We can usually keep in contact with back home via e-mail but the bigger question for us is how to call within Europe with my Blackberry to confirm reservations, car, lodging, etc. Does anyone have experience with MobileGlobe Call Back? They have in country dial-up numbers for cheaper rates. Ease of use?? Rates?? My wife and I will be traveling into Switzerland, Germany, Austria and perhaps Netherlands for 6-8 weeks.
David, The first question to consider is which cell network you're with? If you're using an older Bell or Telus Blackberry, it may be CDMA and won't even work in Europe. If you're using Rogers or Fido, I'd suggest contacting them for information on voice / text / data "travel packs". If you use the voice functions sparingly, roaming with your home provider is reasonably cost effective. You could also have a look at the "travel phone" firms such as Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Call In Europe, Telestial or Mobal. They can provide a SIM and plan which provides consistent rates in all the countries you'll be visiting. Have a look at the Blackberry plan on This Website for one example. Good luck!
Read carefully about the call back system before you decide on it. A call back system is one where instead of dialing directly, you call a connection number and the number you intend to call, then hang up. Then when the call is connected, you are called back. Not very convenient.