my flip phone

I thought it would be much easier transitioning from a smartphone to a flip phone. Make the decision. Search for second hand flip phones online (no need to buy new!) and that´s it.

In reality, things looked a lot different – I underestimated how many things are tied to my phone – public transport tickets, bank accounts, the list goes on.

After thinking about it for a while, I came up with a plan:

I won´t get rid of my smartphone (it´s really old anyways, I bought it second hand in 2020, it has become very slow and doesn´t work well anymore). I wanna stay connected to people that I connect on messenger apps like WhatsApp. I don´t wanna deal with all the bureaucracy around untying my bank accounts from my phone and having to go to the bank in person every time I wanna make a transaction, because honestly I don´t have the time.

I did go to and ask for a physical ticket for my public transport card (someone told me you can´t do that anymore, but it was surprisingly easy and didn´t even cost money). That was my last “excuse” of having to bring my phone everywhere, because my public transport ticket was a QR Code only valid when showing it on my phone.

I got a second SIM card for the new phone (leaving the original SIM card in my smartphone). This way, I can use Messengers like WhatsApp and Signal on my Computer, I can stay in touch with people while not being available all the time – only during times I´m using my laptop. This did cost a few euros, I think around 5-8€ for a second SIM card to be shipped to my apartment.

My smartphone will stay with me, turned off, somewhere in a drawer of my dresser, and when I have to use things like Online Banking, I can still do that. Another situation where I´d use my smartphone as an exception would be when I´m going somewhere new and need google maps to rely on. My sense of orientation isn´t the best, and especially when I have important appointments (doesn’t happen often anyways) where I don´t wanna be late, I think I´d have some peace of mind having my smartphone with me.

But in my daily life, I really don´t need the smartphone. I don´t need maps when I go to work or friends’ apartments, I don´t need to check my mails on the train or be available all the time. If I´m meeting someone and plans change last minute, I can still be reached with a call.

This is what works best for me, and I wanted to share this to inspire. I spent (honestly way too much) time researching online, watching videos of people who switched to flip phones. But it doesn’t always have to be all or nothing.

Sometimes, a solution in between is what works best.

In total, the switch to a flip phone cost me around 30€, I paid 25€ for a second hand flip phone, and a few euros for the second SIM card.