We are travelling to Portugal and would like to rent a cell phone to keep in touch with family. Any recommendations or reviews?

Europe is way ahead of us in cellphone technology and use -- If you are renting a car, you can usually get a cell phone included in the deal. You will find you will probably get more use out of the phone for contacting hotels, restaurants, even the rental car company if there is a problem, than calling the family back home. We found the phone cards were best for that purpose. But having a phone is a particularly good idea, and you will always feel secure that you've got it right there.

There was a great article in the New York Times' Travel Section on Sunday (10/14/01) that will give you a wealth of information on this. You should still be able to access it for free on: www.nytimes.com

That same article appeared in our local newspaper and I think it was the most uninformed piece of giberish I ever read. They made no mention about purchasing phones in Europe and that incoming calls are free. <BR>But instead, this was nothing more than advertising local domestic cell phone renters. Nothing to really help those find the right source for them.

I agree with Joe. It was a pathetically weak article. <BR> <BR>I recommend that you look into purchasing a "pre-paid" phone when you arrive in Portugal, Jane, although I have no specific experience IN Portugal to compare or contrast vis-a-vis my recent experience with a phone purchase in Italy. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Julie, I read that article too! Wasn't it fabu? Did you also read that great article on the Amalfi Coast? Jesus, if I could get the time off from work I'd be on a plane for Positano.