Arriving in Madrid April 7 depart April 27th. Is it better to buy or rent a cell phone before we go? We need to be available in case there are issues with my mother-in-law while we are traveling and also wish to use it to confirm reservations along our travels.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
I agree with Ken, renting is an expensive option and doesn't get you a good per minute rate. My RAZR phone died since last trip so I need to replace it. Even though I think you can find a better price on an unlocked phone before you leave. I chose to wait until I arrive in Spain for one, I think, really good reason. If I buy a phone and sim card in Spain. I can make sure it works before I leave the store. It either works or I don't pay. If I arrive in Spain and the unlocked phone, I bought in the US, either doesn't work or isn't unlocked, I have no option but to buy another phone in Spain anyway. I'll be in one country. The best deal, per minute, is a sim card that is for one country only. Multi country sim cards are better than international roaming but they aren't really a good deal. I think it's better to buy a single country sim card for each country you visit - but it really depends on your style of travel. Visiting lots of countries for a short while (and not expecting to use sims for future trips) probably calls for the multi-county sims.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32354 posts
Lori, It is NOT a good idea to rent a Cellphone, as that tends to be the most expensive option. Do you presently have a Cellphone, and if so which network are you with? There are two options you could consider: 1.) Buy an inexpensive PAYG Cell when you arrive. Cell shops are ubiquitous in most places in Europe, so you shouldn't have any problems finding one. 2.) Buy an inexpensive Cell from one of the travel phone firms such as Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Call In Europe, Telestial or Mobal.. They typically use numbers registered in the UK, with billing on
a post paid basis (charged to a credit card). With this option, you'd have a working phone as soon as you step off the plane. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Richland, Wa, USA
15 posts
Thank you for the information. I believe we have decided to purchase in Madrid. We are leaving our hotel information in case of emergency and as soon as we do have a number we can email it to our important contacts. Thanks for the perspective!
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
606 posts
If you are with Verizon they will send you a global phone for $9.99 for 21 days. You keep your same phone number. ,You can buy a package for $5 that gets you: receive text .05, send texts .50, call .99 per minute. we just told everyone to text and if it an emergency we will call you.
Posted by
OP
Richland, Wa, USA
15 posts
Wow, that's fantastic, wish we had Verizon. After discussing it at length today I think we have decided to just purchase a phone card when we get to Madrid. If we feel the need for a cell phone we'll purchase it before we leave Madrid. At least we'll have our Ipod wireless with us so we can access our email accounts. Love the idea of such cheap texts, we'll keep it in mind when we are ready to change service. Thanks for the info*