Traveling soon - questions - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: atferrari
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2014, 11:02:49 pm
content: By October this year I expect to travel to Liverpool UK - then Rotterdam, Iserlohn (Germany) and finally Frankfurt. About two working days in each place.My questions:a) Shops within reach in those places, that you know are selling electronic components on the counter so I could visit if time (not much available) allows. Just names so I can Google.Ordering in advance is out of question.b) Most practical way, other than plane to go from L'pool to R'dam. Not esential. Just to enjoy if I am not going to add more stress to the whole thing.c) Mobile phone. For me, anything like roamming would be insane. I have no idea what could be a reasonable solution. A number where I could be called anytime and from where to call my office is what I need.Buying, renting? Something that could serve at the four places.Thanks in advance.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2014, 11:13:10 pm
content: Most people buy a local prepay sim card when visiting another country. Usually cost $10-$20 and you get some data and free calling minutes.Be aware,* Some countries make it very hard because you need a postal address to register a new sim card.* When paying the money, make sure it's not a re-occurring prepay plan that will change you again next month. (or if it is make sure you remember to cancel it, usually just requires a txt message)* Set your voicemail message on your local simcard to provide the overseas simcard number so people can contact you.* You can usually buy the new simcard at the airport when you arrive. Check around online before you get there to find out which carrier has the best plan for you and where their airport shop is.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2014, 11:17:00 pm
content: Over the counter components have been going out of fashion in recent years. In the UK the only widespread retail option is Maplin, but their selection will be poor and their prices high. You may occasionally find local one-off shops or possibly visit the trade counter at somewhere like Farnell or RS Components (but you would have to be nearby to make that sensible).For travel from Liverpool to Rotterdam by land: take a train from Liverpool to London Euston (Virgin trains), walk 500 metres down the road to St. Pancras and take a Eurostar to Brussels, then from Brussels to Rotterdam by Thalys express. Allow a day for the journey, though. That's a lot of trains and connections.Mobile phone: you can rent a phone at European airports, or buy a cheap unlocked pay as you go phone and then buy a SIM card to put in it. Cellular phone shops may give you the SIM card for free if you buy it loaded with minutes.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2014, 09:05:47 am
content: The only store that I know of in Frankfurt, that sells over the counter parts is Conrad.From time to time, when I am in Frankfurt for a trade show and I need something quick, I go there.http://www.conrad.de/ce/de/ChainstoreInfo.html?gclid=CL6Vup6R5b8CFamWtAodViwAcA&detail&chainstorecode=CS_DE_F&insert_kz=NA&hk=SEM&WT.srch=1&s_kwcid=AL!222!3!42558223161!e!!g!!conrad%20+frankfurt&ef_id=U9TAVgAAAYzViQ0S:20140727090318:s

author: atferrari
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 05:21:27 pm
content: Quote from: Psi on July 26, 2014, 11:13:10 pmGracias Psi. All duly noted.

author: atferrari
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 05:26:08 pm
content: Quote from: Bored@Work on July 27, 2014, 07:48:06 amThanks for refreshing or telling all that. I always supected that it is always made in a convoluted way to make decisions not easy.Gracias for replying.

author: atferrari
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 05:27:26 pm
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on July 27, 2014, 09:05:47 amGracias HV,Worth to check. Hope to have time enough there.

author: atferrari
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 05:29:12 pm
content: Quote from: IanB on July 26, 2014, 11:17:00 pmGracias IanB for replying all points.Eurostar, a luxurious way to spend time and money. Wow!

author: tinhead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 05:37:50 pm
content: in Iserlohn there is a huge shop (> 500m²):http://stores.ebay.de/TECHNO-CENTER-SCHMITT-ELEKTRONIKi wasn't ever there, only bought online few things. They actually not even cheap, but have shitload of various/old things,so when one is looking for that then that's good place to find them.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 05:42:24 pm
content: Quote from: atferrari on July 28, 2014, 05:29:12 pmThere is also a ferry that goes from Harwich to Rotterdam (Hook of Holland). That would be a different way to go.But from Liverpool to Harwich International station (where the ferry leaves from) is a train journey of about 4 hours involving various changes.