Interesting approach! Recently, I went to Spain for 3 weeks. I didn’t buy a Spanish sim card and somehow I couldn’t enable my data roaming. I was extremely busy writing a paper for my master and visiting family and friends, so I didn’t prioritise spending my time at the shop’s waiting line — last time I had to wait for over an hour..!!! Even though it’s a small city with many Vodafone, Movistar, Orange.. shops, they are always crowded!

I wish I had some kind of instant delivery of the sim card because:

1- I could only call/write when I could find a WiFi hotspot — I heard they’re not safe

2- Skype didn’t allow me to call a medical insurance number because it had the 902 prefix, which charges you per minute. I had credit on my Skype account, though. Luckily, I could use my family’s phones. Still, it was pretty inconvenient having to ask several times to borrow a phone in order to make expensive calls.

3- I went to Barcelona and I had trouble finding the medical clinic. I searched for the itinerary when I had a WiFi connection and even though I lost the connection while I was on my way, it was still working perfectly and I was still getting all these “in 200 metres, turn right” indications. Until my Google maps app crashed…. Sigh. Luckily Spanish is my mother tongue so I could perfectly communicate with locals and find my way.

So definitely, if when traveling I have the chance of getting a sim card the way you’re suggesting, I would prioritise those rooms/websites and spend all my time enjoying and discovering the city. That would be awesome!!! :D

Thanks,

Erica