Any experience with using either Ultra Mobile or H2O Wireless to make calls to Europe?

Brad, I've not used these services. As I mentioned in your other post, I'm currently using WhatsApp to keep in touch with my daughter. I've used the app to make wireless phone calls to her in Norwich England, Cardiff Wales and Berlin Germany on her travels.

Thanks Joel,

I'm thinking more in terms of calling lodging places directly before my trip. Their websites say free calls to landlines and free calls to cell phones in a smaller group of countries.

I use T-Mobile, I can text all I want, have data, and calls are cheap, .20 a minute. I used my phone in Italy and it worked like a charm. Plan to do the same thing during upcoming trip this spring.

T-Mobile does no contract, so technically you could drop it after your trip.

You said your phone is unlocked, so no issues with popping in a new SIM card.

Brad,

I'm not clear on your proposed uses. Are you planning to make calls to Europe from your home area (which you wouldn't need an unlocked phone for) or make calls within Europe when travelling?

I've never heard of the two services you mentioned, and don't have any experience with them. I do have experience with one of the other travel phone firms. I've found that there's rarely any "free calls", as there's usually a cost somewhere along the line.

Yes, I'm talking about calling from my home area to (in this case) France to make inquiries and book lodging, car rental, bike rental.

There are essentially four big companies and somewhere around a dozen or two smaller companies that offer service. The smaller companies typically piggy back off the big four signals but sell packages tailored for different needs. I believe H20 uses Verizon's system and Ultra Mobile uses T-Mobile.

Both companies seem to also offer free phone calls to your phone, from the U.S., while you're in Europe. As far as I can tell, they call a phone number where they then put in your number and are connected.

Brad,

Some of the travel phone firms also offer a "local number" option, which is mapped to the European travel number. Any calls to the local number will reach you, wherever you are.