WhatsApp Setup Instructions

We will use WhatsApp for important trip communication before and during our European tour. Please install it on your phone and join both SBF groups before departure.

Important: Every traveler should have WhatsApp installed and working on their phone before we leave. Please do not wait until we are overseas to set it up.

How to Download WhatsApp

iPhone: Open the Apple App Store and search for WhatsApp Messenger.
Android: Open the Google Play Store and search for WhatsApp Messenger.
You may also use WhatsApp’s official download page: whatsapp.com/download.
Install WhatsApp, verify your mobile phone number, and make sure you can open the app.

Download WhatsApp

What WhatsApp Needs to Work

WhatsApp uses an internet connection instead of regular text messaging. It works through Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Hotel, airport, restaurant, and bus Wi-Fi may allow WhatsApp to work.
An international cellular data plan will also allow WhatsApp to work.
If your phone has no Wi-Fi and no cellular data, messages may not send or receive until you are back online.

Open Group

SBF Europe 2026 Traveler Chat

This is an open group where everyone may chat with one another, ask questions, share travel tips, coordinate plans, and get to know fellow travelers before the trip.

Join Traveler Chat

https://chat.whatsapp.com/CSuvPV99eJ80AgffCPqVOX

Official Updates

SBF TRC Official Tour Updates

This group is for important trip announcements only. We will use it for schedule changes, bus times, hotel reminders, concert call times, emergency updates, and other essential travel information.

Only admins will post in this group so that important messages do not get buried.

Join Official Tour Updates

https://chat.whatsapp.com/IQx0VqpZgEcHwu33MASgeV

Coming Soon

Viking Cruise Group

We will also have a third WhatsApp group just for our Viking Cruise travelers. That invite link will be shared soon.

One-to-One and Small Group Messaging

In addition to the SBF groups, WhatsApp also lets you communicate directly with other travelers one-on-one or in smaller private groups. All you need is the other person’s WhatsApp number, which is typically the same as their regular mobile phone number.

This can be useful for coordinating dinner plans, sightseeing, taxis, shopping, or meeting up with friends during free time.

Before Departure Checklist

Install WhatsApp on your phone.
Verify that WhatsApp opens and works on your phone.
Join both SBF WhatsApp groups.
Keep notifications turned on for SBF TRC Official Tour Updates.
Make sure your phone will have Wi-Fi or cellular data access while traveling.