I have read through almost all cell phone questions (and many thanks to xyz123, Robespierre et al who gave valuable information and advice) and I basically know how it works but I am second guessing myself now.Here's my situation:
a) spending a week in Germany and 2 weeks in Italy.
b) cell phone use will be mainly for emergency and the occassional restaurant reservation or how to find our hotel or to inform them if we are late etc.
c) my carrier is Cingular and I have a motorola razr.

I am going back and forth on whether to get the international plan from Cingular or to have them unlock my phone and get the SIM card in Germany and Italy.

At first I have decided phone unlocking, but then how will my folks from the US contact me if they don't know my German/Italian phone #. Then i figured I'll just get the int'l plan but when I place a call in Italy, is that like making an overseas call even if I am in Italy already? And am I stuck with paying the monthly fee ($3.99-$5.99) even after I return from my trip? Suggestions will be much appreciated.

Because I want to have the number ahead of time for house sitter, and some others I've pre-purchased an Italy SIM card at UStronics.com.

For the use you describe you can buy a single SIM for either Germany or Italy - they will work in both country.

The $5.99/month international plan simply makes the pre-minute calling rate less expensive- $.99 per minute, I think (don't quote me). If you will only be making one or two very brief calls, and texting, it's not worth getting the plan. If you will be calling more than that, then go ahead-- you can cancel it as soon as you get back.

I have Cingular-- I have not gotten this plan, because I use my phone overseas only to text travel partners, or for brief conversations (reservations, etc.) So not worth it. My phone works just fine with out me having to do anything. I think that the first time I went overseas, Cingular had to "activate" overseas service. It was a 2 minute call, the guy pressed a button on his computer, and it was done. No charge. Not sure why it's not activated automatically when you sign up for service, but it was no big deal.

Seems like getting a different SIM card and all of that business is not worth the effort considering how you will use the phone...

You can turn the international service off when you get home.
Your phone charges, Cingular isn't very clear here. Suggest that you go to the local office and ask the manager person to person to clarify it for yourself.
Two weeks, do what feels simplest and best for yourself!!

Thanks for all your responses.

Jen, I think without the plan, the cost will be like $1.29/minute, not really a big deal since I doubt I will be making many phone calls.

J62 - that's another good suggestion. Thanks.

Stormin - thanks too for your suggestion. The Cingular office is only 3 minutes from my house, so I'll drop by there.

Hello Joy,
I traveled to Europe for 4 weeks this past year. I, too, have the Cingular Motorola razr phone. For each week, I dropped by my local Cingular store that I pass each day, had them begin the international plan (about $5.00 or so), and made many calls while in Italy, France, the UK. When I received the bills, I never felt like they charged much, and was really pleased with my choice. I'll go with that plan every time. Upon returning, I drop back by the store and have them "undo" the international plan - after the calls have been billed. The service was excellent...hope this helps.

Just want to add that my experience was similar to Jen's. I have Cingular and I made a quick phone call to them to activate international roaming on my cell phone. I used my regular cell phone without problems in both France and Germany last year. No SIM card, no international calling plan, no hassles. Perfect if you're not planning to use your cell phone extensively while in Europe (the charges are steep).

BTW, to keep my phone charged while in Europe, I brought along my car charger. If you're renting a car, this is an easy option.

Diane

Dorkforcemom: Thanks. I am on my way to my local Cingular office. Sometimes its better to talk to a live person than on the phone altho' so far no complaints from me from the CS of Cingular.

Diane: Thanks for your experience. I'll keep that option in mind. Its good to hear from somebody with first hand experience on a similar situation.

...and to add to my earlier post, I only had to activate int'l roaming once... have been back to Europe since and do nothing. My phone has worked just fine.