Leaving in 2 weeks..HELP!

Anneris,

Although you have an "unlocked" GSM phone", you might want to verify that it's a quad band model! I recently spoke with some young travellers from the U.S. in Italy that had just arrived with their shiny new "GSM phone" and were quite puzzled as it wouldn't work? When I checked the settings, it turned out that it was only equipped with the 850/1900 frequency bands!

Also, check the Charger to ensure that it's designed for "world" operation. You'll need two different Plug Adapters of course.

Regarding your "Global SIM" question, you might also look at Cellular Abroad and Call In Europe, as they offer similar products. As you're leaving in 2 weeks, "paying the shipping costs" is not something you should be concerned with. As with all "travel SIM's, be very clear on what the rates are and also on the method for topping this up. You may need a credit card with some services, as rather than pre-paying, they simply charge your credit card when required.

AFAIK, you can't buy a "Global SIM" in Europe. You'll probably only be able to buy a PAYG SIM on attached to one of the networks in the first country you visit. When you travel to another country, you'll be "roaming" so the rates will be higher so your minutes will "deplete" at a faster rate.

Regarding your debit cards, having two cards is the bare minimum IMO. My primary ATM card "malfunctioned" on a trip in France a few months ago, but fortunately my "backup card" continued working. Do you have enough funds in your sister's account to cover expenses for both of you? Do you have the ability to transfer funds from another account if you run short of funds? NOTE that your funds MUST be in a chequing account with a four-digit PIN. You didn't mention credit cards, but I'd suggest at least one for "emergencies" would be a good idea. DON'T FORGET to tell your Bank that you'll be travelling in Europe!

I'm not going to be much help with the cell phone question (I never bring one, don't want work to find me :)

But as for the debit cards, we get a regular old ATM card without debit capabilities just for emergencies. All you have to do is stop by your bank and ask for one. Oh, and you've probably already done this, but remember to let your bank know you're going out of the country.

I would think 1 debit card for both of you would be fine as long as each person has enough money to cover both of you. That would cover the worse case scenario where one of you lost access to an acct early in the trip. That said, I mostly travel by myself & carry 2 cards but have never had a problem & I use the ATM as my only source of cash. Be sure you don't forget to advise your bank & if you've already done it, it won't hurt to call & check just before you leave. I've read several times on this board where people have advised their bank & found later that the bank didn't have the information.

"I will be traveling to five countries (UK, Belgium/Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy)."

This is off topic, but meant as friendly advice. Don't suggest to the Belgians and the Dutch that they are one country. (Heck, don't suggest to some English, Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish that they are one country!)

lol to Matt..I meant to say I'm just staying in Belgium for one night so it doesn't really count

Look for a SIM card that allows free incoming calls, if that is what is most likely to happen on your trip.

Deposit your money in your checking account -- make sure it is checking. Go to a local bank when you get there and withdraw the cash you need for a few days or so against a VISA credit card. Wear and use a money belt. Transfer/pay off the credit cash advance using your checking account. You can also make an ATM withdrawal with your checking card. Notify your banks/card companies of your planned travel countries and dates. Have fun.