Cell Phone Confusion

Tracy, You have several options..... (1.) Purchase an unlocked quad-band GSM phone from E-Bay prior to your trip. There are currently Motorola V-551 phones listed in the range of $24-50. I'd suggest buying a new phone, rather than one that has been configured for one of the networks. You can (a) purchase a PAYG SIM with one of the Italian networks when you arrive OR (b) purchase a SIM from one of the travel phone firms such as Roam Simple, Call In Europe, Cellular Abroad, Telestial or Mobal prior to departure. With a SIM purchased in Italy, this will be pre-paid so you'll have to top-up when minutes are depleted. With the "travel SIM", these are usually post-paid, with the calls charged to a credit card so you never have to worry about topping-up or running out of minutes. The travel SIM's have European numbers, usually in the U.K. or even Lichtenstein, but rates are consistent throughout most of western Europe (they're arranged in "zones"). (2.) Purchase a phone with SIM from one of the above firms (they start at about $49, but I'm not sure if "flips" are available). That way it will be available as soon as you step off the plane. (3.) Purchase a PAYG phone when you arrive in Italy. You'll need to present your Passport for registration. You'll need to buy from a shop that can provide support in setting it up, as the Menus on the phone and Voicemail will be in Italian. Be sure you're clear on how to top-up and where this is available. If any of the folks back home have Cell phones, using text is the cheapest and easiest method to keep in touch. Happy travels!

I take an unlocked GSM phone with us and buy a prepaid SIM card in Europe. You can buy more talk time with your credit card via the phone as you go. Works fine. There might be more tech savvy solutions but I like the simplicity and no unpleasant billing surprises. Pay as you go. Also avoids hassles with your American provider.

Yes, the Verison network does not work in Europe. I personally don't use a cell phone because I can get by with internet cafe/hotel computers and a local phone card. Just one less thing to keep track of and recharged.

You need to have a phone that is either "tri-band" or "quad-band" to work overseas (to find out if your phone is, call your carrier). Your carrier also has to have "roaming" capabilities overseas; you can also call your carrier and ask them about that. However, if you do have a phone that works overseas, you may be charged an arm and a leg for coverage because roaming mode much more expensive than non-roaming mode. <p> I would call your carrier (Verizon, it seems) and ask them if they have any coverage in Italy, if your phone works, and how much it'll be to use it if. Your best bet may be to get a phone over there. <p> This article may help:
http://www.thetravelinsider.info/2002/0308.htm

I looked into this for myself. Some verizon phones are global, but the rates are high. I decided to buy a used unlocked Quad Band phone on Ebay for about $20. When I get to Italy I'll buy a sim card for about $10, which will come with 5-7 dollars worth of talk time, and will be able to use the phone. Now, I have not done this yet....I've just read about it. If anyone out there thinks I'm mistaken, please advise.

For the simplest option, there are also companies such as Rebelfone that will rent you a phone that they send you in advance. That way you know what your phone number will be before you arrive (unlike buying a SIM or PAYG phone when you arrive). They also can set up a US phone number for you to give out to whomever you wish for use in emergencies. It forwards calls on to your rental phone. If you get two phones thru them, you get a lower per minute rate for calls between the two, which should be perfect for us for those times when we're off doing our separate things. We plan to use Rebelfone for our May trip and then I'll report back on this board with our experience. This is not a recommendation (yet), just letting you know of another option.

A very common question. Some Verizon phones do work in Europe -- have written an entire blog post on this topic here: http://www.lodgephoto.com/blog/going-wireless-in-europe-what-you-need-to-know-about-cell-phones/12/ This is far and away the most read post on my blog.

Hi Tracy. I also have a basic, older Verizon phone and because mine wouldn't work in Italy, Verizon shipped me a phone that would work along with instructions on how to activate it. It only cost $5.00 plus $.99/minute. I was able to use my same local phone number so that my parents could easily dial my local number & reach me in Italy if necessary. When I returned home, I deactivate the phone & sent it back to Verizon. It worked out well & was the least expensive option that I had found for our trip in 2009. Call Verizon & ask about it.

Thank you all for a better direction to explore! I have not been a texter, but I guess now is a good time to start! The elderly folks, however....that is a different story!