How we get 4G Mobile WiFi in Europe?

Our mobile phone provider is about to cut us off so we will have no data.
How will we get 4G mobile WiFi when we are still travelling Europe?
You can sign up for the sim only contract with EE using this link
shop.ee.co.uk/sim-only/pay-mo...
Netgear Nighthawk M1 mobile WiFi router 3G/4G
www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
Netgear Nighthawk M2 mobile WiFi router 5G ready
www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
External Aerial kit for the nighthawk
www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
NEOS SmartCam Full HD 1080p WiFi Security Camera
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1332526876...
Disclosure - As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the above affiliate link. Thank you for supporting our channel.
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Thanks for watching
#vanlife #mobilewifi #euroaming

[@HermionefromAustralia001]

Thanks Greg - we are planning to tour Europe next year in a campervan & being from Australia we really appreciate you showing us your plan & gear ! The location you are at looks AMAZING!

[@GregVirgoe]

That’s great well I hope you find these videos to be useful to you when planning your own trip. 😃

[@fredzuccarelli]

Ive binge watched most of your videos and subscribed as im certain you have some of the most detailed and thorough content!!!! Amazing stuff!!!

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much Fred, really appreciate your support 👍🏼😊

[@eddvanlife7396]

Fab GV as always. Heading to Italy on Boxing day so handy info.

[@edpayne8197]

Hi Greg Watched your ‘flying over the Alps’ video. Absolutely brilliant mate. It was like flying with you. What an unbelievable landscape. I hate heights so not sure I could have done that, but really enjoyed it. Well done for having the nerve to do it! Also watched the Wi-Fi video. Very informative. The Netgear router looks the way to go. Hope you and Lou enjoy the rest of the trip. Stay safe both of you. Cheers Ed

[@GregVirgoe]

Hi Ed, thank you for watching both videos. I was so pleased how the paragliding footage came out considering I am just gripping a bare GoPro in my hand. Amazed how good some of the sound was too. Glad you liked it.

[@FionanDavidatNo12]

Such wonderful images and scenery! We always struggle with a signal etc so this info is greatly appreciated! Also, for me travelling alone it's greater security to know that I'm always going to be connected and I'll be able to let people know where I am.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks Fiona for always being such a fantastic supporter of our channel. Love to you and David x

[@Crusty_Camper]

That was great, Greg. I've seen other videos about using a mobile router but I've not understood how it all goes together with a provider and chip. Sounds just what I need . Also, a great Heads-Up about the small print of agreements for roaming. It's another change due to the sunlit uplands we are all enjoying now. Pete

[@GregVirgoe]

Yep 👍🏼 sadly if we were all given this information a couple of years ago I don’t think we would have come out. But let’s not go down that road 😬🤣

[@Rob.1340]

Thank you. Stay well and safe travels . All the best. 👍😎

[@GregVirgoe]

Cheers 🍻 Rob very kind of you 😊

[@jessmatthewson7775]

Thank you so much for this wisdom and links...very helpful Greg...especially with Christmas on the wind😉

[@GregVirgoe]

What a fantastic Xmas pressie idea 💡 nice 👍🏼😃

[@ian_morg]

Great video Greg! That location looks stunning!!

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes it was really nice 😊

[@davidmarek72]

Great video Greg, thanks for doing this. We're looking at that SIM but didn't realise about the benefit of the roaming bolt-on - thanks!

[@GregVirgoe]

If you get it when you sign up it half the normal price 👍🏼😃

[@JimRYoung]

Hi Greg, have been following,and, so great info as you in Croatia. We will be heading there early next year..A bit later than planned due to all stuff known in last 18 months..Better late than never. Thanks to people like John & Mandy and your goodself, ( we have been able to learn and progress from our rather so far static new Van, unbelieveable till now...thanks again, will save all Croatia info,as cant wait to get on the move again..Take care Jim'n'Sue

[@GregVirgoe]

We have been so impressed with Croatia it’s very beautiful coast and very friendly people too 😃

[@stevieburrows3953]

Thank you again Greg,My provider 3 only allows 12 gig data for fair usage per month 3UK.ON my upcoming 5 week Norway Sweden Finland trip I am going to buy Telia or Telenor sim only.Keep posting the sunshine looks amazing

[@GregVirgoe]

I think there may be a couple of shop sims that run on Three network worth a look too

[@Brian-Jan-and-Fraser-dog]

We've been using this in our motor home whilst doing our Yorkshire east coast around Scarborough tour and had no problems with data usage. I know it's not in Europe but thanks to John&Mandy we purchased the MI and Omni aerial and have had strong internet everywhere..... Except Grass Holme reservoir - no signal. But wouldn't change it for anything.. Thanks Greg - safe travels

[@GregVirgoe]

Good to hear that it’s been working well for you too 😃

[@slfbs]

Nice informative video again Greg, keep going on your trip, enjoy yourselves and take care all. Cheers Sean 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks for watching Sean

[@Gallivantinggriffiths]

what a great spot.... bloody freeing here in north wales! safe travels

[@GregVirgoe]

I’ll send some back for you. Thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@adamgarland9380]

Thanks Greg! I’m just first fixing the electrics in my van conversion so I’ll sling a cable in for this as well!

