Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
includes international calls. Phones from AT&T and T-Mobile, which use the
same GSM technology that Europe does, are more likely to work overseas
than Verizon or Sprint phones (if you're not sure, ask your service provider).
Most US providers will charge you $1.29-1.99 per minute to make or receive
calls while roaming internationally, and 20-50 cents to send or receive text
messages. If you sign up for an international calling plan with your provider,
you'll save a few dimes per minute. Though pricey, roaming on your own
phone is easy and can be a cost-effective way to keep in touch—especially on
a short trip or if you won't be making many calls.
Buying and Using SIM Cards in Europe:
You'll pay much cheaper rates
if you put a European SIM card in your mobile phone; to do this, your phone
must be electronically “unlocked” (ask your provider about this, buy an un-
locked phone before you leave, or get one in Europe—see “Other Mobile-
Phone Options,” next). Then, in Europe, you can buy a fingernail-size
SIM
card,
which gives you a European phone number. SIM cards are sold at
mobile-phone stores and some newsstand kiosks for $5-10, and often include
at least that much prepaid domestic calling time (making the card itself almost
free).WhenyoubuyaSIMcard,youmayneedtoshowID,suchasyourpass-
port. I've had good luck with the following SIM cards: Lebara in Denmark,
Telenor in Norway, and Comviq in Sweden.
Insert the SIM card in your phone (usually in a slot behind the battery or
on the side) and it'll work like a European mobile phone. Before purchasing
a SIM card, always ask about fees for domestic and international calls, roam-
ing charges, and how to check your credit balance and buy more time
.
When
you're in the SIM card's home country, domestic calls average 10-20 cents
per minute, and incoming calls are free. Rates are higher if you're roaming in
another country, and you may pay more to call a toll number than you would
dialing from a fixed line.
Other Mobile-Phone Options:
Many travelers like to carry two phones:
both their own US mobile phone (allowing them to stay reachable on their
own phone number) and a second, unlocked European phone (which lets them
do all their local calling at far cheaper rates). You could either bring two
phones from home, or get one in Europe. If you have an old mobile phone sit-
ting around, ask your provider for the “unlock code” so it can be used with
