I do not have a cell phone at home because of no service where I live. I would like an inexpensive, for limited use cell phone for 1 month in France. The previous question for this is too old to be useful. All those references no longer exist.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Before I had an unlocked smart phone, I'd stop at a kiosk or boutique store to buy a cheap phone and SIM card. In Spain I purchased one from Vodaphone that worked for what I needed (calls to book/confirm lodging). It was 25 euro for phone, SIM and minutes. See if Orange has a cheap phone on offer. Since I started traveling with a smart phone I only buy a SIM but I've been happier with Orange in France than SFR.
Posted by
CA, USA
1104 posts
Look into Google Fi which has month-to-month plans, cancel anytime. See if a friend has a compatible phone laying in a drawer they can loan you -- https://fi.google.com/compatibility With 1G of data 1mos of service is $30 (https://fi.google.com/about/plan/) and voice calls when abroad are 20 cents per minute (https://fi.google.com/about/international-rates/) and free when using wifi. An advantage of this is that you set everything up before you travel so you know it works
which brings up another point; do you really need cell service? If you're content with just making calls when on wifi (at the place you are staying, in a cafe, etc) then you can either borrow a friend's phone or buy an inexpensive one with wifi. Then use a wifi calling service such as those listed on https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/free-calling-app-unlimited-with-wifi/