Phone rental prior to departure?
Sep 21st, 2008, 05:37 PM
#1
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Phone rental prior to departure?
Several years ago we rented a cell phone which was delivered prior to our departure (maybe through AutoEurope) and returned at the end of our trip. Would like to do so again to avoid outrageous ATT charges, but can't find a link. Use will be minimal, but we both need to leave a number for kids' contact. Any suggestions?
Sep 21st, 2008, 05:42 PM
#2
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You can do that, but ATT charges aren't that outrageous if you pay them $5.99 for roaming charges while overseas (assuming you have a tri or quad-band phone). If you only plan to make and receive a few calls, to my mind it's hardly worth getting a whole new rental phone. I've been all over the world with my AT^T phone recently, and if you don't make or get a lot of calls it's not a bad deal at all.
Sep 21st, 2008, 06:47 PM
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I have Iphone. When I checked for Bermuda in Febuary, roaming charges were about $2 per minute, plus email/internet connection - or something equally insane. I'll check again. I would prefer using my regular phone & number, so I'll see what's available now.
Sep 21st, 2008, 06:56 PM
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Using AT&T international roaming in Europe is $1.29 per minute in and out without a plan, or $.99 with (and texting, emailing and internet are all extra, even if you have an unlimited plan here). ( Bermuda is $1.99 without, $1.69 with). So, it is expensive, but easy to use, and if you're only going to use it for emergencies, worth it. But if you start using it to make "local" calls (for example, calling the theatre or a restaurant for reservations), it can sure add up.
Sep 21st, 2008, 07:19 PM
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I've used callineurope.com for 2 trips to Europe now and the phone has worked flawlessly.
Have a look at their site and you'll see how it works. We made 20 calls in france on a recent trip, 6 of which were to numbers in Canada. We received 6 other calls from Canada. The bill just arrived ... $23. I thought it reasonable.
You can also pick up a cheap pay as you go type phone once you arrive in Europe. They're very inexpensive these days.
Rob
