I was all ready to order a cell phone for $44.98 for 2 weeks plus .99cents outgoing and $1.75 incoming, then my husband asked, Why do we need a cell phone? We are only going to call and check on our two teenagers once a day. Why don't we get a phone card? I don't know anything about them or how to order an interntional one. What are your opinions about card vs. phone? Where do I find out how a expensive card is? Thanks

If you can receive calls at your hotel and only want to make a few calls to the states, a prepaid card for the local phone system (e.g., France Telecom) is the answer. Buy one at a newsstand/tabac at the airport or train station when you arrive. In France and the Netherlands, at least, for about $5-$7 you'll have a card good for both local and international calls, probably at least 6 five-minute calls to the US from phone booths. If you use it up and need more time, just buy another.

Learn ahead of time what the per minute charge is on those cards. If you use an ATT calling card, it can be $1.75-$2/minute; but some hotels will tack on enough to make that even more. Some of the local calling cards will definitely cheaper for calls WITHIN Europe, but it's not always obvious how much they will charge for calls to the US.

Is that the case in most of Eastern Europe. Cech Rep., Praque, Amsterdam, etc. A card is the best bet.

We love French telecom phone cards. No hassle at all. The French still have actual telephone booths--roomy ones!--and you just buy them at tabacs, which are everywhere.<BR><BR>Unlike those darn ATT cards, there have no codes to punch. You lift the receiver, stick your telecom card in the appointed slot, dial your international code for US and home phone, and you're there! The little screen tells you how many "units" you have left.<BR><BR>I don't think these things expire, either. Because I buy both of my kids one for a precaution in case they get lost, we always have one with leftover time somewhere to use. I will end up using one from three years ago. <BR><BR>I'm sure cell phones are wonderful, but for ease of use and convenience of purchase, these telecom cards are our communication of choice.<BR><BR>PS--used similar in Italy--their cards have this "tear off the corner" system. They were fine, too.

I use Startek as my long distance carrier and for calls to European countries I pay 20-25% of what AT&T was charging. I use their calling card when I'm out of USA. It's international, and the charges appear on my monthly bill.