Rant: Lost $60 on those 'universal' SIM cards for Europe

So I bought a 3-pack of those universal SIM cards that claimed to work in every EU country for $60. Figured it'd save me hassle and money. Got to Rome last month and only one actually activated, the other two were duds. Customer service took 4 days to reply and offered me a coupon I can't even use. Has anyone else had luck with those or should I just buy local SIMs at the airport next time?

2 comments

2 Comments

sandraflores1mo ago

The main problem is those universal SIMs are just re-branded cheap MVNOs that get throttled to hell once you leave the country you bought them in. My buddy who travels for work told me to ALWAYS buy a local prepaid SIM at a shop in the city, even if it costs an extra 10 or 15 euros. The activation works right away and the data speeds are WAY better because you're on a real network. Those 3-pack deals are a total scam, better off with a local Vodafone or TIM prepaid card.

blair5971mo ago

Sandra's friend has it right. Local prepaid cards are always the way to go for real data speeds.