On cell phones, cameras, & battery charging...

The answers to your telephone questions will depend on you needs. It sounds like you need to be easily accessible from the US. 1. Will you also want to make calls to the US? 2. Will texts back and forth suffice (at least part of the time)? 3. Will the people in the US need to know the number before you leave, or could you e-mail or text it once you arrive? 4. Will the people calling you from the US just be a few people (whom you can teach any needed "tricks" before you leave) or will it be the general public, whom you won't be able to "tutor"? 5. Will you need to be reachable at all times, or only at pre-arranged times? 6. Will you also be wanting to call each other while in Europe? 7. Will you want to be accessing local European numbers (hotels, restaurants, taxis)? 8. Which countries will you be in, and in what order?
9. What is your current US carrier and what are your current cell phone models? continued...

continued.. Some options, briefly (we can give more details of the most sensible options, once you've given us the above information): 1. Some US cell phones will work in Europe with no modifications, but you will pay high fees (lower for text). 2. You can get European phones (via several methods). This will have much lower costs to make calls, and receiving calls is free in the country you bought the phone in. It will cost a bit more to use it in another European country, and receiving calls is no longer free. The biggest problems; calling a European cell from the US is costly (it costs more than calling a European land line does), and your callers will have to know how to call or text international numbers from the US. 3. You can use Skype via a computer, netbook, iPad, smartphone, or any other WiFi connected device. This only works in WiFi zones and only when the device is on, so it's not good for being reachable, but very good for outgoing calls. Skype to Skype is free, and Skype to and from regular phones is very cheap.

For the camera: almost all camera battery rechargers made in the past 5 years or more should be multi-voltage. To check, get out a magnifying glass, and look at the specs on the charger. If it says "100-240 volts, 50-60 cycles," you are set, and only need a plug adapter. There are two types to consider: one large one with three square prongs for the British Isles, and one much smaller one with two round prongs for Continental Europe. They are sold in the Rick Steves Travel Store, here:
http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=126&id=24 If the plug or charger says 100-120 volts (but nothing above 200) and 60 cycles (but nothing about 50), it will not work properly in Europe. In theory, you could get a converter or transformer, but even with the correct one (and there are different kinds for different purposes), there's a high likelihood you'll damage the battery, start a fire, short out the circuits in your hotel, or all three. Instead, get a new charger.

Colleen, As mentioned in the previous replies, it would help to know which network and what type of Cell phones you're currently using? Also, will you both require a phone while travelling, or will one suffice? It will be easier to provide more specific advice if you could provide a few details. Regarding the charging questions, you'll need to check the Chargers or Power Supplies of EACH DEVICE that you'll be travelling with. Look for the phrase "Input Voltage". As Harold mentioned, if these state "100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz", the products will work fine in Europe with only inexpensive Plug Adapters. Which countries will you be travelling in, and what type of devices will you be packing along? If you happen to be in the Seattle area, you can buy Plug Adapters at ETBD in Edmonds, The Savvy Traveller in Edmonds or Bergman Luggage in Northgate Centre. You should also be able to find them locally at Radio Shack, or you can order by mail or internet from Magellans. Happy travels!

Thanks very much, Harold & Ken, for your help. I am looking more into the phone situation and considering our needs. My husband's phone (I don't have one) is with Verizon, btw. He contacted them and apparently his phone can be used over there, but the rates are very high. There will be at least a couple of times each day when either people here need to reach us or vice versa, so I'm hoping I can find a more reasonable option. Re the camera, last time around my recharger, as now, had a 100-240 volt, 50/60 Hz input voltage. That's why I assumed I could just use an adapter and recharge it there. And yet it didn't work, and I have no idea why. I can go without my beloved hair flat iron (I'm lying...but I'll buy one in CH since mine won't work over there), but I do want my camera.

If you were just using a standard plug adapter, then you should have no problems. IF however if you were using a converter (coverts 240v to 120v) then you could have problems. Does the charge now work in the US? You did use the word converter in your earlier posting. Make sure you are only using a plug adapter and your original equipment charger for your camera. But that is one of the reason I use a Canon camera that used AA batteries. Don't have to worry about recharging.

