My cell phone is only good in the US. And, I really do not want to carry a cell phone with me. Has anyone used prepaid calling cards like the one purchased at Walgreens or other places to use for calls home. Are phone readily available in hotel rooms that can be used for international calls?
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
Why don't you get an IPod Touch and correspond with email. It is free anywhere a WiFi connection is found, and they are found all over the place.
Posted by
Ohio
2141 posts
Linda - calling cards worked fine for me. I purchased them when I arrived in Europe - just ask the person at the hotel front desk for the nearest vendor. I found that some are country-specific so if you're visiting multiple countries, you need to buy different cards (couldn't use the one from Germany in Switzerland) They are just like the ones in the US where you scratch off a code number. It cost me about 10 euros for 3 or 4 short calls home. Hope you have a great trip!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Just wait till you get there. You can buy phone cards at virtually any convenience store. They are cheap and easy to use. You should just buy the smallest denomination available and see how far it gets you.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Calling cards will work. I haven't priced them lately but I think the cards you buy at newstands in Europe will be a little cheaper than a Costco/Walmart/Walgreens phone card.
Posted by
NY, USA
500 posts
I wouldn't buy one in the US. Once you pick up and make a call at a hotel you are charged alot, and with toll free numbers you can not reach from europe. Pay phones are few and far between in Europe because everyone has a cell phone. I think the best idea is a device that can use Skype (ipod touch, netbook, ipad). I had a $10 Skype credit (so you can call actual phone numbers) that lasted for 4 years and I just bought another $10 credit.