[@GregVirgoe]

Great, the device is powered from a simple usb cable. 👍🏼😃

[@adamgarland9380]

@@GregVirgoe amazing! Thank you!

[@2904mossie]

Excellent vlog, very informative. Well done greg. Moss.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much

[@kbiggs49]

Wow, it looks stunning and thanks for the wifi info take care both of you.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you and you are welcome 🤗

[@ronbooth1382]

Very informative. I remember signing for that! Glad it's all ok. Love to Lou

[@GregVirgoe]

Hi Ron, yes it’s working out much better than our phones and at least we will still be able to keep in touch 😃🥰

[@francesmullett8907]

Hi Greg, greetings from Australia. I toured Europe for a month or so a couple of years ago, checked out all the roaming options available to me but settled on using free wifi ( McDonalds, cruising terminals etc etc and used facetime and email etc to folks back home.

[@GregVirgoe]

Obviously being on social media all the time my needs are probably far greater 😃👍🏼

[@robertirving5293]

What a nice video look's nice out there Greg take care both off you .

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks very much for watching

[@oudekraal7460]

excellent review and advice, thanks Greg.

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you liked it 😃

[@michaelpennington147]

Even your non-DIY videos are incredibly insightful. Great video Greg, much appreciated. 👍🏻

[@GregVirgoe]

I like to pass on helpful tips to make other people trips more enjoyable 👍🏼😃

[@kieranking8657]

Good advice Greg, thanks👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you liked it 👍🏼

[@andreelliott6161]

Great info Greg thanks for sharing safe travels guys 🌈😊

[@GregVirgoe]

You are most welcome 🙏🏼 cheers 🍻

[@miranda_imp]

Really useful Greg thank you very much 👍🍻

[@GregVirgoe]

You’re welcome 😇

[@maggiebevis2656]

Thank you, that was an interesting watch, particularly the spot you were filming from. A problem that I came across was not setting the data sim up for roaming before leaving the UK. I've been using a tp link mifi for years. My sim card ran out..... It was a 2 year or 20 gig 3 card but I had a spare. I couldn't get it to work because I hadn't enabled roaming before leaving the UK. I'm now getting a local sim and my 3 one and using the local one for data and local calls and the 3 one for calls and texts to UK. Thats the plan anyway....... Thanks

[@GregVirgoe]

That’s interesting about the SIM card not being enabled. A local sim is a great solution. 👍🏼😃

[@garytraynor6963]

Hi Greg Great video 👍 Thanks

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 😊

[@FlorryTheLorry]

We are now using ID mobile which currently gives unlimited roaming and you can use it for 3 months. If they think you're using it more in Europe than the UK the check with you if you have ties to UK such as driving license etc. We never have had a problem. The small print in all the phones now have fair use over in Europe but not ID check it out. We pay £20 per month unlimited .....definitely ID the best we found and never had a problem. Chris is in IT runs servers etc for his job and needs a lot of data

[@GregVirgoe]

Not heard of them before so thank you for sharing these details I will have a look into that. Thanks 😊🙏🏼

[@toastiesvanbuild4644]

Thanks florry for the information.

[@1980jamesm]

Exactly what i use, ID mobile uses 3 Network and doesnt have a cap yet for EU usage. Im sure it will change soon as they are the last ones with this loop hole.

[@1980jamesm]

I literally use about 3-400Gb per month :/

[@GregVirgoe]

@@1980jamesm wow that is a lot of data 😮😳

[@terrynewey5313]

Very informative Greg... Good to be giving the heads up to others...

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you I thought it very important for those planning longer trips to be aware 😃

[@terrynewey5313]

@@GregVirgoe ... its so helpful for others, you & John and Mandy are the trail blazers and our Rob and archie

[@GregVirgoe]

@@terrynewey5313 I hope it shows everything that it is ok to travel and come on holiday to Europe. 👍🏼😎

[@eddvanlife7396]

Hi Greg thanx for the top Vlog. How are you opting when the £2 daily EU roaming comes in on Jan 2022 with EE (£10 monthly)? Or does your plan include the smart benefit? Did you get your EE SIM before 7th Jul 2021. Understanding small print 😌 Tracey

[@philwilliams23]

Great video Greg, looks like your having an amazing time! So jealous! I'm sure there is knock off version of that router I remember seeing on one of John&Mandy video's. I'll have to find it. Was a fraction of the price, probably not the same quality though?

