All the posts mentioning mobal.com are 8-9 years old. Is it still very useful when traveling around Europe and the UK? Is it easy to use for booking lodging and buses on the Internet?
Posted by
8180 posts
I purchased a mobal phone back in 2013 and use it sporadically when we travel overseas. I did use it a few times while in the UK last October.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
We have the old flip-phone style (Eurobuzz) -- worked fine when we needed to call to be let into a building in December. No data connection so I can't comment on that. Company is still on business, and we keep it for emergency voice calls. For limited use, the price is good. If you think you would use it a lot, you might be better off with a plan from your carrier or a local SIM+plan.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks. I currently have an antique Nokia (before flip style) with no Internet, and am familiar with limited service. That is why I think that having access to Internet will be helpful to book some transportation and lodging as we go, and see maps. Thank you for your reply.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32345 posts
sara,
It would help to know which cell provider you're currently with? Is there any possibility you could upgrade to a smartphone before your trip? You may be able to use roaming with your home network and that would provide you with not only internet but also phone & text.
In addition to Mobal, there are a number of other travel phone providers. This is one you could have a look at - http://www.cellularabroad.com/ .
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you. Currently I have T-mobile, which had an expensive roaming plan and poor coverage in many areas. I will check out cellular abroad that you mentioned.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32345 posts
sara,
I'm not too familiar with T-Mobile since I don't use them, but based on other comments I've seen on the forum, T-Mobile roaming prices are among the most reasonable of all U.S. networks. Using Italy as an example, these are the rates - https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/roaming?country=Italy . Those rates will likely be similar to other European countries. The only point to note is that data may be at 2G speeds.
Hopefully one of the U.S. members of the forum can provide more specific information.
Posted by
TX, USA
529 posts
I use T mobile, have used it while in Germany, Italy, England. T Mobile One 55+ has unlimited data and texting. It has available wifi calling, which translates to free calls. My plan charges .20 a minute to make calls internationally, which I utilized while in Sicily.
Since switching to T Mobile several years ago, I have noticed their service area has greatly improved. It works for me.
PS- I have a very old Mobal phone and sim card. Last time I checked, I felt their rates were expensive.