why do people worry about cell phones in europe?
Mar 28th, 2004, 07:20 PM
#21
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Yes, well, since I AM the boss, it's a different story. If I were employed by someone I'd just disappear, as my employee does periodically. It's different if you are the ultimate authority. And I consider myself one of the "lucky ones" despite being always on call. Running a business that allows me to go to Europe several times a year is lucky indeed!
I agree with NYCFS that when one has friends in Europe, a cell phone is essential - that's how Europe communicates!
I also take my 2.9-lb. Dell laptop wherever I go. It weighs practically nothing, and I can keep up with work and family and write my trip reports as I go along, as well as get e-mails from clients, send estimates, chat with my family members, pay bills, etc. No way I would travel without it. This is the 21st century, folks.
By the way, subcon, if you're still around, what the heck is an incept? Sounds like some shoe accessory, but I'm not at all sure.
I agree with NYCFS that when one has friends in Europe, a cell phone is essential - that's how Europe communicates!
I also take my 2.9-lb. Dell laptop wherever I go. It weighs practically nothing, and I can keep up with work and family and write my trip reports as I go along, as well as get e-mails from clients, send estimates, chat with my family members, pay bills, etc. No way I would travel without it. This is the 21st century, folks.
By the way, subcon, if you're still around, what the heck is an incept? Sounds like some shoe accessory, but I'm not at all sure.
Mar 28th, 2004, 07:29 PM
#22
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I can imagine the very same kind of question being asked in the past about the home-based telephone, the television, the computer.
It's just like anything else. It's a convenience for which some people have no use and others will justify for its value in unexpected and infrequently occurring circumstances. The rest simply won't care whether you like it or not.
Personally, I have one that I never turn on. I carry it to call a tow truck if I needed one and that's about it. It's a GSM phone so I carry it in Europe or Australia for the same reason.
Mar 29th, 2004, 12:59 AM
#23
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Subcon's post is no more "inane" than some others seen here and as to the reason why someone would be interested in someone else's cell phone use: listening to HALF of YOUR {often shouted} conversation at the airport, on a guided tour, in a restaurant, etc., is about as INANE an intrusion as you can ever not hope to endure.
Mar 29th, 2004, 01:13 AM
#24
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I'm with Rkkwan and the others. Since I've had a cell phone for so long (mostly for personal use, rarely for business), I've become addicted to using it for convenience.
It's gotten to the point that last year when I was in the US (the only major developed country in the world where my cell phone doesn't work, BTW, which irritates me to no end), my husband and I went shopping together downtown, and then wanted to split up. Remembering that my cell phone doesn't work in the US, I asked: "But how will we meet up?" I honestly could no longer imagine doing it without both of us having a cell phone - what if one person was late, couldn't find the other, something happened, etc.? How could we POSSIBLY do it without cell phones? (Silly, yes, I realize that - that's why I posted).
In 5 years, I've only been called by my office twice while on vacation. I do like them to be able to reach me just in case, though, and it's much easier to give them a cell phone number than an itinerary with different phone numbers, particularly as I'm not likely to BE at the hotel much. I'd imagine that's one reason some people prefer to get a cell so that people can reach them.
It's just not that big of a deal to many people to be "interrupted" while on vacation & they prefer to be reachable.
It's gotten to the point that last year when I was in the US (the only major developed country in the world where my cell phone doesn't work, BTW, which irritates me to no end), my husband and I went shopping together downtown, and then wanted to split up. Remembering that my cell phone doesn't work in the US, I asked: "But how will we meet up?" I honestly could no longer imagine doing it without both of us having a cell phone - what if one person was late, couldn't find the other, something happened, etc.? How could we POSSIBLY do it without cell phones? (Silly, yes, I realize that - that's why I posted).
In 5 years, I've only been called by my office twice while on vacation. I do like them to be able to reach me just in case, though, and it's much easier to give them a cell phone number than an itinerary with different phone numbers, particularly as I'm not likely to BE at the hotel much. I'd imagine that's one reason some people prefer to get a cell so that people can reach them.
It's just not that big of a deal to many people to be "interrupted" while on vacation & they prefer to be reachable.
Mar 29th, 2004, 02:15 AM
#25
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Andrea:
Although not nearly as much as in Europe, pre paid has made some inroads in the US and perhaps if you travel to the US (incidentally your cell phone will not work in Canada either so the US is not the only country where your cell phone doesn't work) you should buy a cheap GSM 850/1900 phone and use prepaid..
Although not nearly as much as in Europe, pre paid has made some inroads in the US and perhaps if you travel to the US (incidentally your cell phone will not work in Canada either so the US is not the only country where your cell phone doesn't work) you should buy a cheap GSM 850/1900 phone and use prepaid..
Mar 29th, 2004, 03:43 AM
#26
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I have t-mobile international service on my triband. It is expensive, but it has worked well for me when calls are kept short. It was really nice to hear my husband's voice once a day when I was in SE Asia last December. [I even called him from Angkor Wat!!!]
The main use I make when outside of the US is the SMS capability -- much cheaper than a call and a great way to stay in touch. I found out about my new Macedonian "grandson" via SMS while walking down a street in Paris last October. Can't beat that!
