Hmm, what logos says is true (despite the subsequent OT conversation LOL). Since you're not sure of your internet access situation once you get there, having a mobile phone that is good with data would be well worth it. Having an Android is even better: these phones have the capability to be their own mobile "hotspot", providing internet access to your laptop (sufficient for emails if maybe not file uploads like photos) as long as you have "bars" on the phone.

As for skype, you should be able to take your laptop to wherever you find wifi (a cafe; McDonald's always have it) and skype there. I just hope you're not too embarrassed to have your conversations in public! It took a while for me to get used to. You could test it out locally before your trip to make sure your mic/webcam work, you're comfortable with it, etc.

Did you end up purchasing the phone you linked to in the OP? If so, it does provide access to email, and the qwerty keyboard will help. I'm sorry I didn't look at its specs closer, though: it says it's a 2G phone. That network is being phased out here in the US by AT&T, so it unfortunately won't be useful long-term. (IMO, they shouldn't be allowed to sell outdated hardware without a disclaimer!)

What is your current AT&T phone, and how long have you had your service plan? If it's not a new phone and you've had the contract a while (I think at least a year), AT&T will unlock it for free for you.

I'm sure this isn't something you want to hear at this stage in the game - sorry!!

>>>I went ahead earlier yesterday and bought an unlocked phone so I guess I will use that while I travel.<<<

Can you return that phone or just cancel the order? It would be cheapest/simplest to just unlock your current AT&T phone.

>>>you've had the contract a while (I think at least a year), AT&T will unlock it for free for you.<<<

I thought it was 6 months. I don't recall AT&T asking me about it at all (no longer had a contract with them).

Thanks again! I just sent an email to see if I can cancel the phone order, if not I will just return it. That's what I get for jumping on things too quickly! I will call AT&T about unlocking my phone. I have had it for quite a while...it is a Samsung Blackjack II and it has 3G. I really like it for what I need it for, which is only texting and calls... I don't have Internet on it.

I also found out today that where I will be staying has wifi and Internet access so I am good to go with Skype. I will just need the phone for my job duties while in Germany. I can send emails and Skype back home now.

Great to hear kkukura! I hope it works for you to cancel the phone purchase. Also, it's great that your lodgings will have internet access: as I'm sure you can imagine, it gets old quickly if you have to do that kind of stuff from a cafe.

I was able to cancel the phone order. I will contact AT&T to unlock my phone and if they cannot I will wait until I get to Germany to buy a phone there with a SIM card. Things are falling into place now....

http://www.notebooksbilliger.de/huawei+ideos+x3

This is the hottest 50€ phone right now. Some sell it for more (88€) like Notebooksbilliger in Munich close to the station. Tchibo has it for 50€ but are almost constantly sold out. It's easy to configure as a WLAN access point too, so you can use you data SIM with it and surf from any device (Notebook etc.) which has wlan. Best cheap would be the ZTE blade for 100€.

At&t should be able to give you the unlock code. BTW, that phone also had the 3g band 2100 used in Europe. Do you are good to go. Just get a local sim, pop it in your phone, and you are set.

@kkukura ;
An Unlocked phone will work with any GSM netwotk sim card with out any problem. I have unlocked my phone which was locked to orange(uk) by using unlock code I got from http://www.superunlockcodes.com/ .Now I am using it with AT&T(USA) without any problem . You can use any GSM Sim in unlocked phones.So Buy a local prepaid sim and you can make call/text your home.If the SIM ranout of money you can top up it.