Advice regarding phones

Depends on which provider you have now

You charge the phone with a charger-just the same as anywhere else

Scroll thru this forum -there are a couple recent duscussions on this topic
https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=6m&filter=Travel+Forum&query=ESim&utf8=%E2%9C%93

We have iPhone with Verizon and simply add their International Plan

Does your phone take eSims?

Charging is through electricity like everywhere else.

Thank you very much for your advice. I do understand about the charging, but was worried about European electrical outlets and now realize, that wouldn't matter. My main problem is that I have a huge attachment to my Blackberry, but realize that I should probably replace it before we go. If we can get some sort of international calling ability whether by an additional SIM card or through a plan, that would be great. I really don't want to be mounting up roaming charges.

This video might be enlightening https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/travel-classes/monday-night-travel/smartphone-travel-skills.

Look at Verizon, and an iPhone through them. For years, we had flip phones with Verizon, and had separate phones (with their own phone numbers) for trips to Europe. Then, in Spain, I installed a different SIM card at the Movistar store for my phone while in Spain. Switching to Apple iPhones and sticking with Verizon, we used Verizon’s international plan on trips, which was better for making calls than for functions that needed data.

We switched to T-Mobile (actually it’s the German phone company, that now operates worldwide) when we upgraded to newer iPhones, and have stuck with them, at home and abroad. The call coverage area in Colorado wasn’t as good as Verizon’s five years ago, but has improved substantially, and they work great in Europe, too, with the same phone number wherever we go. Google Maps is used for navigation in Europe, on foot or in rental car. We can receive international calls for free, or place them at 25 cents per minute, which doesn’t amount to much for us. The WhatsApp app lets us make and receive calls for free, with anyone who’s also using the app, as well as unlimited texting.

Blackberry!! You must still drive a vintage car.

If the Blackberry still works in North America, it should probably work in Europe. You just need to buy a travel Sim and swap it out. Or you could use an expensive roaming package if available with your home service provider.

I would not waste my money buying a cheap burner phone just for using on a 2-3 week trip in Europe. If you're going to update from the old Blackberry, you might as well buy a decent phone for everyday use for the next 3-4 years, and enjoy the benefit of a bigger high resolution screen. Google (Maps, Translate, Wallet, etc.) is your friend ehen traveling.

If you decide to buy a new phone, I am partial to Google Pixels. I am currently using the Pixel 7A. Google provides many years of support, and has a very good reputation for reliability and a great camera. I use my pixel for all my travel photos and never carry a dedicated camera anymore. The latest Google Pixel 9a is about USD$499. Pixel quality is on par with Apple, but generally more affordable. You could easily buy a cheaper Android phone, but the Pixels are very good value if you compare them.

You will need an adapter for any devices or electronics you bring

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/european-power-adapter

Thank you to everyone who has so kindly replied to my plea for help. I have learned a lot from your advice and from the videos. I think it is time to move on to a new phone and to get an appropriate international plan or eSIM for our trip. It is so good to know more about how to be properly prepared for this adventure as we have not travelled in Europe in many years. I guess we have been doing it vicariously with Rick though and knowing that we can bring him along with audio tours is exciting. Thanks again.

I suggest you get a new phone immediately, so you have some time to play with and learn how to use it.
I'm quite happy with my android phone and T-Mobile, which has worked well on numerous European trips.

phones are dual voltage but you need an adapter for European outlets unless you charge off a computer or something.

We buy a data plan from our regular carrier so we can continue to use our regular phone and number.