Colleen, Given the high cost of using the Verizon phone in Europe, one solution would be to use a phone from one of the travel phone firms such as Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Call In Europe, Telestial or Mobal. They typically use a number based in the U.K., costs are the same throughout much of western Europe and these are considerably lower than using roaming with Verizon. These would be a "basic" phone, without data capability. At least one of the above firms offers an optional local number, which you could forward your home cell phone to. This is "mapped" to your travel phone, so calls will be automatically forwarded. Of course, calls which occur during the time you're travelling by air would be forwarded to voice mail. Hopefully the people calling you will check the time difference, as it's highly annoying to be awakened in the "wee hours of the morning" by phone calls (especially frivolous ones). As your Camera Charger indicates "100-240 Volt, it will work fine in Europe with just inexpensive Plug Adapters. You probably have a few on hand from your last trip. Cheers!

A converter cuts 220-240 voltage to 120 volts and is fine for things that are basically low wattage like chargers, electric razors, etc. But hair irons, dryers, etc. are high wattage upwards to 2000 watts for the heating element. That requires a different type of converter that is designed for high wattage - heavy and more expensive. Even with the correct converter they item does not perform well and is often damaged over time. Hair dries are very common so don't need to bring one.

Hi, I have a quick question about converter vs adapter. If my hair dryer says 125VAC, 60HZ will this work with a adapter or do I need a converter?

Katie, it won't work in Europe without a converter. And even then there may be a problem. I've never brought a hair dryer, but I've read about horrendous problems with them overseas. Most hotels, even small ones, have them in the bathroom.

@Katie, As your Hair Dryer will ONLY operate on 120 VAC, do not use it in Europe. While it would be possible to use it with a Voltage Converter, many people report that they don't work as well or provide the same heat levels. Here are some choices you can consider.... > Buy a dual-voltage Hair Dryer from Magellans or other travel store. > Buy a 220 Volt Hair Dryer when you arrive in Europe. > Use the Hair Dryer at your Hotel. Many of the Hotels I've stayed at in the last year or two have Dryers installed in the bathrooms. If not, it's often possible to obtain one by asking at the front desk. Happy travels!

Ken, thanks for the info on travel phone firms. How does going that route differ from something like Eurobuzz, which has been mentioned elsewhere on these forums? Re the time difference, we're in for it either way as we most often have to be contacted when the cows are being milked ~ every twelve hours. ;-D Frank, I did make a mistake when I initially described using a "converter" for my camera last time around. I used a regular ol' plug adapter, since the charger had "100-240v" written on it. It completely died while we were traveling, and the charger no longer worked once we returned home. Hoping that was a fluke and the same thing doesn't happen this time around! Katie, as others noted, your hair dryer won't work without an electrical converter (not just a plug adapter), and even then it might not work properly. I've used dual voltage small appliances in the past and they're fine. Even better, imo, is to just buy one over there that's 220V. It's true that most hotels have hair dryers, but we typically aren't staying in hotels, so I like to have my own. Btw, Switzerland has a different sort of plug and, accordingly, the adapter is different there than in other countries.

Colleen, "but my husband prefers to be accessible via his usual phone number." Using a "travel phone" firm that offers a local number option would solve that problem, as your husband could forward his normal cell to that number. Using the Verizon loaner phone would also allow access via his regular number, however as you noted that might be an expensive option. You'll have to do some "number crunching" to determine whether the Verizon phone or travel phone would be more cost effective for your anticipated uses. Good luck!

Thank you for posting all those particulars. I know it takes time, but this means people won't waste time with "help" that doesn't apply to your situation. The major problem is that, as so often in life, "cheap," "easy," "convenient" and other such desires are mutually exclusive. The other problem is that international calls, while certainly cheaper than years ago, are still going to cost something, on someone's end. For instance, all calls to a Swiss mobile while you are in Switzerland are free to receive, but calling a Swiss mobile from the US is pricey. A half-hour a day will add up, no matter how you do it. Another problem is that European phones are cheap in their home countries, but cost more elsewhere. A Swiss phone in France or Spain will be "roaming"; you will pay to receive calls, and outgoing calls will cost more. The exact prices will depend on which network you choose. Changing SIMs to get a local one for each country will lower the cost of calls (you won't be roaming anymore), but means more time buying, and getting a new number each time. You would also need to buy a phone that will work in Europe (you can get one there, or get one from Ebay or some stores in the US before you leave). This adds to your cost, too. However, you may be able to borrow one (if you know anyone on AT&T or T-Mobile, they may have an old "dumbphone" that they can get unlocked and loan you). Since you need to be reachable by people who will want to dial a US number, the easiest way is to get Verizon's loaner phone. If you want to cut costs, you could also get a local phone in Switzerland and use this to call back to the US. This way, you pay $0.99 only for the first minute, then call them back at your cheaper rate. continued..

