Help... Am leaving for Paris in two days and have a domestic situation (ill pet) that will require phoning the states from Paris every other day for ten days. Any comments on the most economical means of doing this? Any experience out there with phone cards vs. verizon calling cards? Thanks...

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU PLAN TO USE YOUR CALLING CARD TO CALL HOME. These are notorious for being one of the more expensive methods costing $1 or more per minute plus per call fee (call Verizon to find out exactly what it would cost you).<BR><BR>When I went to Paris, I bought an AT&T phonecard from Sam's and used that to call home. (If I don't, my mother panics, even though I'm in my late 40s. It keeps her calmer if I call when I arrive and every couple of days so she knows I haven't met whatever horrors she believes will fall upon me when I'm away from home.) It was very easy and convenient to utilize. I believe the cost worked out to around 25 cents/minute. Others say if you buy the phone cards in Europe, it's much cheaper, around 7 or 8 cents/minute.

PHone cards are available in most cigar shops/ newspaper shops (all over Paris). They were quite reasonable and easy to use.<BR>Do not remmeber the exact French translation, but any guide book probably would have the appropriate phrase to use at the shop (to request card).<BR>

I just got back from 2 weeks in UK/France and used Net2Phone card everywhere. Around 15 cents per minute, 800 number for access, and worked great. I was very impressed with their service.

Just returned from Paris - have used the France Telecom international card - you can buy it in their stores which are all over Paris (selling mobile phones). It is very inexpensive and you get a lot of minutes.

Thanks for all the recommendations. I'll be purchasing a phone card in the TABAC upon arrival in Paris.