Cell Phone Question

Kara,

I think the more important question is if your cell phone will work in Europe at all. Many US cell phones don't work there. Check this info:

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/mobilephones.htm

You can use a calling card on a cell phone, but you'll be paying the same per minute rate on the cell phone whether you use the calling card or not.

Calling cards work just fine. I will be using a cell phone for the first time in Europe only because I will need to coordinate with several other people while I'm there. Normally, for the occasional call home or to talk to a hotel or rail station, a calling card is fine, simple and generally much less expensive.

I would concur with Eric. You would pay the same rate on the calling card regardless of the phone, and if there is a usage fee with the cell phone, you'd pay that rate too. Probably best to use one or the other at the same time, not both. Our plan is to use our cell phone for quick calls to coordinate with others and to use the calling card to call home if needed. Granted, we'll need to find a pay phone to use it, but that should be okay.

Kara, if you get a cell phone (in Europe or purchase a compatible one beforehand) the bonus of using a cell instead of a phone card is you can give that number to someone to reach you.

I'm not talking about family back home. In Europe, many restaurants for example will ask for your cell. They will call you to tell you your table is ready, that way there's no congested line in front of the restaurant.

Also, when you book a tour, hotel or other reservations, providing a number they can contact you is much simplier than saying "I'll call you when I get to a pay phone".

Lastly, its more hygenic to have you own phone, and I also use the phone for local time and the alarm clock.