I've read enough so far on other threads to see that I should buy an inexpensive unlocked quad-band GSM cell phone and then find a Sim card for it, either before my trip or after I arrive in Malta from the USA. Malta has 3 options as far as I know---Vodafone, Go, and Melita. I will be in Malta for 2 weeks, and will use the phone minimally--just voice calls & no texting-- quick local calls to make reservations, get info, etc. If an emergency at home, however, I need to know that I will not pay a fortune for an incoming call from the USA, or for my returning call to the USA.

Can anyone help me with recommendations? I'm finding the websites to be a little confusing as I'm techno-challenged.....

Thanks in advance for any help offered!

How MANY of these emergency calls do you actually expect to make?

By definition, an emergency is unexpected. So I really can't answer your reasonable question. Maybe one or two calls each way if an emergency occurred? The main thing is the local usage--and don't want to be absolutely slammed if I did have an emergency call. I think Mileta may have the best deal, but as I said, I am confused as I try to compare all the different options.

ttt--Can anyone help me with this?

Sure. If you have a Maltese SIM, you will not be charged anything for incoming calls. However, I hope you are aware that cell phones are often sim-locked in which case you wont be able to insert another network's sim. The last time I bought a Vodafone sim card it was €10. Their signal coverage is excellent.

Calls to USA are very expensive!!!! Never use a cell phone for that!