While the Camino de Santiago is a great way to disconnect, finding some way to stay in touch is completely possible on the Camino. Most private Albergues and restaurants have WiFi, but the municipal Albergues typically do not. If you do not want to be completely dependent on WiFi, there are a couple ways to get cellular data in northern Spain without paying for exorbitant roaming rates, including a cellular chip, a Skype Account, or an international phone.
The easiest way to get cell data is to purchase a cell chip from another phone company in Spain. (Your phone must be unlocked* to do this.) We purchased our SIM card from “Orange Mundo,” and had service in every city we went to. For 35€, we will have 6 GB of data on on phone for 30 days. Using a WiFi hotspot, both of our phones (Apple) can access the cell data. We have used less than 0.1 GB after the first week, so 6 GB is more than enough. Important note: when you get the SIM card, either keep the card with the PIN code or take a photo, because when you reset your phone it will ask you for this number again! This is true for both Orange and Vodafone. If you do not have the PIN, you are blocked from cell data access.
Instead of paying for both cell data and calling minutes, pay for just the cell data and open a free Skype account. Via Skype, you can call real phone numbers from cell data or wifi for only $.10/minute. This will be cheaper than any calling minutes you purchase, and will be perfect for reserving Albergues ahead of time, calling taxis, etc. Another option is to purchase an international cell phone, which we have, which allows for calls from anywhere to anywhere for $1/min. This is great for emergencies or when you are lost. *Is my phone unlocked?* There are two ways that you may have an unlocked phone.
You purchased it at face value from a non-cell carrier. Ex. You paid $800 for an iPhone from the Apple Store. My mom thought she did this, but because she purchased it at the AT&T store, it was not actually unlocked.
You have had the same cell phone for 2 years. After two years, you can call your carrier and have them unlock the phone for you. It is a bit of a hassle, but worth it to have your own SIM card.
If you want a SIM card but neither of these apply to you, you could specifically purchase a phone to be unlocked or you could illegally jailbreak your phone.
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