I searched the forum (& web) and couldn't find answers to my specific questions - any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I am in the USA and will travel to Germany for a two month stay. While in Germany, I will need to connect back to the US via phone on at least a weekly basis for an hour long conference call, as well as like to text back to USA with family every few days and talk with wife periodically.

I have a Sprint phone and those international call rates seem pretty high for a two month period based on the amount I'd need it. I've read about getting a German "throw-away" phone to use for the two months. I've also heard about getting a SIM card, but pretty sure my cell phone (Sprint's HTC Hero) would NOT be compatible in Germany. (Not sure how much I could rely on Skype - hard to connect with WiFi at McDonalds for a weekly business conference call.) I also read that I could get a phone in Germany, but need a German address - so I'd have to wait til I arrive? Finally, I understand that calls from the USA to my phone in Germany would be free on my end.

Any suggestions or guidence on what I should do? Thanks in advance!
Sincerley,
Ron

Hi Ron,

technically your phone should work here in Germany (the HTC Hero is also available here) as the frequencies should fit. If not you can buy a second hand phone or a cehap new one.
The easiest thing is to buy a pre-paid card. This can only be done when you are in Germany. You then can register online with any adress.
I would recommend Fonic. 9 Cent to all mobile and landline calls. Also you can call landline US for 9 Cent. You can buy these cards in many shops. And yes you do not have to pay for incoming calls.

If you need further assistance just send a PM.

Have fun
Flo

Thanks so much Flo!

As I understand it, You recommend I:
1) Purchase a pre-paid card once I arrive in Germany (Fonic is a good, inexpensive plan).
2) Once I purchase it, I need to go on-line and follow the instructions to activate it.
3) Then I can make my phone calls (both local cell/landline and International landlines) using my Hero?

Sounds pretty simple and easy. Thanks you!
Sincerely,
Ron

P.S. Tried to send PM but did not see the option on your profile.

On the website, they say, they want your German bank account. Don't let them shy you away it is not needed, just leave that point empty, however you have to buy recharge cupons.

I'd rather buy a Lidl Mobile SIM instead of fonic. It has the same rates, since it's operated by fonic too, BUT costs are cut at max 40€/month for calls to German phone lines.
Lidl stores are everywhere and are one of the best places for inexpensive grocery shopping.

http://www.lidl-mobile.de/html3/

Another thing, fonic is using the O2 network. GSM coverage is good, but not perfect. There are still a few white spots.

http://www.o2online.de/nw/support/mo...abdeckung.html

Until 2009, they had free national roaming on T-Mobile Germany in many of those areas. GSM reception is not an issue in a city, but traveling in your car, you sometimes have to find a good spot.

>>> technically your phone should work here in Germany (the HTC Hero is also available here) as the frequencies should fit.

Actually, most likely not. Sprint uses CDMA and not GSM.

There's the "HTC Hero CDMA" and there's the "HTC Hero".