Phone option in Europe

Well, you would have to have both a GSM phone and a SIM card. If you take an unlocked phone, yoiu could buy a SIM card there. Or you could just buy both once you arrive.

If you have an unlocked GSM phone with the necessary frequencies then buying a SIM card there is the cheapest solution. If you don't, or aren't sure if you do, you can buy an inexpensive phone when you arrive.

Personally, I think it's better to just buy a phone when you arrive. I shopped for phones here after my old RAZR gave up the ghost. Not only can you find a cheaper phone option easily, it eliminates the chance the phone you buy doesn't work (many reviews on Amazon said the phone either didn't work at all or wasn't unlocked when they received it) - in which case you have to buy one there anyway. We visited Spain in April and I had no trouble finding a 25 euro phone that included 10 euro credit for calls on the SIM that came with it. In the future, I can take that phone with me and simply plug in a new SIM.

patricia, It would help to know whether you currently have a Cell phone and if so, which network you're with and the model of phone you're using? It would also help to have some idea on what you'll be using the phone for? As you'll be in quite of a number of different countries on that tour, one thing to keep in mind is that if you buy a phone in your starting country (Netherlands), the rates will be more expensive in the other countries you're visiting so the minutes will be depleted faster. Be sure you're clear on the method of "topping up" in the other countries you'll be visiting. You could also consider buying a phone or a phone with SIM from one of the travel phone firms such as Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Telestial, Mobal, TruPhone, Call In Europe, etc. The rates are usually consistent for most countries in Europe, and billing is often post paid (calls charged to a credit card), so no worries about topping-up. I suggested the travel phone option, as I'm currently in Europe (Italy) and using one of them, an iPhone plan with data. It's worked well so far, but I haven't bothered to check my credit card statement online to see the bills. Good luck with your choice and happy travels!