International Roaming with a Cell Phone in Europe
June 12th, 2007 | Posted by Pauline Kenny
On this trip we will be in four countries: Switzerland, Italy, France, England. I want to bring a cell phone that I can use from all these countries to make local calls (not many) and to call back to the US for voicemail (every day). I also want to receive calls from other people in Europe, so would prefer a European phone number so it easy for them to call me.
I have a World Phone that I use in Europe: unlocked, GSM phone, tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 (European frequencies 900 and 1800, North American frequency 1900 - a quad-band phone has an extra North American frequency 850). Because we travel to England every year, I have an United Kingdom SIM card for this phone (Vodafone), but the rates when roaming in Europe with a UK SIM card are high, so I have been looking into other alternatives.
If you are traveling to ONE country in Europe, get a SIM card for that country
If you are traveling to one country in Europe, the answer to the cell phone question is simple.
* If you have an unlocked World Phone, buy a SIM card for the country ahead of time from Cellular Abroad or Telestial, or when you get to the country you are traveling to.
* If you don’t have an unlocked World Phone, buy a phone you can use in Europe from Cellular Abroad or Telestial or when you get to the country you are traveling to (or get your World Phone unlocked).
Buying the SIM card ahead of time costs more, but you know your phone number before you leave and you don’t have to spend vacation time in a cell phone store.
If you are traveling to several countries in Europe, there are several options
If you are traveling to more than one country, the question is a bit more complicated because you need a SIM CARD that works well between the countries. These are the options that I considered.
Use my US T-Mobile GSM World Phone
I am bringing my new T-Mobile Blackberry on this trip to use for email and internet connection (use it as a modem with my computer). I added a $20/month option to allow unlimited International Email and Internet. This option can be turned on just for the time you are traveling (full month is charged).
I could use this phone to make and receive calls in Europe, but there are two problems.
* My friends in Europe would have to dial a US phone number to reach me, even in we are both in the same European country.
* Incoming calls are NOT free, but are the same as outgoing - $0.99/minute. You also pay for calls to the cell phone voice mail.
This would be a good solution if I did not plan on using the phone much and if European friends were happy dialing a US phone number.
Use my United Kingdom Vodafone - Pay as You Talk Plan
I have an unlocked World Phone and a UK Vodafone SIM card. This will work throughout Europe, but the rates are high when roaming outside the UK AND you pay for incoming calls!!
Outgoing calls are 75p/min ($1.50). Incoming calls are 75p/min ($1.50). There is a less expensive option for people with a yearly contract, but I have Pay as you Talk.
As of August 2007, it will be less expensive to roam throughout Europe with a European SIM. I think the rates will be capped at 0.49 Euro outgoing calls within the EU, 0.24 Euro for incoming calls, with lower rates by 2009. Read more on Reuters - EU adopts cell phone roaming caps - June 7, 2007.
Cellular Abroad, Talk Abroad International SIM Card
Cellular Abroad has partnered with National Geographic to offer the Talk Abroad Travel Phone. Rent the phone and SIM card for $15 a week, purchase for $199, or purchase just the SIM card for $79 to use with your unlocked World Phone.
The price includes 30 minutes of outgoing calls, gives you a UK phone number and voicemail, and is valid for 12 months each time the SIM is recharged (talk time is added). It offers free incoming calls, $0.90/minute outgoing calls in most EU countries ($1.15/min to call cell phones), no connect fee.
Read more - Cellular Abroad and National Geographic Talk Abroad Travel Phone (Mention “SLOWTRAV” for $10 off).
Telestial Passport
Telestial offers the Telestial Passport SIM card to use with your unlocked World Phone. The cost is $49 (includes $10 airtime). You get a UK phone number and voicemail. It offers free incoming calls and outgoing calls from most EU countries are $0.49/min with a $0.25 connection fee ($0.74/min first minute, $0.49 remaining minutes).
Read more - Telestial Pack More cell phone and Passport SIM - $159 with $10 airtime
(Mention “SLOWTRAV” for a 10% discount)
Use SKYPE on my computer to make and receive calls
This is a great solution, but only works if you have a broadband internet connection. Plus it is not a cell phone - you have to be at the computer to make and receive calls. I have setup SKYPE to use for the times when I have broadband and am at the computer.
What Did I Choose? Cellular Abroad Talk Abroad
I could use the Talk Abroad SIM card with my UK world phone, but I am “test driving” the new Talk Abroad Cell Phone from Cellular Abroad and National Geographic, and will be reporting how it works each week of the trip.
Cellular Abroard and National Geographic Talk Abroad Cell Phone
Resources
Read more about Cell Phones in Europe on Slow Travel.
Cellular Abroad and National Geographic Talk Abroad Travel Phone (Mention “SLOWTRAV” for $10 off)
Telestial Pack More cell phone and Passport SIM - $159 with $10 airtime (Mention “SLOWTRAV” for a 10% discount)
