I did read cell phone threads but cannot find this answer: how long does it take to receive a United Mobile Sim Card in the US? Our last day to receive mail in Washington State before we leave is on December 13th - if I order it priority will it arrive in time?

Thanks for your help! I've been WAY too busy reading Fodor's to get around to this detail until now...

Funny thing - I was just checking out their website because I plan on buying a Sim Card for my trip to Europe. When you go to pay, they give you the option of Express - it's an extra $35 but it's sent Fed Ex and should definitely be there by the 13th. The normal shipping is only $6, but I don't know if I would chance it, especially being the holiday season...

I ordered one last March, opted for regular shipping and it took about 7-8 days, got to my house a few hours after I left for my trip (I knew I was risking it, but I didn't really need it for that trip). I think two weeks would be safe, but you never know. On the plus side, I did use it on my July trip and it worked fine.

Thanks Isabel and lauramor -
I wish I'd planned out the cell phone thing about a month ago!

where can I find the threads about cell phones in Europe/France? I'm going in January and would like to have a cell phone

What I've done is put in cell phone in the search area and a number of threads comes up. There's an especially good one where Robespierre is clear about how to buy an unlocked phone and get the sim card. Others buy the Mobal Phone. It seems to depend on how many calls you plan to make.