[@GregVirgoe]

No doubt one of the Chinese web sites would do something. You can pick up good quality used M1 versions for £100-150 now that the M2 version is out. My first link will have a few hopefully.

[@davidkubisa1647]

I use the personel hotspot on an old phone connected to a usb, does tv, computers and messenger on all devices at same time, works well in UK. I have a £20 a month unlimited data, pay as you go sim in it.

[@GregVirgoe]

It's ok for a couple of devices and obviously works well in the UK. For a wifi solution that you can leave in the van while you go exploring a city, it wouldn't be the best option.

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Well explained vlog Geg..........great advice for new travellers.......stay safe.........thanks for sharing

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much 👍🏼😃

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on the travels greg thanks lee

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks very much Lee. I’ve been watching a few of your layout vids in the evenings. Always fancied a loft layout myself. Maybe when I properly retire 👍🏼😃

[@MrSharK97]

Hi Greg can you share the link for the window covers that you have they are looking great 👍 Are they insulated?? Great video love the place where you at amazing view and so calm ✌️😎

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes the reflective cab screens are insulated like quilts. We got these from CAK Tanks also known as Leisurelines.net leisurelines.net/cab-silver-thermal-screens-23-c.asp We just purchased an external wrap around blind as that would work better in hot summers. Next years plans 🥵🤗

[@zx10rmac84]

Cheers Lad, I always loved the weather there, but not so much the war going on at that Time. 🍻🇬🇧✌️

[@GregVirgoe]

It’s a very nice place what we have seen so far 🤩

[@mickwhitney922]

Another great video. Even i understand what you were saying 😁😁😁😁

[@GregVirgoe]

Cheers Mick. Always good to see your comments here. Best wishes

[@janemary2365]

Brilliant thank you

[@GregVirgoe]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@TheSunLights]

Cool! Thanks!

[@GregVirgoe]

You are welcome 🙏🏼

[@tomtom786]

Great info ,thanks

[@chrisblaker6352]

Really useful thanks

[@nellbrown770]

thanks for shareing, great help that. enjoy your trip.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@martinbowra9152]

Great video great location. Just a heads up when traveling between Europe and Uk on a ferry you go into international waters and if your phone is switched on and background apps or messages come through you will be charged the satellite tarif which is very expensive so switch your phone off or use wifi when on the ferry

[@GregVirgoe]

That’s a good tip 👍🏼 it’s always a good idea to reduce background app use anyway to conserve Dara use under normal circumstances

[@flatfishy]

The wife and I fell foul of that in the summer. Overnight ferry so we slept most of the time and it cost us both around £20 each. My wife complained to her provider and they refunded her.

[@BenMitro]

That's the way to do data on the move Greg. I wonder if the router boosts your phone signal too? That would be neat!

[@GregVirgoe]

It’s receiving its own phone signal using the EE sim with external aerials you can get good connection anywhere. So your connected phone by WiFi will benefit from that better mobile internet signal 🤗😃

[@karlrampton8453]

Brilliant thank you for a very informative video

[@Scud_and_thesTig]

You appear to have found a ‘sunlit upland’ despite the disaster of Brexit. But it doesn’t half take some research to keep up with the plethora of changing regulations. Great advice again 👍💙❤️

[@GregVirgoe]

The biggest downside is the time restrictions. On the upside we may not have found Croatia if we didn’t have to venture out of Schengen

[@Skunkola]

Nice work cheers

[@GregVirgoe]

You’re welcome 😇

[@grahampoole2092]

Hi Greg, another great informative video, we have basically the same set up, do you leave the router plugged in all the time, I find after a few days it locks out and I have to restart it, read somewhere that it is bad for the battery for it to have a constant 12v connection, any thoughts, loving watching you guys on your adventures, safe travels

[@GregVirgoe]

I found exactly the same as it would get very hot and go off on temp too. So now we charge it and discharge it and cycle it on and off that way 😃

[@grahampoole2092]

@@GregVirgoe thanks glad I haven’t got a duff,

[@Touringwiththekids]

Hi Greg, where have you mounted your antenna? Is it inside your van?

[@GregVirgoe]

We haven’t got an external antenna for the WiFi but if I did it would go on the roof with the tv aerial 👍🏼😃

[@plebpunk]

Nice vid Greg, very helpful and concise with all the info and simple explanation as to why the Netgear mobile router is needed. Saw your recent tandem paraglider flight, did he spiral dive you down to landing?

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes we took some really tight turns to drop down over the castle. It was pretty fast 😳😃

[@plebpunk]

@@GregVirgoe I used to fly myself, and taught myself to spiral dive at a paragliding site in France called Saint-Vincent-les-Fort, in the Haute Alps near Provance. All the 4K footage online really brings it all back. Sadly i didn’t have a digital camera at the time, so only have a few photos of my boots (i dont think a selfie had been invented then) from a cheapo real film camera, as being a low airtime pilot i didn’t trust myself with a digital camera, which were still dear back then. Keep videoing your travels, and sharing, thanks!

