We are three couples (29 yrs old) and will be in France for 12 nights (3 Paris, 3 Provence, 3 Riviera). We were thinking of picking up one cell phone for each couple so that we can stay connected while we are there. Where can we buy pay as you go phones and what can we expect to pay?
Thank you.
You can buy unlocked GSM quadband phones on eBay or Amazon. I've bought from Tiger Direct. Then all you have to do is buy SIM cards when you arrive.
Andrea,
There are two basic options you could consider:
1.) Purchase inexpensive PAYG phones when you arrive in France. There are lots of mobile phone shops in Paris, and you'll probably find some at the airport. Be sure that you're clear on the method for "topping up".
2.) Buy or rent a phone from one of the travel phone firms, such as Roam Simple, Call In Europe, Cellular Abroad, Mobal or Telestial.
As you're only going to be in France for 12-days, buying three phones off E-Bay and just buying SIM cards in France might not be the best choice, unless you're planning to use them on future trips.
Happy travels!
To piggyback on this inquirey, if one were to buy some Pay As You Go phones in Paris, will they work all over France? Thanks.
About how much is a PayG phone to purchase with minutes?
The French PAYG system is very expensive and intractable. As I am an infrequent mobile phone user, I use a British PAYG phone network (Virgin Mobile) SIM in my phone, which works out much cheaper FOR ME. The main difference is that the British "credit" does not expire, as does the French. For example, 15 euros of French SFR credit expires 30 days after you "load" it on your phone if you do not use it. A few pounds of British credit lasts me for months. And believe it or not the British rates (phone and text) are cheaper than the French ones, even here in France.
Roger
Major US cell carriers (such as Verizon-Wireless) now offer regular cell phones that are global ready. They are quad-band and have the sim card pre-installed. You can upgrade your current cell phone for one of these before your trip.
For you fellow frequent international travelers these phones did not exist last summer. They are brand new. I have a new Verizon Escapade and I love it!
