Denmark Flag

Copenhagen Connection

Six months ago, when I passed through Copenhagen (Denmark) and Malmö (Sweden), I burned through my global data plan while accessing maps and transit info. Like my visit to London a few days prior, I decided to grab a Danish SIM card, since my EE card’s roaming rates were higher than the global data plans from AT&T.

I walked into a few cell phone retail stores (Telia & 3) and inquired about prepaid plans. Their representatives quickly directed me to 7-11 (they’re literally everywhere). 7-11, however, had no nano SIM cards that fit iPhone 5, and the cards that they did have were expensive–data and minutes for over 30 USD.

So I returned to the Telia store, but this time with a local.

The gentlemen at Telia told me I could only get a micro SIM with a postpay account, and those were only available to EU citizens, which I am not. This is standard practice in Denmark.

Unlike my experiences in the UK, France, and Italy, options vary by local in Denmark. Just look for a good deal on a pre-paid SIM at 7-11, and accept that the fees will be needlessly expensive (but still cheaper than Verizon, AT&T, Sprint or T-Mobile‘s roaming fees). Any SIM card can be modified by cutting it down to size.

Also, if you decide to visit Sweden, which is just a few miles away, by train or ferry, you’ll need a new SIM card. There are few roaming agreements between the Scandinavian countries’ cellular operators, even though the same companies exist in both countries. Locals might be able to find a roaming carrier, but foreigners will need to buy and swap out several SIMs.

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Sticker Shock: These prices are overwhelming at first. The Danish Krone is insane.

London Calling

London Calling

You know that anxious feeling you get when you have no internet connection on your phone?

No? Is that just me?

In my defense, I was in a foreign land, surrounded by an unfamiliar language and unusual sights and sounds. I would have been lost in London without GPS and iMessage in my pocket.

I also couldn’t fork over what was left of my paychecks to AT&T for international roaming, so after landing at London’s Heathrow Airport (and quickly depleting their 15 minutes of free wifi through Boingo, I sought out a prepaid SIM card for my iPhone.

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Touchdown in London Town

On my first visit to London, I decided to play the ultimate tourist. I hit up all the hot spots; accidentally saw the changing of the guard; was nearly run over by a cavalcade; and ate fish and chips. It was a lovely time, and spring brought blooming tulips and clear skies. I’ll definitely be back soon.

Check out the photos in the full post or view the full Flickr set here: http://thul.in/106k5VT

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