I'm leaving on a study abroad trip next week, and I've been looking up different advice about what to do about cell phones during that time. My professor has recommended getting a basic phone within France and just buying a prepaid plan for the month of July (when we're actually starting the class), and that way it's convenient for students texting each other since international plans tend to eat up minutes (and therefore no one talks to you). However, I'm spending about ten days in Belgium with a friend (from there and knows the area well) before I head over to Paris for the class, and my parents were concerned about me not being able to get in contact with my friend should something happen. I have my US phone set to OFF for data roaming and only plan on using it for pictures, but I wanted to know whether it would be better to get an unlocked phone in Europe (possibly in the Dublin airport, where my connection is) and buy Belgian/French SIM cards when the time comes or do something else. Any advice on what to do? I want to make sure that no matter what, it works with what everyone else will be doing during the France trip. Also, because I remember having to buy an adapter a few years ago for another France trip (which ultimately didn't fit most of the sockets...), I checked to see if I needed to buy one for my laptop and phone charger. I've read that it should be fine for most since they have input at 100-240V (both my laptop and phone use Rocketfish cords, if that makes any difference), but I wanted to confirm this before I make a huge mistake over there.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I'm assuming your plan is to use a pay-as-you-go phone, because most cell phone contracts in Europe last at least a year. Are you flying into France or Belgium? If France, just pick up a cheap phone as soon as you arrive. You'll pay a higher tarrif for the 10 days in Belgium, but better that than to have the high tarrifs of a Belgian phone in France for the duraton of your stay. If you're flying into Belgium and absolutely need to have a phone, just buy a cheap one there, then dispose of it when you leave. The basic models only cost about €25. Finally... although they're not common, you can still sometimes find the occasional phone booth. All you should need for your electronics is a cheap socket adaptor.
Posted by
OP
Orlando, United States
2 posts
I'm flying into Belgium. I personally wouldn't mind going without one too much since I could always use e-mail or Skype whenever possible, but my parents are rather protective and tend to get nervous at the idea of me potentially getting into trouble (and admittedly, it would help me coordinate with my friend since she'll be meeting me in a different town). A cheap, disposable phone would hopefully be good enough for them if it comes down to that. So if I decide to get one to hold me over until France, I should just wait until I arrive in Brussels? Also, are adapters easy to find over there (particularly at an airport or station)? I might just wait to pick one up over there if that's the case.
Posted by
Imperial, Missouri
987 posts
If your US phone is one that will work in Europe, you could see if your carrier has an international plan that you can add for the time you are in Belgium, and then just get a phone for France. You also could text on your US phone without incurring huge extra charges as long as you are only texting to get in contact with your friend if something happens. For two week trips I usually just use my US phone for texting and brief calls if necessary,and I usually only add $15-$20 to my phone bill for doing that. It is worth the convenience to me.
Posted by
Tuscaloosa, AL
1152 posts
Al, who is your U.S. carrier? I agree with Leigh's advice, but you need to be sure your phone will work overseas if you think about sticking with your U.S. phone company. (AT&T and T-Mobile generally work and Sprint and Verizon may or may not work depending upon which phone you have with them.) I think your professor's advice is good, however, because a local phone would be best for keeping in touch with your fellow classmates.