[@GregVirgoe]

@@plebpunk there was another great site at the Dunes du Pilat we sat on the mountains of sand there all afternoon watching guys go up and down the beach. Fascinating how they could stay up there pretty much all day.

[@plebpunk]

@@GregVirgoe Yup, if i got back into it i would prob go there to practise. You get a ‘costal breeze’ effect of the land heating more than the sea, so it rises, pulling cooler air in off the coast, even on calm days with no wind. So its compressed and accelerated in a ‘lift zone’ at the top of the dune. Normally pilots fly hills, relying on the right prevailing wind direction, preferably at 90 degrees to the slope to maximise this ‘dynamic lift’ i’ve ridge soared Rushup Edge on the south face of Mam Tor in the Peak District for 4 hours one day.

[@GregVirgoe]

@@plebpunk imagine on a sunny day the sand gets hot and creates warm low pressure air that rises off the dunes. I could easily get into it 😃

[@cliffbooth7075]

Should welcome it as it’ll be like the good old days before mobile phones. Imagine interacting with the people you’re with again without the temptation of burying your head in a screen or thinking constantly you need to check your phone. This is a good thing.

[@kevinmcmuhammad4841]

Excellent video again Greg, but would it be possible if you were travelling around Spain 🇪🇸 to go into Gibraltar 🇬🇮 for the day, would that be classesd as EU or UK 🇬🇧, for the point of Roaming Data I'm here in Ireland and I can drive from Dublin to North Ireland in less than an hour and get great shipping and our phones work both ways also

[@GregVirgoe]

We did go to Gibraltar on our previous trip and that did nothing so it must just be the UK 😢

[@kevgermany]

Thanks Greg, I'm sure this will help a lot of people. I used to have Asda pay as you go, there was no problem with extended periods out of the UK, but apart from staying connected, pretty much only used it in the UK. Not sure if this is the same now, they've just changed network provider and I need new cards. Worth checking though.

[@GregVirgoe]

Please check the small print I’ll be interested to see if they do allow extended periods or not.

[@kevgermany]

@@GregVirgoe difficult at the moment, I live in Germany and since my mum passed on I've not been back to the UK. Partly COVID, partly no reason.

[@GregVirgoe]

@@kevgermany sorry to hear that Kev 😢

[@kevgermany]

@@GregVirgoe thanks.

[@FASIGMAN]

Good info cheers...........

[@vic6820]

Great info 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@nbc902]

Very good info. We like netgear.

[@GregVirgoe]

We have used it fir a few months now and it works very well.

[@StealthChannel]

Greg, interesting news here. Just a question: that contract can be subscribed also by non UK residents?

[@ivanhogg5018]

Hi Greg. Do you use the netgear with the external ariel kit? Can it work ok without? Has it been ok wild camping in Croatia? Thanks.

[@GregVirgoe]

We don’t have the external aerial and it’s been working fine in our van we just put it on the table. It is out of season here so nearly all campsite are shut, so wild camping is more accepted because there are little alternatives. We have only paid for one night so far been here a week 👍🏼😃 and that was in a car park in Dubrovnik. So it is ok and easy to find acceptable places. Not sure if that would be the same in summer.

[@MrTyger11]

Hi, thank you for a great explanation into data, we are currently experiencing the same data issues, but one question please.... why do you need the nighthawk, can you not just use your phone as a hotspot which we have done with no problems?

[@GregVirgoe]

You can do that. I need internet in the van for live CCTV security when we leave it parked somewhere. Plus you can connect up to 20 devices to the nighthawk

[@johndavidson7982]

congratulations on some great videos, is the mobile router far better than using the hotspot on Your mobile phone.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes it works more like your home WiFi router and can connect 20 devices.

[@petergreen3717]

What a beautiful spot. I am really quite envious sitting here in Gothenburg, +6c overcast and a little drizzle 🙁. Interesting information about 4G mobile and WiFi, I get the use of the EE sim in the mobile router for data but how do you intend to solve the question of phone calls and text messages? Will you rely upon the internet services (Facetime, messenger, Whatsapp etc) and be out of touch when you are out of range of your own router? Also noticed that EE are introducing a roaming charge but it doesn't seem to include data, only phone calls and texts?

[@GregVirgoe]

You can call and text via many apps these days. We predominantly use WhatsApp even for family. So never text or call normally. The router comes with us in Lou’s bag or my coat pocket if we are out for the day. It’s the perfect solution.

[@petergreen3717]

Great solutions! 👍

[@asdsdjfasdjxajiosdqw8791]

The actual borders in Europe have largely disappeared, thank god, but the digital borders are very annoying still. I just want a contract with one provider that goes everywhere.

