I have used the Auto Europe "freebie", Cellular Abroad rentals etc.I have read many postings and this is what I think I want to do.....please give me opinions on it!
I travel mostly in France..perhaps some norhter Spain. I want something to use while there. I MIGHT call back to the USA..but not often. I have read that something like this could be purchased in France for under $100, with some prepaid time on it. A question...how do you add to the time when it is needed? I want something that I could take on repeated trips. Appreciate your help.

You can purchase a "rechargeable" cell phone at any one of several different cell phone service stores in France or Spain. We have both a Vodafone and MoviStar. You can either have the phone "recharged", that is, pay for more time in one of several different stores and shops around the country. IF you happen to have a credit card issued by a European bank, then you can also recharge the phone at one of several different ATM
machines. I have yet to find an ATM that would allow me to recharge my phones using a card from an American bank. We usually have one of our friends recharge the phones for us when needed.

If you have a French based cell phone, you will pay steep roaming fees to use the phone in Spain, and visa versa, at least until they change the current system.

Thanks Robert....are these stores in France for "recharging" readily available throughout the country?? I really only need it for France. Do short trips into Spain and or Basque country. It must be taken into a store to be "recharged"??

There are several types of stores, including grocery stores and filling stations, where you can recharge your phone, depending on the carrier, etc., and yes, they are readily available all over France.

If you have an "unlocked GSM international phone", which can be purchased on eBay for as little as $39 for a good Samsung, then all you need to do is to purchase a sim card and have it recharged. You can keep the same card for years, or pick up a new one when ever you travel to France.

The easiest way, of course, is to have a French bank account, or one from another EU country, and use the ATM to recharge the phone.

Well, I have just purchased a phone from Mobal.com. It is on the way...$49.00. It just seems the easiest for my needs. Just charge it, turn it one when I get to CDG and use it..turn it off when I leave. I will be billed for when and if I use it. Hopefully it turn out to be that simple!!
Any experiences with it???

Hi g,

The major problem with the free AutoEurope phone is that they put a $500 hold on your credit card in case they don't get it back.

You can buy a phone from www.mobalrental.com for only $49. High per minute rates, though.

You probably saw my previous note..bought the Mobal one for $49..it is on the way.

I found another post titled Mobal cell phone...good info on it and from people who wanted it for same needs that I have...just something to use while there for dining reservations etc....I think it will do the job....