Phones & Electronics

Security

Did you know different countries have different outlets?
Adaptor: changes the plug shape
Converter: changes the plug shape and converts the volts as well
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).

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. to Europe)	Converter (U.S. to Europe)

You need to choose one of these so you can make calls in case of emergency
Usually, it’s simpler and cheaper to get a SIM card for phone service abroad
Some plans 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)
Our recommendation: SIM card with data

Before you go, your phone needs to be unlocked
Call or visit your cell phone provider before you go and see if your specific phone is unlocked
If it is already unlocked, great!
If it’s not unlocked, 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 where you can buy a SIM card (or some host families provide one)
SIM cards are sold all over the place
You’ll probably need to show some form of ID (usually a copy of your passport will work fine)
Cost in Europe:

- - Basic SIM – about $5-10 (usually includes some prepaid calling credit)
  - With data – about $15-30 for SIM + some data (varies on data amount)
Have the 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
Save important contacts
When you do this, 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 plus sign and country code so your calls will go through

- Tons of free, super helpful and fun walking tours
- Download the tours while you have WiFi, then listen when you’re out and about
- Listen to relevant topics before you go to a place and it can really help you make the most of your trip

- In our opinion, it’s the best way to book accommodations for traveling on the weekend — you can read more details in this section

- If you’re trying to save money or can’t find a good train time, FlixBus has affordable buses

- We love this app for figuring out how to get from A to B. Book directly with the mode of transportation you choose, but it’s helpful to see all the options.

Apps for booking trains

It’s great to have connection with your friends and family back home
It’s just as important to “be where you are”
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” OR turn your phone to airplane mode while you are “on duty”
If you need to, turn off certain app notifications while you’re “on duty”