Cheap Calling, Texting and Internet Use in Gran Canaria (2024 Update)

Stay connected to home during your holiday in Gran Canaria!

Cheap Calling, texting and using the internet has become a lot cheaper within the EU with the introduction of EU roaming rates in 2017. But what are the possibilities in Gran Canaria? And how can you make optimal use of your smartphone without high costs afterwards?

Your phone is perhaps one of the most important things to take with you on holiday. In addition to always being available, your smartphone is ideal for taking photos, selfies, listening to music, watching series and looking up information. In short, a smartphone is indispensable. Do you take your phone with you on holiday? In this article you will find useful tips to make your smartphone holiday-proof and discover what you should pay attention to.

Call from your Hotel or Apartment

Hotels and apartments often have a telephone in the room or at the reception. You can call abroad with these devices, but take additional costs into account. Ask at reception about rates before calling. Tip: Use free WiFi connections in the lobby or in the area to call via apps such as Skype, Viber or WhatsApp.

Call with your Smartphone

EU travellers: Within the EU, your current subscription allows you to call, text and internet at the same rate as at home. Please note that the data bundle in your subscription is not unlimited. Check your bundle conditions to avoid extra charges.

Non-EU travellers: With a prepaid SIM card from a local operator, you can make inexpensive calls within Spain.

Tips :

• Protect your phone from seawater and do so with a waterproof case or a special waterproof pouch for your phone.
• Compare tariffs from providers such as Movistar, Orange, Vodafone and Simyo.

Free WiFi Calling

Apps like Skype, Viber and WhatsApp offer free calls over WiFi. Make sure you have a stable internet connection. By the way, be careful when using free WiFi, especially if you don’t need a password to log in. In public networks, cybercriminals can easily look over your shoulder and steal your data. Do you still use a free WiFi network without a password? Above all, do not open your bank details and only use the connection for “unimportant” things. Tip: Download the apps before you travel.

Buy Calling Credit

Cheap calls to non-EU numbers can be made with call credit from providers such as Skype Out or Viber Out. Tip: Compare rates before you buy.

Mobile Providers in Gran Canaria

Movistar, Orange, Vodafone and Simyo are the best-known providers. Prepaid SIM cards are available at shops and supermarkets. Tip: Choose a card with enough call minutes, SMS and data for your stay.

Video Calling

Free video calls with apps such as Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp over WiFi. A data bundle is required for video calls over 3G/4G/5G. Tip: Make sure you have a stable internet connection for optimal video quality.

Roaming in Europe at Home Rate

Since June 15, 2017, you no longer pay roaming costs within Europe. Mobile calling, texting and surfing from the 27 EU countries*, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein cost the same as in Belgium. In the United Kingdom, you no longer roam at home rates since Brexit. Some operators still adhere to this principle. It is best to check before departure which rate your telecom operator applies.

Quality Mobile Connection

The quality and speed of the mobile connection must be the same abroad as at home. Provided these are feasible for the network of the country you are visiting. E.g. Do you surf mobile on 4G in Belgium? Then also in another European country.

Please note: Sometimes you roam without realizing it and you still receive an invoice that charges roaming costs. Good to know: If you call one of these countries by mobile phone from your home country within the European Union, you will pay an international rate. Your subscription or prepaid card determines your calling credit, number of text messages and surfing volume. Also abroad. Unless your provider determines otherwise.

Providers may Apply a ‘Reasonable Use Policy’.

The modalities differ from one operator to another. But they all have to inform you about this as soon as you cross the border of a relevant country*. Are you exceeding the credits of your subscription or ‘reasonable use’? Then your operator may charge a surcharge. How many? Contact your provider for this.

An example: if you have a subscription with unlimited calling, texting and surfing, you can also make unlimited calling and texting, no matter where in the EU. Your data usage is not always unlimited. The European emergency number 112 should be free to call and text the emergency services. Reporting your location to the emergency center via your mobile device is also free of charge. Not all countries in Europe belong to the EU. You still pay roaming costs for mobile calls from these countries.

EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

Non-EU countries: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Iceland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, North Macedonia, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Vatican City.

Extra Tips

• Turn off roaming in your settings to avoid high charges.
• Download offline maps to save data.
• Take advantage of free WiFi connections in restaurants, cafés and shopping malls.
• Take a power bank with you to charge your devices on the go.

Conclusion Cheap Calling

With the right information and apps you can stay connected to home in Gran Canaria without high costs. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your data usage and use free WiFi connections when possible.

Disclaimer

The information on this page has been carefully compiled to help you make cheap calls, texts and internet during your stay in Gran Canaria. However, rates, terms and offers may change. We are not responsible for any changes or accuracy of the information after publication. Always check the latest terms and conditions and rates with the respective providers and providers.