[@GregVirgoe]

We had a world wide sim on our last trip from Skyroam but it was expensive at £80 a month and the data speed slowed the more you used it so it wasn’t a true unlimited 4G solution.

[@geoffreytomkins]

Hi Greg, been following and seen all the "Van Conversion" video's and continued to follow you afterwards. Can I ask: Have you done a video on how you get from country to country during COVID-19 times? Basically - Have you had any issues getting into countries because of Covid? If you haven't done a video, then maybe you could at some stage? Thanks...

[@GregVirgoe]

The first 5 mins of our last video we discuss the current situation and how easy it is to cross borders etc. Thumbnail of me flying over the alps. 👍🏼

[@geoffreytomkins]

@@GregVirgoe Thanks. 👍

[@clivebewey7207]

Hi Greg , can you help, I’m thinking of fitting a 240v compressor fridge/freezer in my van and I have 520 watts of solar power and 3x 100 amp battery’s with a 1500 W modified wave inverter, would this work ok, any advice would be great, Thanks, hobbyguy

[@Garf0015]

Hi Greg, thanks for putting me onto this sim and add on, went for it today. Have you found any limits now you’ve been using it? Have you been able to use your 200GB whilst out of the UK for more than a month? Thanks!

[@GregVirgoe]

Hi, we didn’t experience any restriction on our service at all and regularly went well over 100GB each month with no problems

[@Garf0015]

@@GregVirgoe thanks so much for replying so quickly. That’s great to know, thanks for putting my mind at ease - it was just so hard to believe that there was actually a contract out there that allows this, after looking at the options. You are truly a legend Greg Virgoe. They will write songs about you (if they haven’t already).

[@RandomescuAleatoriu]

Tip: send your sim back to relatives in uk with postal service ask them to power it on and ask them to send you another contracted sim for the next 2 month than you send the recieved one and get the old one back and so on 2 mont the 1st 2 moth the 2nd... i think u can manage with 2 sin/ contracts

[@GregVirgoe]

That is a lot of hassle it’s very time consuming and difficult to post things to Europe. Robs sim was held in customs and he had to cancel it. A jiffy back sent first class to Portugal took a month to arrive. So it’s really no easy when you are moving around so much.

[@ecoterrorist1402]

Hi Guys, that;s what I use at home for my internet, on the 3 network.

[@GregVirgoe]

Brilliant idea 💡 it’s a great solution for home or travel. 🤩

[@-the-great-awakening]

Hey hey! You just drove through my little village of chamoson/leytron in Switzerland 🇨🇭 I shouted hey haha if you fancy a cuppa your welcome

[@44buddhist]

Hi Greg, Thank you for a really informative vlog. I am a complete techno numpty and really need things explaining. Could you tell me what package you use for your mobile phone, as I'm assuming the 200GB EE sim is only for the NightHawk Router, and you don't use it for both phone and Router? Thank you.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes exactly right. We do have another sim in our phone from giffgaff but it’s not the best solution as the roaming with O2 gets cut off after 2months and is limited to 20Gb. A few people have recommended Superdrug mobile sim for unlimited phone data?

[@44buddhist]

@@GregVirgoe you're a star....thank you so much. I love your vlogs and you were the first person I followed. Dare I say, you explained this subject better than John (and Mandy) but don't tell him as I love following them too. Wishing you happy and safe travels.

[@GregVirgoe]

@@44buddhist mums the word 😆🤫😃

[@mausie1967]

Thank you for this usefull information

[@GregVirgoe]

You are most welcome 🙏🏼

[@christophermcrae3756]

Hi Greg, do you have an aerial on roof as well or do you find the hub is sufficient on its own. Cheers

[@GregVirgoe]

We just have the hub and it has been fine on it own. Most of the time we sit it on the table or near a window.

[@christophermcrae3756]

@@GregVirgoe nice one thanks, enjoy rest of trip 👍

[@AMGMANIAC]

I've just had battery heating issues with mine so I've taken the battery out now and just keep it powered via USB as I snipped the 240v plugs off to go back to 12v supply through a regulator. The Netgear forums show this to be fairly common so I'm not sure a new battery would be worth the outlay. Brilliant bit of kit but I wish it had SMA instead of TS9 connectors as they're so annoying.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes we get overheating issues too so I’m planning to do the same, remove the battery and fix it inside a cupboard.

[@AMGMANIAC]

@@GregVirgoe just to add a big thank you from me personally, you've been invaluable as a resource for the research I did prior to my build as I'm sure you have been to many others.

