I am still in the dark ages with a Tracfone--not useful for international call outside the US.(according to Tracfone website)
I don't expect to need to call to the US while in the Netherlands. Will be with sis who has a more modern phone. We would like the option to text to each other if separated. Would like to check e-mail. I will be bringing a tablet. At night, we will be staying where there is WiFi.
Thank you for any suggestions.
your tablet if it has wifi should be enough when your sister has a phone. I am 50 and I traveled with my niece last January in Europe who is 20 and also has a so called modern phone; she had her own room and went out on her own and she used her phone to send me email from her phone to my tablet to meet for dinner. no problem; I checked her in on the flight back with my tablet and sent her the boarding pass no problem as long as there is wifi; also simply communicating what to do if you are separated beforehand like people have done during the years before cell phones can save money
I would suggest downloading the WhatsApp app (see more info at https://www.whatsapp.com). It's an app that allows you to text and make phone calls without incurring the roaming charges from your phone. I use it to text with British friends of mine. The only caveat is that the other party needs to have the app, but it's an easy download and it's free.
I have just started using the Whatsapp app recently so I can keep in contact with friends and family back home. I have a modern phone, but i don't activate it for making international calls from Europe. The one thing the previous person said, is your family and friends need to have the whatsapp app on their device as well. One other thing I do with my phone is leave it in airplane mode and make sure that the wifi is turned on. Turning on airplane mode will not allow me to accidentally make a call if my phone decides it ever wants to work in Europe.
