Our daughter is studying in Italy this semester. She will be issued a cell phone to use while there, but it will be a couple of days before she gets it. What is the best way for her to call home to let us know she arrived safely prior to receiving her phone. Has anyone used international phone cards?

Hi P,

>Has anyone used international phone cards?

That's the best way.

She can buy one at a local shop. Someone at school can show her what, where and how.

I purchased a Europa International calling card at a tabacchi shop for 5 Euro for 200 minutes. Great deal!

Students will probably want to use the Europa International card with their cell phones, too, to avoid the higher international rates on the cells. Five cents a minute on the calling card plus local minutes on the cell add up to far less, in most cases, than international minutes on the cell. At least this is how it worked out for my friend in Spain with a similarly cheap international card.

Here here to the Europa calling card: 5 Euro, 200 minutes. Just used it last week, chatted at a pay phone. very easy and a great deal!

i think the best way for a quick message is via email. she can stop into an internet cafe and dash you a line when she arrives. i travel solo often (phone-less) and email is how i keep in touch with family and friends at home so they know i'm safe.

The international cards in Italy have great rates. I bought one from a local store by just asking for a card for best US rates. But for letting you know of her safe arrival you may want to buy a $5-$10 card here.

I don't know what time/day your daughter will arrive but due to time difference, jet lag and other issues related to settling in, she may not be able to buy a card on the first day.

My son did a semester in Paris and I bought an international card from Wal-Mart. I just wanted to hear he'd arrived even though I could track his flight. After that, we used Skype which worked great. If you decide to buy a card here, remember to call their customer service to get access codes as they no longer print them on the cards.