I did a search but didn't find a definitive answer.

I'm going to Europe next month. I have an AT&T issued V600 but service has been taken over by Cingular.

My bill breakdown says "ENH Discount Intl Dial" for which I pay 3.99/mo. I also have "Worldconnect". I don't know what either is.

What must I do to use my GSM phone in Paris, Germany, Italy (and parts in between)?

Or, would I be better off leaving my phone home and picking up a rental?

I read the post about a pre-paid SIM card but the post was a couple of years old. What is the current state of things?

 

I suggest buying a pre-paid sim in Europe. Vodafone, O2, T-mobile, and Orange are some carriers. You will first need to unlock your phone to do this. Some people have had success calling Cingular and stating that they are traveling abroad and would like to use pre-paid sims over there. Cingular then gives them the subsidy unlock code.

There are also many places on-line that sell unlock codes for $10-$20, but it varies in price and effectiveness by site. If you can, try finding a local independant cell phone shop, many of them unlock phones for a small fee.

Hope that helps .

 

Thanks, Lister....

Anyone know what those two options on my cell phone bill are for?

Also, if I buy a pre-paid SIM card in Paris, where do they sell them? Kiosks at the airport or train stations? What per minute rate does the SIM card carry? Are the costs to call back to the states horrendous?

In my case, I will be traveling with my sister and her husband and my nephew. We will be splitting up often and would like to be able to keep in touch when we do (different interests).

 

You can get sim cards at Tabacs in Paris, or any mobile phone shop. The rates will vary by carrier, but the last time I was in England, it was ~75 pence per minute to America (~$1.40 per minute). I think if you put about 30 euros on the card, you should be cool (depending on how long you are staying there).

 

My last experience with prepaid sim-card was pretty good. You basically treat the card like credits, it costs a few credit to call locally, a few more to call overseas but nowhere close to being horrendous. If you have an unlocked GSM phone and do not expect to receive incoming phone calls on it while traveling overseas, you should definitely consider the prepaid card. Your Cingular service, plans, and options won't be a factor then.

 

OK. The crystal ball is clearing now.

Will the rates be regional? Will only Paris be "local" if I buy the SIM card in Paris? Will I be roaming at a higher rate in Germany or Italy?

Do I need to get a SIM card for each country? Really, the only important ones will be France and Italy. The others, I will be just passing through.

Oh, yes. No one has addressed my normal Cingular service plan w/options. Will that work for emergencies even if I don't put a local SIM card in- albeit at very high roaming prices?

Thanks for your help.

XP

 

Your Cingular phone and plan should work over there in case you have to have to use it. Your phone will always dial 112 (911) emergency with or without a sim-card.

Your one prepaid sim should work over all of Europe, especially if it's from a well know carrier like the one's mentioned or France Telecom. You can visit their websites where they will give you a bunch of information. Again, I didn't experience the "rates" part of it, I remember it being more like credits. You just buy the card, use it a little, keep checking the remaining, keep using...the clock ticked faster for US than it did for local. But it was so cheap it wasn't worth trying to figure out what my per call cost....just pay $20 or $25 for a card and go. This was in Asia. I think I bought 2 small cards for 4 days.

All of this will become more clear and evident to you once you arrive at the airport. As soon as your clear customs, start looking for the vending machine. Not sure if the rates are cheaps at the airport or one the street, but honestly the type of trip you are taking, I think cellphone costs will be very small for you overall. Have fun!!!