I would double check roaming charges if you buy a SIM in Iceland, as Iceland is not part of the EU so the Euro-tariff need not apply (though maybe the voluntarily abide by it, I don't know). I learned this the hard way using my German SIM in Switzerland (like Iceland a member of the EFTA) and had very high roaming charges.

If just using Voice and Text I use my German SIM when visiting other EU countries. While the Euro-tariff for data has gotten much cheaper, if doing anything other that email -- and staying more than a day or two -- I will buy a local SIM (if a decent deal) or make do with WiFi.

Based on stories from friends, Vodafone does seem to have decent data roaming rates in countries were Vodafone has service.

In the past, I used iPhoneTrip (now keepgo.com) for a SIM where I was traveling in countries I was not likely to visit again soon -- it worked well and was cost effective for a short trip, but I think there prices have gone up so it may not be the deal it once was.

There is an article this morning on the BBC news site (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23896896) that a British service provider is offering roaming in seven countries at no additional charge. Those countries are: Republic of Ireland, Australia, Italy, Austria, Hong Kong, Sweden and Denmark. It is not clear if their free pay as you go SIM cards can take advantage of this offer.

Separately, the BBC also reported (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23695623) that the EU is considering other proposals, including one to make all 28 member states part of a single telecom market, meaning that roaming costs would disappear. However, this is just a proposal at this point.

I recall reading in earlier discussions re: SIM cards that in some regions, you need to provide proof of residence to purchase a SIM. I know that seems crazy, and is definitely not tourist-friendly, but I think it was some form of anti-terrorism measure. Might've been in France? Worth checking out the prepaidgsm.net forum to see if travelers have had issues acquiring a SIM wherever you decide to pick one up.

As for trying to buy it in the US, I agree that it makes sense (even though it'll cost more via Amazon or Ebay). Then you can get it all set up & know for sure that it works BEFORE you start your trip. One less thing to worry about when you hit the ground.

Hope you have a great trip Alan!

This just for people with a monthly plan. Years ago Three had "Three Like Home" where you could use even prepaid SIMs in countries with Three networks as if you were at home. I used my UK 3 SIM in Hong Kong with no problem. But the've stopped doing that (at least the UK and IE 3 networks have)

Some providers require a local address (I've used my hotel with no problem) and/or show a passport. Agree that prepaidgsm.net is the place for the most up to date info.

Apparently this is a return to that, but under the new name "Feel at Home." And the good news is: "Feel At Home is available to any Three customer - all Pay Monthly phone customers, SIM plans, Pay As You Go, Mobile Broadband and Business customers."

http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Phon...t_Home?id=1183

"I would double check roaming charges if you buy a SIM in Iceland, as Iceland is not part of the EU so the Euro-tariff need not apply (though maybe the voluntarily abide by it, I don't know). I learned this the hard way using my German SIM in Switzerland (like Iceland a member of the EFTA) and had very high roaming charges."

Regulation 531/2012 which enforces the maximum roaming charges applies to the European Economic Area(EEA) member states (not to be confused with EFTA). Switzerland is NOT a member of the EEA, Iceland is. As such, a Icelandic plan will charge the max. rate or less.

Cool! The page I saw mentioned you could use your "allowances" while abroad but PAYG usually doesn't have any allowances. If you don't buy an "add on" you'll pay more than in your home country but less than usual roaming.

For example -- this is all guessing from the website -- a Prepaid UK 3 SIM in Austria will cost 10p/MB for internet rather than the 1p/MB in the UK. But if you can really buy an add on and have it apply the 50p/120MB per day or �5/500MB for 30 days is a pretty good deal. These are smartphone rates (no tethering).

I let my A1 SIM expire and wasn't sure what to do when I'm in Salzburg next month -- looks like I might be able to use my 3 UK SIM.

Thanks, that is good to know. Hard to keep track of all the alphabet soup these days