked. To find out if you phone is unlocked, call or visit your cell phone provider and ask them if your specific phone is unlocked. If it is already unlocked, great! If not, ask them to unlock it for you​.

• If you can’t unlock your phone for some reason, you can buy an unlocked phone (around $40 for a basic one) or an inexpensive mobile phone that already has a SIM card (as little as $20) once you get there

• After you arrive, ask your host family (or airport employee or another local) where you can buy a SIM card. In our programs, some host families provide a SIM card. Don’t worry, SIM cards are sold all over the place so it should be pretty easy to find one.

• Buy a SIM card. In Europe, a basic SIM card costs about $5-10. This usually includes some prepaid calling credit as well. If you’re buying a SIM card with data, it usually costs around $15-30. This includes some data already and you can buy more data as needed.

• Note: When you buy the SIM card, you’ll probably need to show some form of ID (usually a copy of your passport will work fine).

• After you buy the SIM card, have the shop owner or clerk set it up and do a test call to make sure everything is working the way it should.

• When you run out of data/minutes, you can buy more online (it’s super easy)

• When you save contacts, save them to your phone rather than the SIM card. Otherwise, you’ll lose access to them when you switch SIMs. Also, be sure to include the country code and the plus sign to make sure that your calls will go through.

Be where you are: A word about phones! 

• It’s great to have connection with your friends and family back home
• It’s just as important to “be where you are”
• Remember why you’re there! Is it to have a life-changing experience? Or to have your head in your phone all day talking with people who aren’t around you?
• If you’re in one of our programs, the main reason you’re there is so that you can interact with the kids and help them
• Make it a goal to truly focus on the children when you’re with them
• Your host parents are the only people you should text/call while you’re “on duty”
• Leave your phone in your room (or in a bag when you’re out) while you’re “on duty”
• Turn off certain app notifications while you’re “on duty”

That’s it for using your phone in Europe! Have you gone to Europe before? If so, how did you use your phone on your trip? If there’s anything we missed, leave it in the comments.