HELP! I need some advice. I was planning on purchasing a phone card but I just found out my rental does not have a phone. Rick warns that using a phone card fron a pay phone can be expensive. I wonder if it's possible - and wise - to purchase a toss away phone for my stay. Or, is there a suggestion of where I can go to use a land line phone that would not cause a problem? Any other suggestions? Thank you.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
I use phone cards from payphones all the time when I travel, and they have not been expensive. You can buy them in any denomination at a convenience store and they seem to have plenty of minutes for the money, in my opinion. You could always try a small one and see how it holds up. If it's not satisfactory you could deal with getting a phone there. If your trip is short, though, I wouldn't bother. One other option is to find an internet cafe. Many of them have phone booths where you can make calls for almost nothing.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32331 posts
Lynn,
It would help to know whether you presently have a Cell phone and if so, which network you're with?
If you're just going to be making occasional calls, then a Phone card would certainly be one option. However, one disadvantage of Phone cards is that you're not able to receive incoming calls from friends or family that may need to contact you on urgent matters.
You could buy an inexpensive PAYG Phone when you arrive in the U.K., as Cell phone shops are ubiquitous. You could also consider either a rental or purchase from one of the "travel phone" firms such as Cellular Abroad, Call In Europe, Roam Simple, Mobal or Telestial. The firms also offer SIM cards for those that have their own unlocked quad-band GSM phones.
Like Steve, I've also been travelling with a Cell phone for several years and don't leave home without it! I try to keep the voice calls to a minimum (they tend to get expensive very quickly) and use texting as much as possible to keep in touch with family and friends back home. I've avoided "Smartphones" so far (IPhones, Blackberrys) as the data roaming charges in Europe are REALLY expensive.
Good luck finding a solution that works for you.
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Danbury, CT, USA
59 posts
Thanks everyone. I think I will stick with a phone card since using it on a pay phone seems to work OK. I do have 2 emergency numbers I can pass my family if needed and the card will allow me to let my family know I'm doing well. I really need it for that and also to call a taxi a couple of times. I appreciate all the info from you!
Posted by
Freedonia
16096 posts
The other choice is if are taking a laptop or ipod touch or another wifi device, you could get Skype and use that to call home.