continued.. If talk of SIM cards, unlocked phones, and such is confusing to you, you will probably want to just stay with Verizon. As I said, even if you do understand it all, buying a phone and a SIM are not free, so there's a cost in both time and hassle. Here's a site with lots of information on local carriers in each country, and the deals available through each local carrier. http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/operators.php Just to show you how confusing it is: Lebara is often a cheap carrier, so I looked at their deals for calling the US from Switzerland. They have two plans; choosing Lebara Classic, it's 0.25 CHF per call connection fee, then 0.01 CHF per minute. Since the Swiss Franc and the US dollar are almost at par, this is dirt cheap. But, I then looked up their rates for being in Spain or France and calling the US. Ouch - 2.40 CHF per minute!!! If you have time, you can look at each company's roaming rates, and see if any are better. Also look into the list of companies Ken posted. I know you were hoping for a simpler answer, but unfortunately simple isn't cheap, and cheap isn't so simple. Remember, if it's your business the costs should be deductible, so in your situation, I'd probably just use Verizon's loaner and put it down to a business expense.

Still thinking about this, especially what to do about the phone situation, so I'm going to answer all of Harold's questions: 1. Will you also want to make calls to the US? Yes. 2. Will texts back and forth suffice (at least part of the time)? No. A number of the people with whom we interact do not have text messaging, and our primary employee isn't fluent in English or able to text well. 3. Will the people in the US need to know the number before you leave, or could you e-mail or text it once you arrive? Hmmm....this might work, but my husband prefers to be accessible via his usual phone number. 4. Will the people calling you from the US just be a few people (whom you can teach any needed "tricks" before you leave) or will it be the general public, whom you won't be able to "tutor"? Not the general public, per se, but any manner of people who might need to contact us re business (our farm). (continued...)

(...continued) 5. Will you need to be reachable at all times, or only at pre-arranged times? All times. 6. Will you also be wanting to call each other while in Europe? No, this is of little importance. 7. Will you want to be accessing local European numbers (hotels, restaurants, taxis)? It would be nice, yes, if we can call within Europe, be reached by our friends & family there and so on. 8. Which countries will you be in, and in what order? Switzerland, France, Spain, and back to Switzerland. 9. What is your current US carrier and what are your current cell phone models? Verizon. I erred when I wrote above that his phone can be used in Europe. Verizon would provide a loaner phone. It would not work within Europe, but would allow for calls between the States & Europe at a rate of $.99/minute. Maybe that sort of rate is standard and I'm off-base when describing it as very high? We will likely average a half hour each day on the phone, though, so it does add up. Thanks for the help, all!

Of the hair dryer options, I would either use the one at the hotel or buy one there. If you use one from the US, 1. make sure it is dual voltage, or 2. use one with a "grounding" plug (two blades and a round grounding pin), or
3. use one that is "double insulated" (has a symbol with two concentric squares. Do not use one with a polarized plug (two blades, one wider than the other). Whatever protection is provided by the polarized plug over here is not provide in the unpolarized receptacles over there.

I'm not too familiar with Verizon, but if they permit you to set your phone for unconditional call forwarding - that is, all calls are immediately forwarded without ringing the phone - you could forward the phone to a number of different numbers. 1) You could get a travel phone account that gives you the option for a U.S. number that forwards overseas for a fee. Forward your Verizon number to that U.S. number. Your employees don't need to be told to call a different number. 2) Forward to a Skype incoming number. For a small fee, Skype will give you an incoming number that calls your Skype account. You can then forward out of your Skype account to a foreign cell phone number that you get once you arrive. Sequence is forward Verizon to Skype which in turn forwards to foreign cell. You have to load enough Skype credit on your account to handle your calls and you have to set up forwarding from a computer once you have the final destination number. Complicated, I admit. I did this a few years ago, but there was a delay in going through so many links. You'd have to tell callers to be patient and hang on for many, many rings. Main advantage of this approach: Skype has low rates for calls from the U.S. to a foreign number. 3) Unconditionally forward all calls to a google voice number. Google voice can then be set to try and transcribe the voicemail message left and text (or email) it to another number (such as to a Verizon phone number). You can then call back with a phone calling card at a pay phone (although these phones are harder to find these days).

