I’ve been reading up on cell phone usage in Europe and there is a lot of good material out there, no doubt.
I have a little different way to go about calls while in Europe, and it’s geared mainly towards the budget traveler.
Here in the States, Republic Wireless has the cheapest cell phone plan I’ve heard of. They are $19 a month unlimited calls, text, and data. That is with no contract too. Their old phone, I believe is $99.00 and their new option is $299.00.
Part of the reason they are so cheap is they use hybrid calling, so it calls over Wi-Fi when available and uses the Sprint Network when Wi -Fi is not available. The beauty of that is you can use the phone anywhere where Wi- Fi is available. I’ve noticed Wi-Fi is easily accessible in most of Europe. Benches at parks, train stations, malls etc. have Wi-Fi spots .And then of course, there are the restaurants and coffee shops. My thinking is to use a Republic wireless cell phone there in those Wi-Fi spots. If you use it with Google Voice you can call within Europe, too, for a few cents a minute. Not a perfect solution but a cheap way to have a phone or not use minutes on a more expensive emergency phone you do have.
Another great way is the Magic Jack. It has been my go-to travel phone for years. You can use it if you bring a laptop, and regular phone when you have an internet connection. If you use your Magic Jack number with Google Voice, you can even call within Europe for a few cents a minute. Of course, calls back to the US or Canada are free.
http://www.magicjack.com/plus-v05/
Any other unique ideas, please share them with us!
Sounds like a real money-saver, at home in the U.S. but it might not suit all travelers abroad.
Since the phone uses the Sprint network (CDMA) you couldn’t just add a local SIM in Europe where GSM is used. That would mean it would only work on wi-fi in Europe, and you might find it inconvenient to not be able to make or get calls when you were away from it.
Thanks for sharing that PHeymont.It’s definetly not a perfect solution and my thinking it’s a partial solution to those who normally don’t travel with a cell phone. Or if travel with one,they can use is in conjuction with theirs.It’s also a great solution for people who don’t have good cell
Phone connection at home if they have WiFi,no need to run outside for coverage.
phone reception in their house.