[@johnsquibb5008]

Hello Greg Off topic of this video But if you were building gas all over again would you have 2 6kg bottles or stick to the larger one bottle I’m at the stage of fitting gas into kitchen unit I have a 4e Truma and a thetford cooker like yours So thought you’d know the answer to this

[@GregVirgoe]

I would put a single large underslung tank underneath the van. Definitely the way to go. More capacity and safer being outside.

[@rabfraser1234]

Hi Greg very informative..think most of the mobile networks charging for roaming..3...going to charge £2 a day if you use your phone abroad..so £5 a month seems a pretty good deal...

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes things are due to change again in January 2022 EE will charge new customers £2 a day for EU roaming

[@rabfraser1234]

@@GregVirgoe hi greg i just took a 12 month contract with tesco mobile it says i can use my allowance in the eu ,,and they have no plans to start charging its unlimited data and 5000 min 5000 texts it was £15 a month good rate as wife works for them ,,,

[@GregVirgoe]

@@rabfraser1234 Tesco also use the O2 network same as giffgaff so I would look at the small print in their T&C as you may find similar caps to what we have experienced 😳😊

[@rabfraser1234]

@@GregVirgoe your correct greg..it says fair use ?...and no more than 2 months out of uk ...I won't be going more than that so should be ok...

[@GregVirgoe]

@@rabfraser1234 at least now you know if you need to make alt arrangement👍🏼😊 happy travels

[@millanferende6723]

Could you please comment on the viability of 4G router? One might think will be just like any other Roaming/Hotspot service.... but apparently you need special SIM cards, and are not supported in all countries? Have you noticed anything like that Mr Virgoe? Would you still go with this solution, or prefer a LTE/3G/4G network amplifier? (guess it'll have much greater latency.) Thank you so much! Have been a long time viewer.

[@GregVirgoe]

This device works perfectly in all countries we have visited 20 now. You can extend the range with external aerial and it works with any mobile SIM card. 👍🏼😊

[@Ric_Crawford]

I’m on EE too. Just a pain there’s a 50Gb fair use cap outside the UK 😔

[@GregVirgoe]

Well I can confirm I’m currently on 73gb for this month data use in Europe so we are not being capped with this bundle as described 😊

[@Ric_Crawford]

@@GregVirgoe excellent :)

[@hoojamaflicks]

hi Greg thanks for the video. I know that that ee package enables full use of all your data allowance whilst roaming, but does it definitely also enable indefinite roaming and not restrict it to 2 months or so in succession like most other deals? if so, it's great.

[@hoojamaflicks]

I just had a look on the ee website and under the roam abroad pass they are saying there is a fair use policy of 50GB on plans with more than 50GB data. which sucks. you may be limited to 50GB rather than the full 200. I can't stand these kind of policies with mobile networks.

[@GregVirgoe]

@@hoojamaflicks you will see on my phone screen shots that I have already used well over 50gb of data this month so that limit is not in place. 👍🏼😃

[@GregVirgoe]

I just checked again and I’m up to 63gb this month 😃

[@hoojamaflicks]

@@GregVirgoe cool. sounds like they're not enforcing it.

[@mickm9307]

Hi Greg - quick question re this topic... do you bother with a vpn for extra security or when using a local sim?

[@GregVirgoe]

No, I don’t use a VPN

[@mickm9307]

@@GregVirgoe Thanks Greg, don't think I'll bother either and just avoid public wifi!

[@GordonjSmith1]

I thought that this was really useful / helpful. Oh Brexit! Well never mind that 'disaster', this is a good solution. For people travelling to 'remote' places I can recommend adding external antenna, as they will reduce power consumption and improve connectivity speed. I would also add that it can also be used at home as a 'home router' - which is the way we have used a similar device. I would add that I am impressed that it has battery capacity to allow it to be used 'stand alone', that is a very useful addition.

[@GregVirgoe]

For us the fact you can take it anywhere and it’s like having home broadband device in the van is invaluable. Will be our saving grace once the phones get cut off.

[@mickm9307]

Hi Greg - just revisited this vlog as I'm looking at going with EE - but I think the full 200GB actually cant be used due to fair usage limit of 50GB monthly- am I right?

[@GregVirgoe]

Well I can confirm that I was regularly using well over 100gb every month with no issues or caps. I did pay the extra £5 a month for Eu roaming so whether that makes a difference but I certainly had no problem 😉

[@mickm9307]

@@GregVirgoe OK Greg - thanks for that. The package is now 160GB and £25 for the Roaming smart benefit, so here goes!! Really enjoy your helpful videos 😊

[@rallycorsa1600]

Hi Greg, I read just a couple of days ago that inclusive data roaming in Europe is going to disappear completely for most providers next year as we are now outside the E. U.

[@GregVirgoe]

There will be some changes introduced for new and upgrading customers but existing contract customers should still get the same benefits they signed up for or they will be in breach of the original agreement and you have the right to cancel.

