is it worthwhile to buy a mobile phone - travelling to UK for 10days then Amsterdam for 4 then Germany for 4

If you want to keep in touch with people at home or make dinner or museum reservations while you're abroad, a mobile phone is a real convenience. I see no sense in renting, particularly if you plan on making similar trips in the future. You need an unlocked GSM phone that operates on the European frequencies, 900 and 1800, and a sim that works in Europe. You can buy phones like this on ebay (e.g. the Motorola v190, v191, v195, or v197) new for about $50, and you can get an international prepaid sim here

http://www.telestial.com/

or by choosing from this list:

http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/international.html

Alternatively, you can buy a prepaid sim and a phone at carphone warehouse in the UK. If you go this route, be sure to let the sales clerk know that you'll be using the phone in the Netherlands and Germany as well as in the UK.

For more info, search in this forum for cell phones or for posts from xyz123.

Above is great advice I bought one on ebay 5 or so years ago and have used it all over the world. Its simple to buy a sim card either for Europe or whatever country you happen to be in. All you need do is insert it and in some cases change network (under tools) and you set. However: do be sure the charge runs on 120 and 240 and of course you will need a plug converter for which every area you are in. If you travel with a lot of electric stuff ie camera, computer,phone consider this
item: Belkin surge protector #BZ103050 TLV I picked mine up on ebay for $15.00 4 plugs and 2 usb slots, I simply plug it into the converter and its always worked great.

Triangled

Joanne

Just to make sure I don’t blow up anything, plug a converter to the outlet, the Belkin to the converter, and any/all devices into the Belkin? So only one converter required for all devices to charge?

That would be great. I’ve wish-listed it on Amazon to remember which unit.

Any recommendations about a converter/adapter?

Getting this right would let me cross another issue off my list before vacation. I’m just starting research on phone options, but we’re likely taking my iPad mini--it’s just too convenient!

propita: Joanne posted that info 4+ years ago (the thread was topped by an advertiser)

Though she does still post on the forums. Be careful w/ your terminology. The little thingy that 'converts' a US plug to a European wall receptacle is a plug <u>adaptor</u>. A converter is a different animal and deals with changing the electric current. You don't want/need a converter.

Thanks, and sorry for the old thread. I had done a search and THEN noticed how old some of these were. I prefer to search first on a topic. I don’t want to ask an identical question.