Using technology in Granada

I don’t like to consider myself someone who is addicted to their technology. Although I own an iPhone, it is not always glued to my hand and I don’t feel the need to be in constant contact with the rest of the world via social media. When I was on co-op for 9 months in Amsterdam, I chose not to get an international plan or a new Dutch sim card for my iPhone. I had a cheap Dutch phone that I would top up with credit once a month and it was used only in emergencies. Otherwise, I relied on Wifi and if I was in transit, I was disconnected.

I got pretty used to this lifestyle, and had planned on doing the same while in Spain, but my parents offered to get my iPhone unlocked. This costs almost $200, which I’m still not sure if it’s completely worth it for just a semester. Regardless, I put a Spanish sim card in my iPhone afterwards and it has actually been really nice. It is much more convenient to not have two phones, and although I still do not have data on my iPhone, I can make short calls and text for relatively little cost. I have a pay as you go type plan here and I top my phone up with credit when I need it. So far I haven’t even used the original 20 euros that was put on it.

It’s pretty easy to pick up Wifi when I am out and about, and don’t run into many problems with making plans or meeting up with friends.The Center of Modern Languages where my classes are has Wifi, as does my apartment, so I am rarely bothered by not having a data plan. I find it actually better to not have data, I focus more on my surroundings and have gotten to know Granada by much better than I would have if I was constantly using the Maps app to find my way around.

My flatmate has a printer and I have my laptop, but the API program office also has computers students are free to use, and a printer that we can use for little to no cost.