Traveling from U.S. to London and Paris for 10-12 days this summer. Just found out from our phone company, Sprint, that our cell phones won't work while there. I'd like to have the ability to call my elderly parents while in Europe (and have a way for them to reach me as well), plus a friend is going to be traveling in London at the same time we are and we'd like to meet up. Wondering what would make the most economic sense: renting a phone or buying a pay-as-you-go model when we get there? Or can I buy a pay-as-you-go phone in the U.S. and then buy an international calling card when we get to London? And last, any gotchas I need to be aware of regarding a phone working in London but not Paris or vice-versa?
Thanks!
Posted by
Chandler, AZ, USA
22 posts
My family is going to Europe in Sept. I bought 2 unlocked quad-band motorola GSM phones on eBay for $15 each with the intention of buying sim cards once we arrive in London. It seems to be the cheapest route to go.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32214 posts
Ron, You might want to check other posts here on the HelpLine, as there have been LOTS of discussions on this topic already. There are several options, including the one mentioned in the previous reply. Given the fact your elderly parents may not want to dial international numbers and pay long distance to the U.K., I'm not sure that buying a phone when you arrive there is the best option. The easiest option (IMHO) would be to obtain a phone and SIM from one of the travel phone firms - Roam Simple, Call In Europe, Cellular Abroad, Telestial or Mobal. Although they also use foreign numbers, by having the phone prior to departure you could set up "speed dial" for your parents which might make it a bit easier for them. You could help with their LD bill when you get back. If the plan you choose is post-paid, charges will be billed to a credit card so you'll never have to worry about "running out of minutes" in the middle of a call, or having to "top up". With this method, you'd have a working phone the instant you step off the plane. Happy travels!
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1626 posts
Not sure about Sprint, but Verizon will "rent" a phone that works in Europe at no extra charge. They just change the activation from your current phone to your loaner phone during your trip. Still have have to pay for roaming, LD, etc. My sister-in-law did this when they went to Italy last fall. Check with Sprint to see if they do the same.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5535 posts
In London, you can easily find a very cheap prepaid phone. Try Carphone Warehouse. They are all over London.
Posted by
Monein, Pyrenees, France
425 posts
If you decide to buy a phone in Europe, it will be easiest and cheapest to get a PAYG in London. Tesco supermarkets (for example) will sell you a phone with credit on it for under ten pounds. It will work fine here in France.
Roger