Colleen, You mentioned earlier that "We will likely average a half hour each day on the phone". As you'll be receiving calls via your home number as well as making calls to the U.S., here's some idea of the possible costs: These estimates assume 15 minutes each for incoming calls and calls back to the U.S. Costs listed are US$, unless otherwise noted, and do not include any taxes (if applicable). If you spend 30-minutes on the phone each day, the per diem cost will be: > Roam Simple (Europe SIM - France rates) - $20.70 > Cellular Abroad (Multiple country SIM) - $14.85 > Call In Europe - rates difficult to find > Telestial (Passport SIM - Calls while in France) - $10.20 > Mobal (France rates)- $41.25 > Verizon Global Phone (France rates) - $38.70 (standard rate), $29.70 (Value Plan rate). Rates are the same for incoming and to the U.S. (AFAIK) These numbers are only an approximation of the costs. The actual amounts may vary according to a number of factors, including which country you're in. Some of the firms list Switzerland as a "Zone 2" country, so the costs will be higher there. One of the main problems in deciding which travel phone to use, is that there are an enormous number of different firms offering a variety of calling plans. It's VERY complicated and time consuming to wade through all of these to find the "best" option to fit every situation. Hopefully this information hasn't "muddied the waters" even further, but perhaps this will give you some idea on what the costs might be. Good luck!

...and with EuroBuzz (30 mins to/from USA, OR within Europe): $23.70. If you only need one phone, your price would be $29 including SIM. You'd have it before you left home (although you can only use it WITHIN Europe), and you would leave home with it charged and ready to use. You could give out your number before leaving home, too, to those who aren't used to calling your work number. And you'll never lose that phone number, nor need to keep 'topping off' the SIM minutes; just throw it in a drawer once you've returned home, then pull it out and recharge it before the next trip. You're only charged after making calls. FYI, your camera should've been just fine with the adaptor only; perhaps something else happened to the charger/camera... Katie, I'd suggest taking a dual-voltage hair dryer (or buying one immediately upon arrival) if you really need a hair dryer - and read the directions very carefully! Trust me (and many others) - not every hotel has a dryer at the front desk just waiting for you! Many, but not all. And some of those are just awful! There's a wall-mounted dryer in Bruges dubbed "The Hair Whisperer"...it's been 2 years, and my hair is still wet ;-)

Colleen, I forgot to mention in my last reply (and also ran out of room), when comparing costs it's important to include the set-up and SIM costs in the calculations. Some of the firms offer SIM's starting at $9 and some are in the $59 range.

Ken, I'm still hoping to hear your thoughts on the Eurobuzz phone that's worked well for Eileen. Thanks to ALL of you for taking the time to reply!

Colleen, I haven't used EuroBuzz, so can't offer any first-hand information on it. The rates seem very reasonable, however the pricing data for their competitors is about three years old, and is somewhat out-of-date. I find it somewhat "interesting" that while they provide rate comparisons with the major cell networks, they don't provide any comparisons with their competitors in the travel phone business. A few observations: > As with some other travel phone firms, they use numbers based in the U.K. Anyone calling you would have to dial an international long distance call. > They don't offer the option of a local number tied to the travel phone. > Billing is post-paid, with calls charged to a credit card (again, similar to others). > They seem to offer good basic service for voice and text, but they don't offer any data capability for those travelling with Smartphones. > They appear to have structured the service so that the numbers don't expire after a specific length of time. That's a good feature for those that travel on a regular basis. > Some travel phone firms have the rates grouped into Zones, with countries such as Switzerland and countries in eastern Europe charged at a higher rate. The cost with EuroBuzz seems to be consistent regardless of country. That's a good feature, although their rates are somewhat higher than some of the others. The service that I use is 49¢ / minute for incoming and 69¢ / minute for outgoing. I'm currently looking at one of the other travel phone firms which I've used for the past few years, as I they offer data as well as basic phone. I've been really happy with their service, so don't anticipate changing. If I was considering only a "basic service", I might look at EuroBuzz. Cheers!