I'll be in Geneva for 2.5 months this summer, traveling to other places some weekends. Does anyone know of a cell phone rental company that won't cost a fortune? I'll probably use skype to chat with my kids, but would like to be reachable by friends in Geneva and be reachable in an emergency. I'd appreciate any help.

Buy unlocked phone on e-bay. Get a SIM card once you get to Switzeland.

Much, much cheaper than ANY rental option.

Or buy a prepaid phone when you arrive in Switzerland.

Hi A,

Renting is much too expensive.

If you want a phone for emergency only, see the $49 phone at www.mobal.com.

High per min rates, but you keep the phone and number forever, and are charged only for the calls you make.

mobal.com rates are way too expensive.

Incoming calls - Mobal $1.50 per minute, local Swiss Sim - Free

Calling within Switzerland - Mobal $1.25 per minute, local Swiss Sim - 0.69c or lower (the OP should research the different SIM card rates after arriving in Switzerland)

Calling US - Mobal $1.50 per minute, local Swiss card - 0.69c or lower

and on and on

I do realize that <b>Ira</b> did say that it was a good option if the phone will be used for emergencies only, but if it is to be used as a primary phone, stay away from Mobal. The rates are ridiculous, especially the incoming call rate.

A Switzerland Prepaid SIM Card, together with a tri-band or quad-band unlocked GSM cell phone, will allow you not only to have a local cell phone number for Switzerland but also to pay local rates - and without a contract. The rates are extremely advantageous and even include unlimited FREE incoming calls from anywhere in the world.
You can purchase an unlocked GSM phone on E-bay, TigerDirect or when you get there, be sure that it is unlocked. Many cell phone companies &quot;lock&quot; their cell phones, so they can only be used with their service.
Mobal phones are locked and the rates are expensive in comparison to national companies. Remember you are being charged for incoming and outgoing calls. I have used Mobal and would not recommend it unless you can charge it to your expense account.

Just curious, for cost-comparison. How much is
1. an unlocked GSM phone
2. a Swiss prepaid SIM
3. call rates for Switzerland using the SIM, incoming (free) and outgoing
4. How much call credit is on the SIM when you initially buy it?
5. What is the minimum charge to add credit to the SIM?

Thank you.

I have a similar question but for Italy. Useage will not be heavy, but more than emergency use. This trip is a week and a half.

Is there anything less expensive then Mobal?

absotively...for the same price Mobal is charging go get an unlocked gsm dual band (make sure it's 900/1800 mhz), tri band (make sure it's 900/1800/1900) or quad band phone (shouldn't be much more for cheapest models than $50..then

Upon arrival in Italy, go to a TIM store, buy a prepaid TIM package...costs &euro;10 with &euro;5 worth of credit....then receiving calls will be free (not $1.50/minute a la mobal) and after you buy a cheap phone card you can call the USA by making a local Italian call.

Piece of cake.