[@alexn5648]

Thank you for that.. Is there a cheaper version of the Netgear please?

[@GregVirgoe]

Check my first link in the description and go for a second hand M1 version you can pick up for about £150. Hope that is ok

[@alexn5648]

Thank you. That's fine. Looking forward to watching future travels

[@lesleytreloarpersonal]

Gret introduction to the Nighthawk M1 which I am now going to purchase, we are caravanning in UK mostly but have 6 weeks in France coming up in May do you recommend any preference in a contract free SIM card that will do both I know EE has a good name but will they Sims do both countries? Or should we purchase a SIM for UK and a Sim for France when we arrive?

[@GregVirgoe]

Currently go for a sim only contract with EE they gives double data worth 250gb for £31 a month including one extra package. Pick the roaming abroad extra that allows you to use your data abroad

[@lesleytreloarpersonal]

@@GregVirgoe thank you but as we only go abroad intermittently I shall think on about that maybe just buy a sim in France for the Nighthawk...

[@GregVirgoe]

@@lesleytreloarpersonal it does work with foreign sims. We put a Turkish sim in ours last year. Just need setting up in a mobile phone first then transfer over. We now use the EE sim for all our data use in UK or Abroad 👍🏼😃

[@lesleytreloarpersonal]

@@GregVirgoe thank you that its a help and reassuring mercy beaucoup :))

[@lesleytreloarpersonal]

@@GregVirgoe thank you Greg 😀

[@Jimireland]

Hi Greg maybe I missed it, do all mifi units come with built in VPN? and is the MK1 still good enough now since the MK2 is out? Thanks.

[@GregVirgoe]

No VPN that I’m aware off abs the MK2 is geared up for 5G but our one still works perfectly and suits our needs.

[@Jimireland]

@@GregVirgoe Great, thanks for getting back to me Greg.

[@Diarmaid1985]

I would suggest you have a look at gl inet spitz. Wonderful device and can also work as a WiFi repeater for anytime you are parked in an area with Free Wi-fi. Runs on OpenWRT pre-installed VPN server and client in OpenVPN and WireGuard

[@Jimireland]

@@Diarmaid1985 Thanks for that.

[@igor.vanlife]

Hi Greg. Just checked T&C as wanted to get one for myself. But it says you are limited to 15gb fair use policy while abroad. And everything over you'll be charged. How does it work with you???

[@GregVirgoe]

As I say in the video we paid for the roaming add on which is normally £10 but reduced when you sign up. Look at the screen shot of my Netgear app you will see that shows over 50gb data used in this month already 😃

[@PompeyBoy66]

One could post a phone back to a friend in the UK and ask them to turn it on for a few days and then post it back to you poste restante? Maybe

[@GregVirgoe]

sadly this method takes weeks and often the post goes missing and does not reach its desitination

[@martinbguk]

When I looked at the EE sim it also had a 20GB limit for use in Europe. Does the extra package you bought take off that limit?

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes it is normally a £10 Bolt on package but if you get it when you sign up you can have it for half price. You will see in the phone screen shots for data use we had already used over 50gb that month so it definitely works 👍🏼😃

[@martinbguk]

@@GregVirgoe thanks Greg, when I'm ready to go I'll get myself down to EE.

[@robertfoster1151]

Are you affected by £2 daily roaming charge EE are introducing next January?

[@GregVirgoe]

I don’t think it applies to existing customers who pay for the roaming bundle. That wouldn’t be fair to charge extra for something I didn’t agree to at the start of the contract. They would be in breach I’m sure.

[@studiono1567]

Hi Greg great info and vid will 200 gig be enough for you

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes I’m a heavy user and I struggle to get through that. If you stream a lot of music get the add on pack for all the music apps otherwise that can use a lot of data.

[@markferbrache4940]

Hi Greg, Am I correct in thinking I'll need 2 sim cards? One still needed for my phone and one for the mobile router? Or can you just plug your phone into this router and not need an extra sim card? Cheers, Mark

[@GregVirgoe]

It’s an interesting question because you can now message via apps and call via apps over internet so you don’t need to use phone minutes or texts you can do that via WiFi on the router. I’m not sure your phone would work without a sim in it but it would be interesting to see if you could get a second sim on the same EE contact. Yes it could work

[@markferbrache4940]

@@GregVirgoe for my contract, I can have a second sim but that will cost me an extra £16 a month. I was wondering if you could just plug a lead from my phone to the router because I'm obviously only using the router when I'm in the van. Thank you for your reply Greg 👍 Thanks for your videos about the building a van. Great tips and ideas. As a carpenter/Joiner I've so enjoyed my build. I have a Citroen relay with a large garage in the back for my bikes 🏍.

[@GregVirgoe]

@@markferbrache4940 try your phone without a sim. Most won’t work if they don’t have a sim installed

[@markferbrache4940]

@@GregVirgoe do you take your sim out of your phone and put it in the router each time?

