Sorry gang, I know this subject has been beaten to death, and maybe that's why I'm so confused.

I'm traveling solo for 3 weeks next month. I don't use a cell phone at home and have never used E Bay either! How's that for technologically challenged? I think it will be a good idea to have one in case of rental car problems, etc.

Just looking for a reasonably cost effective rental option. Has anyone rented from ContextRome or Autoeurope? Are their rates fairly competative? Would I really do better to try and buy an "un-locked" phone, then purchase SIM cards?

Funny, how I can plan a solo trip and not blink an eye, but the phone thing throws me!

Mille grazie!

My assistant did a lot of research on the internet and found Daystar Global Wireless. You can find them at www.daystarwireless.com. Their weekly rate is $35.95; and incoming calls are free from the US! Outgoing calls are 47 cents a minute.

Hope this helps.

Compare the above rental to a purchase from Mobalrental.com at $49 - you own the phone. They bill calls to your credit card - $1.29 incoming/outgoing (could be higher in some countries).

Cheaper outlay for the phone but pricier for the calls...

We don't have a cell phone either. For our 2 trips to Europe this year we rented one from AutoEurope, so my wife's 85 year old parents could get in touch with us if there are any problems.

The Phone costs $40 to ship to you. No rental cost. You give them your credit card number, and calls are charged to the CC.

We went to France. Incoming calls are $.99, outgoing are $2.35. If you access your voicemail, it's $2.35 - all rates are per minute. Local calls in France are $1.20.

If you have access to a normal phone, all outgoing calls are much less than this if you buy a phone card in France. We can call her parents in Indianapolis from France, for a whole lot less than we can call them from San Francisco.

Stu Dudley

Stu,

Thanks so much! The Autoeurope plan sounds good, since I would only pay for what I use - emergencies only. I think that will beat the cost of daily rental plus calls.

I sure didn't see this same info on the Autoeurope web page. I'll check again. Maybe call since I have to confirm car pick up directions anyway.

Also - I will be using parts of your most excellent driving itinerary in Sept!

Mille grazie!

<<Would I really do better to try and buy an "un-locked" phone, then purchase SIM cards?>>

Probably yes/ Once you get there. And then come back here and "sell it forward" to someone traveling after you.

Best wishes,

Rex