I currently own a TracPhone because I very rarely use cell phones at all, so I know I will need to get a cell phone with GSM capabilities. I will be in UK-Belgium-Germany-France for a 2 week stay. I want my daughter to be able to reach me in case of emergency and I would like to be able to text her with tidbits about my trip (I'll get a twitter account) as well as have the ability to conduct a 10-15 min. phone call with her 2 or 3 times during my trip. Should I rent a cellphone and have it arrive before I leave? Should I rent there? Are certain SIM chips better than others or is there a really cheap texting plan? I will not be using the European cell phone after the trip. Any advice?
Posted by
OP
Plano, Texas, US
2 posts
Thank you both for your suggestions! My daughter does not have a cell (we both dislike them), but is required to subscribe to Twitter for a class assignment. I thought I'd surprise her by texting little messages to Twitter that she can use in her class, even though I will be learning to text for the first time. I just wanted to make sure I could find a phone option that allowed me to use it for occasional check-ins, texting to Twitter, and of course, for emergency use in case she needs to get in touch with us.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Sheila,
A few options you could consider....
Purchase an unlocked quad-band GSM phone off E-Bay and use a SIM card from one of the "travel phone" firms such as Call In Europe, Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Mobal or Telestial. The advantage of using a "travel SIM" is that the rates will be consistent in all of the countries you'll be visiting. If you were to purchase a SIM in the UK, you'd be "roaming" in the other countries and the rates would be higher.
Rent a Phone with SIM from one of the above firms. Be sure to check their rate structures carefully so that you have some idea on what your costs might be. One point to note is that with a "travel SIM", the phone would likely have a European phone number, so if your daughter wanted to call you, she'd be paying long distance from the U.S.
If your daughter currently has a Cell phone, I wouldn't bother with a Twitter account. It's just as easy to send texts directly to her phone (I use that method all the time to keep in touch with family when I'm travelling). Normally, received texts are free so it wouldn't cost her anything.
Good luck and happy travels!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Steve,
Buying a phone from E-Bay was my first option, but an unlocked phone could certainly be used with a Euro SIM as well.
The reason I suggested the "travel SIM's", is that for occasional use and texting, the consistent rates provide more of a benefit than using a Euro SIM. The problem with purchasing a new SIM every time one moves to a new country, is that the user has to communicate the new number to family members each time, as I'd find that a darn nuisance. The savings are minimal and not worth the hassle, IMHO.
Cheers!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Sheila,
Although you both "dislike them", I find Cell phones to be an extremely worthwhile accessory both at home and while travelling. The method that I've found works best is to guard the number like a "State secret", so that only a very few close family members and friends have it. That way the phone is useful when needed and I don't feel like it's an "electronic leash". I don't even provide the number to my employer (if they were paying the cost of the phone, that would be a different story).
I've been travelling with a Cell phone since 2004, and "won't leave home without it".
Cheers!
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I've rented phones through AutoEurope for several trips, but finally decided it was time to buy my own. I bought an iPhone and have really enjoyed it. I like the maps feature in the US and in the UK it worked as a phone. (I turned off the data function.) Maybe you need a phone that do more for you than just be a phone. ; )
Pam