Smart Phone in France....

"apparently cannot use with free Wi-Fi outdoors in France as it interferes with radio signals " I have never had a problem using my Droid's wifi in a free wifi area.

I don't understand what you were told about wifi. That makes no sense to me and I suspect it is wrong. If you just need to have a phone in France to make calls with, buy a low-cost prepaid phone and use that. But if you want to use GPS, maps, etc., on the road, you'll need to get a different smartphone that works in Europe and get an account that will connect to the cell phone network for data without bankrupting you. A prepaid account might do that. I know you could get a prepaid account in England that will, but I personally haven't bought one in France.

I would take a separate GPS unit for driving. Your smartphone features will work over wifi. Accessing wifi is not always a sure thing.

Thank you for your responses and very helpful advice.... I have now talked with two Verizon reps who both initially claimed that I could not use the device at all in France. When pressed on the subject, however, they acknowledged that I could use smart features with wi-fi when available, but had better disable data roaming (which I already knew). There is definitely something in the manual re not using it outdoors in France. However, the Verizon reps did not bring this up...... I probably will buy a GMS phone for use over there, as well as a sim card when I arrive. I will give more thought to a prepaid data sim, and will explore all your suggestions.
AutoEurope was offering a 'free' GPS this month....maybe I'll look at that again, as we will only have the car for one week. Thank you all. You gave me the help I needed.

Jan, Once more, the advice from the Verizon rep's sounds a bit goofy.... " but had better disable data roaming" Perhaps I'm missing something here??? While it certainly wouldn't hurt to do that, there's no logical reason for it as a CDMA-only device will not operate on a GSM network, and therefore is not technically capable of "data roaming" in a GSM service area. Could you provide further details on the information in the manual about "not using it outdoors in France"? I'm still trying to understand the rationale behind that. One other option that I haven't mentioned would be to obtain a phone from one of the "travel phone" firms such as Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Call In Europe, Telestial or Mobal (there are others but these are the ones that come to mind). You can either obtain a phone with SIM card from them or buy a quad band unlocked GSM phone off E-Bay or other sites and then use it with a travel SIM. The numbers are typically U.K.-based and the rates consistent in most countries in western Europe. Billing is usually on a post-paid basis, with calls charged to a credit card. Some of these firms now provide data plans (with limited capability) for iPhones or BlackBerrys. The advantages with that approach are that you have a working phone as soon as you step off the plane (no need to search for a Cell shop) and no need to "top-up". If you buy a phone here, be sure to check that the Charger is capable of "world operation". Plug Adapters would of course be needed. I don't have any information on whether prepaid data SIM's or plans are available in France. Hopefully one of the others can help with that point. Cheers!

Jan, "and apparently cannot use with free Wi-Fi outdoors in France as it interferes with radio signals" The information provided to you by the "Help Centre" is goofy and makes no sense. Wi-Fi does involve radio signals, and it makes no difference whether this is used outdoors or inside, as long as the user is within the limited range of a Wi-Fi transceiver. The "bottom line" is that you will NOT be able to use the "smart features" of your phone in France, except at Wi-Fi spots. You WON'T have access while you're on the road as CDMA phones will NOT operate on GSM networks. The situation would be different if you were using an iPhone 4S with Verizon, as that is capable of use on GSM networks. Based on the information you've provided, you best bet would probably be to: > Obtain the loaner phone from Verizon, which is available for trips up to 30-days. Use that for voice calls and perhaps text messaging, but try to limit voice as the rates are a bit "pricey". I doubt that they have a "loaner Smartphone" available, but you could ask? > Use your Droid X at the Hotel or wherever to access the net using Wi-Fi. That will allow you to check E-mail or whatever. > Buy a dedicated GPS unit for driving, such as one of the Garmin Nüvi models. Make sure it's equipped with European Maps. There are models currently available on Amazon for ~$150. One other point to mention. If you did have a GSM phone you'd need to be VERY CAREFUL about data roaming, as the costs can be astronomical! One iPhone user returned home last year to find a $37,000 bill in the mailbox. Happy travels!