Cell Phone in Europe

Suzann,

First, regarding the Charger for your Cell Phone. You'll need to check the specifications on the Charger to determine the Input Voltage. If it states "100-240 VAC", it's designed for world operation and all you'll need is a Plug Adaptor. As you'll be travelling in both the U.K. and Germany, you'll actually need two Plug Adapters - one for the U.K. (large rectangular pins) and one for Europe (two small round pins). Let us know what the spec's are on the Charger.

You might want to speak with the T-Mobile staff to get a better idea on what your costs would be for roaming. I'm assuming that the "international plan" that you mentioned has a monthly charge? You might be able to sign up for the plan and then cancel it when you get home?

As you plan on using the phone only occasionally, my preference would just be to use roaming with T-Mobile, as it will be a lot simpler. If you buy a SIM card in either the U.K. or Germany, when you travel to the other country, you'll be "roaming" and the rates will be higher. Also, your phone number changes each time you change SIM cards, so you'd have to notify those that might want to call you. Keep in mind you can also send texts to Cell phones in the U.S. and the cost for those is usually quite reasonable. I use that method quite frequently to keep in touch with family back home.

If it turns out that you do in fact need a Voltage Converter, I can provide further information on which type to buy. I'll do a bit of research and see if I can find any information on the Samsung Blast.

One final point - if the phone is capable of net browsing or E-mail, be sure to check on the rates! Data roaming can be VERY expensive!!!

(* It appears that a Travel Charger is available - ask T-Mobile about the ATADS10JBEBSTD / Price: $19.99 Charger ).

Cheers!

I have a T-Mobile phone. I added the free international calling on it. I just bring my regular charger and ad an adapter plug for whichever country I am in at the moment. Just remember when you are dialing home you have to add the + sign first before you dial the number back to the States.

Susan

Since your phone is the international kind, it should be dual volatage.The way to figure this out is to look at the charger and see if it states 120-240V. The same rule applies to your laptop.
Are you sure that the rate from Western Europe is only $.34? Last year I used my Tmobile phone to call US from Italy and I was charged $.99. $.34 is actually the rate for text messaging.
To use a European SIM card might be cheaper last time when I checked it was about $.17. When you first set up your SIM card you will get charged a small fee just for the new phone number.I dont know how much this fee is. In order to use a non-Tmobile SIM card you will need to unlock your Samsung phone prior going to Europe. Tmobile will do it for you for free if you have been with them for longer than 1 year and pay your bill in time.
I don't understand why you don't want to use an adapter but you would use a converter. A converter is heavier and/or bulkier than an adapter.Once you have the right voltage on your electronics you only need to carry an adapter.
Walmart has a small adapter good for all European countries. It comes in one piece and it's only $10.

Thank you to all. Ken, I finally see that my charger is dual voltage (after reading my manual- the printing on the charger is so microscopic, so I will just use the UK/European plugs for charging.

I will also go with the T-Mobile international plan as it seems like it will be the easist way. Fortunatly, there is no monthly fee or activation to sign up. I had my phone unlocked the 3rd month I had the service so I did not forget. Also, I was mistaken, it is $.99 for calls from Europe to anywhere, $.34 from USA to Europe, still, I prefer it to buying phone cards and dealing with that.