What is the cheapest rate if I call from a cell phone in Europe to a cell phone in the U.S. and vice versa? Any recommendations on where to buy the cards? We are going to several countries in Europe. I have a cell phone with a SIM card. Thanks.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Sharon, like the US, it depends on the company. Each country has their various cell companies with different rates.
If you don't plan on giving your number out (to hotels, etc.) just get the SIM when you get to a Tobac/ convenience store. There's usually a variety of SIMs to pick from.
I use Orange, and got mine n London. They have Orange all over Europe, and my calls mobile to mobile is about 6 p per min.
Be sure to check that your cell is unlocked, and has the correct frequency. A Quad phone is best but a Tri phone will work too.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32363 posts
Sharon,
Could you provide a bit more information on which carrier you're presently with? One option might be to use roaming with your home carrier, however that can be expensive if you make a lot of voice calls (using text keeps the cost down).
You didn't indicate which countries you would be travelling in Europe? One thing to note is that if you buy a SIM card in the UK (for example), if you use this in other countries, you'll be "roaming" and the rates will be higher. Since you'll be on a PAYG plan, also make sure you know how to "top up" in other countries.
Another option would be to use one of the "travel SIM's" offered by Cellular Abroad, Telestial, Mobal or others. Be sure you study the rate plans carefully so that you are fully aware of the costs.
As the previous post mentioned, be sure that your phone is equipped with the Euro frequency bands (quad-band phone is best), and also check the Charger to ensure that it's capable of "world" operation. You will need a Plug Adapter for sure.
Cheers!
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8123 posts
Make sure your cell phone is the correct band (GSM Phone); make sure it is unlocked; and then a SIM card will work. As mentioned, doing several countries complicates the issue. Which all goes to bring up the issue: How much are you planning to use your phone? I have come to the point where I will not take a laptop to Europe (unless business requires) and a phone is best kept off except for emergencies or when we separate. Remember, you are going to get away and experience a place different from where you came. Given that, We just take our Cingular/ATT GSM phones and pay the international roaming of a $1 a minute or so. For the limited use, it is the most cost effective and simplest.
Posted by
NE, MI
57 posts
If you decide to use your own (US) phone, make sure the clerk you are dealing with at your cell phone store knows what he/she is talking about. My cell (tri-band) worked great in the UK and Netherlands. My husbands (quad-band) didn't work at all. Same service - same clerk. And they told me it would be the other way around! (his would work and mine would be questionable)
Posted by
Margate, FL, USA
204 posts
my service is t-mobile and my phone has quad-band. when we were in europe two years ago, i was able to use my cell ph in france to call a friend in france, use my cell in prague to call our car service in prague, this was for 99cents per minute. i was able to send texts to my sons in the US for 35cents. i didn't try calling the US but am pretty sure it is 99cents too. for short calls, this is great.