has anyone ever taken their blackberry (At&T)to Spain?
Is this recommended or is it less expensive to just rent a phone for European use?
Thank you.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32213 posts
cynthia,
Which option to choose will most likely depend on how you intend to use the Blackberry in Spain.
If you're just planning to make occasional voice calls and perhaps send a few texts to contacts at home, then roaming with AT&T might be something to consider. Subscribing to the World Traveller plan ($5.99/month), provides discounted calling rates. One important point is that it's a really good idea to disable the data portion of the phone while you're in Europe, so that you don't end up with a horrendous bill for "data roaming" after you get home. Check this periodically during the trip to ensure if remains "off". Check with AT&T for specific information on their roaming plans.
If your Blackberry is unlocked, you could also consider using a travel SIM from firms such as Cellular Abroad, Call In Europe, Roam Simple, Mobal, Telestial or others. However, AFAIK not all of these provide data capability so you'll have to determine whether these will work for you.
As the previous post mentioned, you could also buy a quad-band, unlocked GSM phone from E-Bay or other sites and use this either with a travel SIM (as mentioned above) or with a Spanish SIM when you arrive. Your AT&T SIM should also work in a "normal" GSM phone, but without the data capability. Again, check with AT&T as they may have some suggestions also.
Good luck and happy travels!