phone for someone without a US cell phone

I would suggest going to mobal.com - you can buy an international cell phone for $49 and you only pay for the cost when you use it - meaning there is no monthly fee. When you use it is when your credit card will get charge

It's a UK number but very very easy to use. The only downfall is someone in the US would have to call a UK number to reach you. You can see the different costs for each country online

I like Mobal, too. If I want to make a longer, chatty call I buy a phone card in whatever country I'm in, or make a call from an internet cafe. I have made several trips where I don't use my Mobal at all, but I have it in case of emergencies.

I've never taken a cell phone and thoroughly enjoyed that no one can get hold of me! (I know, I'm rotten!) I just buy a phone card and call from a phone booth or from the hotel room (if the hotel doesn't charge for use of the phone). Sometimes a phone booth or a working phone is difficult to find and coordinating Pacific Time with Europe Time can be tricky but it works with determination. I also give a list of my reserved hotels and their phone numbers although no one has called me yet.

Cathy, I see your point - with two friends of your daughter's along on the trip, you want to stay in touch with their parents and vice versa. If you have a set itinerary and have hotels or whatever reserved, let the parents check in with you from time to time. They can buy a reasonably priced phone card themselves and call you (if they don't have overseas calls on their home phone)at prearranged times, with everyone aware of the time differences. Or let them buy the phone if they want and give it to you. Short phone calls in-country are not that expensive, in many cases cheaper than getting the phone and phone cards, etc., even from your hotel room. Or all sets of parents, including you, can split the cost of the phone. Plus, there's email and Skype. On another note, be sure to have health insurance for all for the duration of the trip, including repatriation (sending you home if needed for medical reasons.) It is not expensive. Have fun!

I use Mobal too and I like it. Yes, you can make and receive calls from the US and it's very easy to use.

To confirm the terms: You pay a one-time fee of only $49 for the phone and the service, then you only pay for minutes actually used-- no monthly or even periodic service fee. The cost of each call is billed to your CC.

This is great, great deal for people who make only a few necessary calls during their trip or need to leave a contact number with someone. If you use the phone as stated, then Mobal could be a good deal for you.

But, warning, if the teenagers are as chatty as they are on their phones at home, then it will be very expensive because in return for no minimum usage charges and no monthly fee, the per-minute cost is high. It might be good to check expectations before signing up.

Sorry, haven't used Range Roamer.