How to Use a Cellular Phone in Europe

By eHow Travel Editor

Rate: (7 Ratings)

Going to Europe? Before you tuck your cellular phone into your bag or briefcase, realize that it's not likely to operate abroad unless you use the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), which is not the same system used in the United States. Not to worry. There are plenty of options that will keep you talking no matter where you go in Europe.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Cellular Phone Accessories
Cellular Phone Handsfree Car Kits
Cellular Phone Headsets
Cellular Phones

Step1

Consider renting a GSM phone in the United States. Many companies will ship a phone to you before your departure date, which means you'll be set up and ready to make or receive calls when you arrive in Europe. This can save you a lot of hassle. You return the phone when you get back.

Step2

Look for a good deal. Examine all packages, specials and limited-time offers to find the best way to save money. Business travelers can often find some great rates.

Step3

Think about buying a GSM phone, which is sometimes less expensive than renting one, especially if you're a frequent overseas traveler and heavy phone user. Take a good look at all your rental charges and compare them to the sale price - you may come out ahead by buying rather than renting.

Step4

Check with your European car rental company. Some offer cell phones as part of the car rental package, which means you might be able to save some money.

Step5

Contact a cellular phone provider in Europe if you have not made arrangements before you go. Companies such as 1+2 Telecom, AT&T International Wireless and Omnipoint provide cellular phones for international use.

Step6

Try to rent from a company that provides 24-hour customer service so you can get help immediately if you have a problem with the phone.

Tips & Warnings

Cell phone rental prices vary widely depending on the model of phone, the extra features you need, the number of calls you make and the length of time that you have the phone. Expect to pay a daily, weekly or monthly rental rate and a connection fee in addition to the cost of your phone calls.
If you absolutely need to keep your regular U.S. business or home phone number on your cellular phone, tell your provider and make sure your Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card will accommodate that number.
Buying a SIM card in Europe will save you a great deal of money, but usually means you will have a European phone number for your cell phone.
No matter where you rent your phone, check to be sure that the provider service covers all of the countries in which you'll be traveling. Give the provider the list and have it check for coverage. Look for another provider if you aren't satisfied.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Remember that most GSM phones in Europe take sim cards that give you your telephone number and a set number of minutes. Incoming calls are free, even when the card has no more minutes for outgoing calls. Also, consider buying a prepaid calling card to call the U.S. A company like Nobel.com will sell you a card that enables you to call a local number in Europe to connect you with the U.S. telephone system. Local cell phone calls are cheaper than direct calls to the U.S. Calling via a card may save you money. A card also gives you the freedom to call the U.S. from any land line phone in Europe. If you have money left on the card when you are back in the U.S., you can still use it to pay for domestic or international calls.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 There are models of GSM phones that can be used in the U.S. and Europe. This can save you a lot of money especially if you are a frequent traveler to certain countries.Check manufacture's Web sites to see these models.

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