First of all this can be a very controversial subject. Many will say that the Camino is a place to disconnect from the world and relish in the journey. While that is true unfortunately there are many more that simply cannot disconnect or choose not to disconnect from the world. So, if you are going to want to have a connection to the world here are a few pointers.
Today most albergue’s, hotels, casa rurals, bars and restaurants have Wifi (pronounced weefee in Spain). If you are in a restaurant or bar it is gracious and reasonable to expect that you will purchase something before asking to use the Wifi. To ask if they have Wifi ask ¿tiene wifi? To ask for the password simply ask – La contraseña por favor!
If you are going to take a phone or tablet to Spain and wish to use them to make and receive calls or use data you will need to either contact your US carrier and request an international data plan or buy a Sim for Spain.
US Carriers – The cost of international data plans can be extremely expensive. Make sure to check with your carrier prior to leaving to check the cost. T-Mobile does have coverage internationally in some cases included in the cost of some if not all of their plans.
Spain Sims – You can purchase a sim card for use with the Spanish phone system either here in America before you go or once you get to Spain. The key is the your phone must work on the same band as Spain and it must be unlocked. Most if not all Verizon phones are unlocked. Most if not all ATT phones are locked. To get your phone unlocked you will need to contact your carrier. It is always best to check with your specific carrier to verify that it is unlocked.
There are 4 major mobile phone companies in Spain. Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo
As an example Orange provides a plan called Mundo for 15€ it gives you one cent per minute calling back to the USA. 2 Gigs of Data and 7 cent per minute calling in Spain.
You can purchase your sim card here in the united states from SimsForSpain or at one of the many Orange stores in the major cities of Spain.
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