We are planning our first trip to europe, staying in London and Paris, next month and would like to have a phone to confirm reservations and call home occasionally. We currently have Verizon and we could get a rental phone that charges $1.29 per minute. My concern is if it is lost or stolen they charge $199! I doubt that would happen but you never know! So is it worth taking a $199 chance or is it easy and relatively inexpensive to purchase a phone when we get to London? I do't know if we would then have to purchase another phone in Paris as well. If so where do people suggest we get it? Thank you!!
Posted by
Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada
629 posts
The main reason that I prefer taking my home cell phone is all of the trip info that I store in it. This is the same reason that I take my home GPS.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32213 posts
Kendra, Given the fact that you're only planning to make occasional voice calls both locally and back to the U.S., the Verizon rental phone would be a cost effective option. One point to consider is that your existing cell number will probably be attached to the Verizon rental phone, so you could also be receiving unwanted calls at all hours from people that don't know you're travelling (or those who are too inconsiderate to check the time). Those calls will add to the bill! You might want to check with Verizon to confirm that. One advantage of the Verizon phone is that it will provide the same rates in both London and Paris. If you were to buy a phone in Europe, the rates would increase when the phone is used outside the country it was purchased. You could also purchase an inexpensive phone from one of the travel phone firms, such as Roam Simple, Call In Europe, Telestial, Cellular Abroad or Mobal. Some of these use pre-paid (PAYG) calling plans, while others are post-paid (calls are charged to a credit card). Check their websites for costs and other information. Happy travels!
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
Got back from London recently. Bought a cheap simple "text and calls" pay as you go phone from Orange for 10 pounds. Just add credit as you go. Gives you a local number there so calls are cheaper and any incoming calls (even from the states)do not cost you a thing. You can also get international calling added for no extra charge, i think it cost me 50p a minute to call home in the states, and just asked them to call me back (have international calling plan on home phone) and it did not dock my minutes. I will add that I do go to the UK somewhat often so will use it again on next trip and just get a new number after this one goes inactive.