Cell phone cost using French SIM Card from Paris to USA

Ron,

That's a difficult question to answer. Cell networks in Europe tend to have different PAYG Plans and the cost for overseas calls will generally depend on which plan you select. Check the websites of the French cell networks for details (you may find these are only listed in French).

You might also have a look at the "travel" SIM cards offered by Cellular Abroad, Call In Europe, Mobal or similar firms. Their websites list their rates, so you should be able to arrive at a fairly accurate estimate on what calls will cost you (based on your anticipated calling pattern).

Of course you could also activate the "International Calling Plan" on your AT&T account and just roam with them. That's the easiest option, especially if you'll only be making just a few calls back to the U.S. (however it's very important to limit expensive incoming calls as well). I'm not thoroughly familiar with that model phone, but if it's capable of E-mail or web browsing, it would be a good idea to disable the date portion as data roaming is VERY expensive!

Be sure to check the Charger supplied with your Phone, to ensure this is designed for "world" operation. You will need Plug Adaptors. LG lists a "Travel Charger" in the accessories section, so you may have to purchase one for your trip?

Happy travels!

Hi Ron,
I'm going to France in September and plan to use www.callineurope.com My understanding is that this is through the SFR phone service and costs about .39 per minute to the US. One word of warning, pay special attention to the rates and the country you go to. Outside of France the rates can vary dramatically and data rates are expensive even in France.

Ron,

Go to prepaidgsm.net and select France. Shows all the real and virtual carriers and their rates including calls to the US.

you might also click on carrier websites from that site and see if they have updated information or an email address you can send your question to.

France was unusually high for even in-country rates so we didn't get a French SIM while there since we didn't spend that much time (8 days).

detailed information on French cellular operators as well as dozens of other countries is at this helpful page: http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/operators.html

Many thanks to all who replied with great advice. After checking all the info provided, I purchased a handheld tablet PC and plan to use Skype instead of the phone. Hopefully, I can find some hot spots in Paris to connect wirelessly.
Best Regards,
Ron

You can find lists of wifi spots (free and otherwise) here, here, here, here.

Thanks Norm!

Ron,

Be very careful. The previous reply was right on point. Buying and using foreign SIM cards is very slippery. And keep in mind that data is expensive while roaming, no matter which SIM you are using.

Generally there is a charge when your ATT phone rings. This is true even when you don't answer. You have used their network resource and the foreign carrier will charge you.

When buying and using a foreign SIM, one major benefit that you may find is that some foreign carriers allow your foreign based phone (SIM) to receive free in-bound calls, no matter the country of origin of the caller.

When all is said and done, using your ATT phone sparingly is a good choice. You need to do two things. 1st, activate international roaming thru ATT and 2d, be sure to check your data roaming rates while you are in France. ATT can tell you exactly the charges.

You may also consider getting a "second line" from ATT for $10. Then you can give that new number to just people that you want to call you while you are on vacation. John