Dear RS community, I keep hearing about renting "cheap" cell phones while in Europe (e.g., on Rick's tv shows), but I'm not sure what the definition of cheap is. We are planning a 6 night stay in Amsterdam late April/early May; I searched for cell phone rental and found a web-link to a store/kiosk at Schiphol airport for 12euro/day or 49euro/week, not including insurance or VAT (totaling another 26%), then the phone charges themselves of 0.35euro/min (not including additional VAT!). This doesn't sound all that cheap to me... and really, the only reason to have a cell phone at all is because our VRBO host requested we call him when we "are on the train" so he can arrange to meet us at the apartment we are renting. I think we can get along without a cell phone the rest of the time... or do you have other advice? Thank you!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
JW, I disagree with the premise of "renting" cell phones, as that's usually the most expensive option. Before offering suggestions, it would help to know whether you're presently using a cell phone at home, and if so which network you're with? Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
El Cerrito, CA, United States
58 posts
Dear Ken, we have Verizon phones, which I believe do not work in Europe... I have a 3-year old Droid, while my wife has a more recent Droid Incredible... I saw an old posting (circa 2008) on Trip Advisor where someone said they were able to obtain temporary cell phones from Verizon, but wasn't sure if there was still a program like this. Thanks- jw
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
JW, I believe your Wife's Droid Incredible will work just fine in Europe, as it has quad-band GSM capability. I'd suggest talking to Verizon, as they may have to "enable" the GSM portion of the phone or provide a SIM card. They have optional travel plans for a small charge, which will reduce the per minute cost of calls, and also data packages if you think you might want that. I believe you can cancel the optional plans after you return home. For just making one or two calls, the Droid would be the easiest solution. A few things to keep in mind though.... > You'll have to be VERY careful not to use cellular data while in Europe (unless you get the data plan), as the costs can be HUGE. Be sure that your Wife knows how to switch that part of the phone "off", while leaving the voice part "on". > Your Wife will have to be VERY sure to tell all relatives and other contacts NOT to call while you're in Europe, as the calls will automatically be forwarded to you in Europe and YOU will pay for each incoming call. Those are especially annoying when received in the "wee hours" of the morning by someone that didn't bother to check the time difference. Switching the phone completely "off" at night will avoid being awakened by nuisance calls, but I'm not sure if you'll be billed if they're transferred to voice mail (check with Verizon on that one). > Whichever option you decide, check the dialing sequence for Amsterdam, so that you'll have that at hand when you arrive. Cheers!
Posted by
OP
El Cerrito, CA, United States
58 posts
Thanks, Ken. Sounds like a call to Verizon is in order. Hopefully, we can keep the extraneous charges away by just keeping the phone turned off until the time we need to call our Amsterdam host. Appreciate the advice, JW.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Ken has (as usual) given you very good advice. If you just want a phone for one or two short calls, use your current Verizon phone(s) if possible. If they won't work in Europe, see about Verizon's loaner phone program (I believe it still exists). If you want to make more extensive calls, rental phones are a VERY bad deal these days. It's cheaper to buy a basic phone for €20-30; the usage is then at local rates, which are cheaper too (10-25 euro cents per minute is typical).