[@GregVirgoe]

@@markferbrache4940 no our phones are with giffgaff and the router is on EE sim only contract. So we can leave the router in the van for CCTV and use our phones remotely.

[@mausie1967]

I had one more question. If you take your portable router with you, how do you get your video images to your phone from your van? Is there another router?

[@GregVirgoe]

You can’t take the router out of the van if you want to use the security camera. That needs an internet connection. So you either use mobile data on the phone in that case.

[@mausie1967]

@@GregVirgoe I've been wondering. Thank you for the wise words.

[@mausie1967]

Thank you very much

[@thekingoftheworld9553]

I think EE changed their terms so if you get the SIM now you can't use all your data. You have to get their smart benefit thing and you only get 50gb a month I believe.

[@GregVirgoe]

At 7:19 on the screenshot you can see I’ve already gone well over 50gb on roaming data for this month so that doesn’t appear to be the case with the add on bundle 😊

[@thekingoftheworld9553]

How long ago did you start the contract? I'm sure I read somewhere that EE were changing their EU data allowance by lowering it. And that now you have to get a smart feature to allow the data roaming. If you started it the other day then I will jump on and get it in that case.

[@GregVirgoe]

@@thekingoftheworld9553 we signed up and got this sim well before we even left England 🤩

[@tonysutton6559]

Did you talk to the people in the demountable truck camper who were parked next to you and get any footage of their set up?

[@GregVirgoe]

No they were German couple and kept themselves hidden away.

[@tonysutton6559]

@@GregVirgoe I'm hoping to get to the Adventure Overland show next year, if I see you there I'll show you my set up (Imported US NorthStar on an Isuzu D-Max).

[@hedleypepper1838]

My guess would be its cheaper to get a sim deal from a local supplier. In UK 🇬🇧 everything is more expensive

[@GregVirgoe]

Not if you plan to travel across multiple countries like we do you would need a sim for each country and they would all have different numbers too. This way is much easier solution.

[@zenolentze6889]

I’m in Montenegro on vacation

[@GregVirgoe]

You are on the other side of the water :D

[@neilswan5044]

I had an unlimited data package with 3 network, which is great in the UK but as you say,they used the fair use limit of 20gb when in the EU. It then stopped completely in Italy, after the 1st month because I wasnt in contact with a UK beacon. Bloody swizz. Im now in Spain after returning to the UK, but have found the fair use has been reduced to 12gb!! I shall use the 3 sim until the data has gone then buy a Spanish sim as I did years ago. Rip off Britian strikes again!!

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes the phone companies are too tight to pay the foreign networks

[@nosey345]

When ready the small print of the EE contract it says they will charge £2 a day starting in January 🤔 does this apply to your contract ?

[@GregVirgoe]

I read it as for new and upgrading customers. We shall see 😊

[@nosey345]

@@GregVirgoe thank you for your reply I you don't get charged . Great scenery and videos safe travels ☺️

[@GregVirgoe]

@@nosey345 yep 👍🏼 me too 🤗

[@pippashaw8224]

Can you post your SIM cards home for a week and have them connected to your provider. Then get them sent back to you??

[@GregVirgoe]

Difficult to believe but it’s very hard getting post to Europe and it takes a long time to arrive if it ever turns up at all. We have posted other things 😬😳

[@johnmandy]

As you know we’ve never had any limitations with EE in EUROPE, no data caps and no limitations on roaming. It’s so simple 👍🏻

[@ML-jr1yz]

John what is the plan? I am o EE pay as you go! Looking to swap....

[@GregVirgoe]

There are links to the sim only contract in the description of my video. Thanks 😊

[@andyG779]

EE unlimited sim has a 50Gb fair use policy! Whilst we have been in France, Spain and Portugal for the last 50 days I received a text from EE saying they are waiving this whilst the pandemic is still on and therefore you can use unlimited data until then! There IS a 50Gb fair use even on an unlimited EE sim and a max 4 month outside the UK timeframe according to their T&C’s.

[@johnmandy]

@@andyG779 As I said in my comment above, we have used our EE sims to travel for extended periods for years and no caps have ever been imposed, they might write it in their terms, but they do not actually impose any limits in practice.

[@andyG779]

@@johnmandy As I said in my comment, when I had used nearly 50Gb of data I received a text saying they are waiving their 50Gb fair useage policy whilst the pandemic is still on. It’s good that you have never been capped and long may that continue. I am just pointing out a fact that EE does have a fair usage policy with their unlimited sim and people considering this product should be aware of this. Now that we have left the EU and roaming charges have changed it also looks to me that EE are obviously monitoring people’s usage according to their T&C’s and may or may not act upon them. Hopefully not…. 🤔 P.s love to Coop’s 🐶