My wife and I will be traveling in the UK this summer and, because of carrier technicalities, will not be able to use either of our cell/smart phones there. We're not sure we actually need one, but thought it might come in handy. Any suggestions on rentals there or whether we should just shine it on and rely on land lines at the places we lodge at?
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
Go to a T Mobile store or Car Phone Warehouse. For £15-20 you can get a phone + sim with prepaid minutes. Compare the deals and get what you like.
Posted by
Tuscaloosa, AL
1152 posts
Ron, you may trigger a new discussion of "Do I need a cell phone overseas?" There are lots of opinions on the subject. I don't feel like I've had any choice due to some work obligations - I haven't made a trip yet where I didn't have to engage in long calls with clients back in the U.S., but hey, it helps pay for the trip - but even if I didn't have that need, I think I'd still want a way for others to reach me and for me to call out. The way I look at it is I don't want to go anywhere in the U.S. without a way to call for help at the least; why should a trip in a strange place overseas be any different? Anyway, buying a low-cost prepaid phone over there is a good option. I've been looking at another option of using a low-cost prepaid phone from the T-Mobile U.S. Has anyone used T-mobile no contract svc in Europe? Using Phones in Europe between fellow travelers If this works, it would be much easier on a few levels: You could recharge the phone with a U.S. credit card; folks in the U.S. could call with a local U.S. number instead of making an international call; and you could get the phone before you go. The costs aren't necessarily cheap, though. A foreign prepaid phone may cost less for calls. I can't recommend this option yet, because I want some proof it really will work and that it will work without issues. Hopefully we'll have some confirmation before your trip.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5456 posts
With a smart phone you have the alternative of subscribing to a VOIP service and making your calls via Wi/fi and picking up messages that way. Obviously not as convenient as a regular mobile but if it is just about calling home or making planned calls it may work out cheaper than buying even a cheap UK phone.