Two Months in Paris ... A Few Questions
Aug 7th, 2011, 11:41 AM
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Two Months in Paris ... A Few Questions
My wife & I are experienced travelers to Paris but have never stayed for more than a couple of weeks (in hotels ... tourists).
This year, we'll be in Paris from the end of this month (Aug 2011) until the end of October and want to experience Paris as residents (as much as possible in 2 short months).
One big question . . .
1. Telecommunications. Here in Manhattan we have 3 landlines and two cell phones. Our fax line is not a problem; they're forwarded as emails. Our business landline isn't a problem; it's voicemail is emailed to us already as an audio file. We'll forward our home landline to our business landline. <b>The big issue is cell phones</b>. My wife has an AT&T iPhone 4 and I have a Verizon Blackberry. What should we do? We'd both like to have a cell phone in Paris so we can communicate with each other when separated. Also we need to be able to somehow receive calls to both of our US cell phones.
Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge and experience with us!
This year, we'll be in Paris from the end of this month (Aug 2011) until the end of October and want to experience Paris as residents (as much as possible in 2 short months).
One big question . . .
1. Telecommunications. Here in Manhattan we have 3 landlines and two cell phones. Our fax line is not a problem; they're forwarded as emails. Our business landline isn't a problem; it's voicemail is emailed to us already as an audio file. We'll forward our home landline to our business landline. <b>The big issue is cell phones</b>. My wife has an AT&T iPhone 4 and I have a Verizon Blackberry. What should we do? We'd both like to have a cell phone in Paris so we can communicate with each other when separated. Also we need to be able to somehow receive calls to both of our US cell phones.
Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge and experience with us!
Aug 7th, 2011, 12:45 PM
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You can add a feature to the AT&T phone which will reduce the roaming fee to about $1.00/minute.....not a bargain for you to use to call each other but worthwhile if you have family who will need to contact you. Just go to your account on their website and the options are described.
Aug 7th, 2011, 04:13 PM
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See my comments in this thread http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-london.cfm
Info on various options available with the AT&T iPhone. I cannot comment on Verizon Blackberry.
Info on various options available with the AT&T iPhone. I cannot comment on Verizon Blackberry.
Aug 7th, 2011, 04:54 PM
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Are both phones GSM? If so, you only need to get them unlocked then as Kerouac says get a SIM of your choice in Paris. Lebara is about the cheapest these days.
I had an iPhone unlocked and jailbroken recently for $35. If one or both phones are CDMA either pick up inexpensive new phones in Paris or shop for unlocked quad band GSM phones before you go. Look on Kijiji, ebay or eeven retailers like TigerDirect.com
I had an iPhone unlocked and jailbroken recently for $35. If one or both phones are CDMA either pick up inexpensive new phones in Paris or shop for unlocked quad band GSM phones before you go. Look on Kijiji, ebay or eeven retailers like TigerDirect.com
Aug 7th, 2011, 05:03 PM
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denisea,
I was in a mall yesterday. Every single cell phone company available in my area has either storefront or a sales desk in the mall... you must have similar things where you live. Stop by a convenient place and one of the staff will be happy to show you how to remove your SIM. Or do a search on Youtube...
I was in a mall yesterday. Every single cell phone company available in my area has either storefront or a sales desk in the mall... you must have similar things where you live. Stop by a convenient place and one of the staff will be happy to show you how to remove your SIM. Or do a search on Youtube...
Aug 20th, 2011, 07:42 PM
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Well, how interesting. I spoke with Verizon today and it turns out that my Blackberry is a dual-band version, with GSM and CDMA, and it will function normally in France and other European nations.
Of course, it's not inexpensive.
But my "problem" is solved!
Of course, it's not inexpensive.
But my "problem" is solved!
Aug 21st, 2011, 06:16 AM
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To clarify (maybe) for myself and others... You can use your Blackberry under your current Verizon plan and pay their charges. OR, you can have it "unlocked" (I think Verizon will have to give you the code for this), and you'll be able to buy a SIM card in France that gives you a French number, for which you can buy "pay as you go" minutes. Calls to your US phone # will not reach you in Paris with the new SIM card. Presumably they will all go to voicemail. Did I get this right?
