A European vacation is bound to bring historical intrigue, incredible food, encounters with interesting people, and great memories. Maybe you’ve booked your flights, gotten your passport, and even started a list of sites you want to visit—but you may need help using your cell phone in Europe.
Ensuring your cell phone is ready for international use can save you a lot of hassle and keep you connected while you explore new places.
Make your trip smoother by using international service packages, understanding data roaming, using local SIM cards, and backing up and protecting your devices.
1. Make sure you’re ready for different charging standards
Most of us already own phone chargers for home use, but depending on where you’re going, international travel might require additional preparations. Electrical charging standards vary in different countries, so your normal charger might not work abroad.
One solution is to buy an adapter or to pick up an international charging kit. This could help you adapt to the multiple types of charging ports you might encounter.
2. Consider an international phone plan
If you plan on using your mobile phone service in Europe, you have options. The first is to limit your activity until you’re connected to Wi-Fi®. That might work if all you want to do is post pictures when you get back to your hotel.
You can also look up data roaming fees or per-use rates for your mobile phone carrier and pay as you go. That option can get expensive, but some people might consider it in case of emergencies.
Another way to go is to buy an international travel package through your wireless service provider. This is a top choice if you’re planning on using your phone a lot on your trip.
Our customers can sign up for International Day Pass. With International Day Pass, you can use your unlimited plan while traveling abroad in more than 210 destinations.
You’ll get unlimited calling within and between International Day Pass destinations and back to the U.S., unlimited texting, and the same high-speed data plan that you use at home*. (AT&T may slow data speeds in the U.S. or Mexico if the network is busy.)
International Day Pass costs $12 per day for the first line on your account. After that, it costs $6 per day for each additional line used on the same calendar day. Plus, you won’t have to manually turn off this feature once you return to the United States.
You can keep it on for each line on your account and be all set for your next trip. You won’t be charged again until you use your phone at one of the 210+ destinations.
*When added to your Unlimited Plan. Coverage and data speed vary by destination and may be changed.
3. Consider using an international SIM card
Using an international SIM card is another convenient option if you’re traveling to Europe and want to stay connected with everything from social media apps to texting.
By swapping out your current physical SIM card for a European SIM card, you can access local data plans at more affordable rates than typical data roaming fees.
Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with European LTE/4G/5G bands to work with the new SIM card. You can purchase an international SIM card either before your trip or once you arrive in Europe. Buying a local SIM card may save you money, but it could involve a language barrier when setting it up.
If your phone supports eSIMs, skip the physical SIM card altogether. An eSIM is a digital SIM you can activate with just a QR code, making it even easier to get connected without the hassle of swapping cards. This option is ideal for travelers who want to avoid dealing with the logistics of buying a European SIM card.
4. Invest in a portable power bank
Many travelers rely on their phones for tasks like navigation. When you use your phone often, you can wear down your battery quickly. Consider investing in a portable power bank.
If your phone starts to power down, plug it into your power bank instead of stopping to recharge. Nobody wants to be stranded with a non-working phone, especially if it’s your main source of navigation and communication in a foreign country.
5. Back up your pictures to the cloud
The pictures you take on your European trip are something you’ll look back on fondly for years to come. The last thing you want to do is lose these incredible photos due to a lost or broken phone. It would be heartbreaking if you lost all the pictures from your trip.
Regularly back up your photos on a cloud service like the AT&T Personal Cloud. We offer a few storage options based on how much storage you need. And even better, the cloud can back up your photos and other files automatically, taking the hassle out of remembering to back up your data.
6. Protect your phone from accidents
While you try to be careful, life happens, and your phone can end up lost or broken—for example, with a cracked screen. Mobile device insurance is essential, especially when traveling. You can also invest in a high-quality phone case or screen protector to protect your phone so you can navigate, snap pictures, and stay connected with loved ones back home.
Enjoy your trip to Europe!
Trips are meant to be fun—explore Roman architecture or dance at a club in Berlin on your European vacation. Feel relieved by not worrying about things like your cell phone plan, roaming charges, or SIM cards.
With our selection of quality smartphones, reliable wireless plans, and international services, you can plan on safe travels and great memories.
Visit att.com to browse our products and accessories. Want to see these items before you make a decision? Find your local AT&T store to check them out or speak with an in-store representative.
This article was updated by Zoya Cochran on February 2, 2026.
This article is AT&T sponsored content originally written by former AT&T employee and TechBuzz contributor, Matt Johnsen. The statements in this article are his own and don’t necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of AT&T.