For me I consider it a security measure, as well as an easy way to stay connected. So the phone is for ME rather than those trying to reach me. I also like having one telephone number.
The main use I make when outside of the US is the SMS capability -- much cheaper than a call and a great way to stay in touch. I found out about my new Macedonian "grandson" via SMS while walking down a street in Paris last October. Can't beat that!
For me I consider it a security measure, as well as an easy way to stay connected. So the phone is for ME rather than those trying to reach me. I also like having one telephone number.
Mar 29th, 2004, 04:09 AM
#27
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<<why do people worry about cell phones in europe?>>
<<the last thing i want while on vacation is a goddanm cell phone>>
<<why an american tourist on vaction in europe would need one baffles me.>>
It's easy to read a lot of anger into this post - - as if we are committing a transgression into simply talking about the options here.
Not all of the <b>travel</b> to Europe discussed here on this forum is <b>vacation</b> travel.
For me, the leadingreason to have a cell phone while traveling is that I am not always with the one(s) I love when I am traveling. We talk pretty much every day.
Best wishes,
Rex
<<the last thing i want while on vacation is a goddanm cell phone>>
<<why an american tourist on vaction in europe would need one baffles me.>>
It's easy to read a lot of anger into this post - - as if we are committing a transgression into simply talking about the options here.
Not all of the <b>travel</b> to Europe discussed here on this forum is <b>vacation</b> travel.
For me, the leadingreason to have a cell phone while traveling is that I am not always with the one(s) I love when I am traveling. We talk pretty much every day.
Best wishes,
Rex
Mar 29th, 2004, 05:37 AM
#28
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"Why do people worry about cell phones in Europe?" I don't know. But a more interesting question is "why do people worry about other people worrying about cell phones in Europe?"
I don't have a cellphone at home and certainly don't want one when I travel. But I can't imagine why someone would worry about other people worrying about cell phones. If you don't want one, fine. But if others do, why should that concern you?
I don't have a cellphone at home and certainly don't want one when I travel. But I can't imagine why someone would worry about other people worrying about cell phones. If you don't want one, fine. But if others do, why should that concern you?
Mar 29th, 2004, 07:17 AM
#29
Subcon - I hear ya! I've never owned a cell phone, nor do I want to. My friends think I'm just weird, and they may be right, but I have no desire to take a phone with me, no matter where I go.
I can certainly understand why people use them for business, etc, but otherwise, this whole cell phone craze baffles me to no end.
I suspect that the many years I spent in a job where the phone never stopped ringing, makes me want to flee phones at every opportunity.
I can certainly understand why people use them for business, etc, but otherwise, this whole cell phone craze baffles me to no end.
I suspect that the many years I spent in a job where the phone never stopped ringing, makes me want to flee phones at every opportunity.
Mar 29th, 2004, 07:46 AM
#31
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Believe it or not, I actually own a cell phone. I think I last turned it on about a year ago. Maybe it was longer than that I don't remember.
I hate hearing others on their phones. I REALLY hate the Nextel-style 2-way phones. Click on my name and you'll see a post I had about cell phone free vacation spots.
I can see a use in an emergency, but most people talking and driving are in the middle of a conversation that could wait until you pulled over or finished diving.
I hate hearing others on their phones. I REALLY hate the Nextel-style 2-way phones. Click on my name and you'll see a post I had about cell phone free vacation spots.
I can see a use in an emergency, but most people talking and driving are in the middle of a conversation that could wait until you pulled over or finished diving.
Mar 29th, 2004, 07:52 AM
#32
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I think there is some irritation over the inconsiderate use of cell phones. Personally, I wish they were never invented. I've been in movies, concerts, plays, etc. where cell phones have gone off. Usually, the phone owner will shut it off, after a good deal of fumbling around, but in some cases the louts start their conversations right there in the middle of the performance!
Then there are the loud restaurant conversations--I really don't want to hear about someone's gynecological problems or drugged out kid or poor Charlie's heart attack while at dinner. Unfortunately, there are enough offenders that this sort of unpleasantness is becoming an everyday event.
Cell phones are to noise pollution as cigarette smoke is to air pollution. Glad to see that many restaurants are at least requesting that people not use their cell phones, and some are actually using cell phone blockers.
Then there are the loud restaurant conversations--I really don't want to hear about someone's gynecological problems or drugged out kid or poor Charlie's heart attack while at dinner. Unfortunately, there are enough offenders that this sort of unpleasantness is becoming an everyday event.
Cell phones are to noise pollution as cigarette smoke is to air pollution. Glad to see that many restaurants are at least requesting that people not use their cell phones, and some are actually using cell phone blockers.
Mar 29th, 2004, 07:56 AM
#33
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When you're really far away from people who may never see what you're seeing, a quick call like this:
"Hey MOM! We're at the top of the Eiffel Tower!"
Is priceless. (Granted, one should not be screaming, but rather speaking in a normal tone of voice.)
Also, the reason many people want a cell phone in Europe us the same darn reason they get one at home: in case of emergency.
Sorry if this offends.
"Hey MOM! We're at the top of the Eiffel Tower!"
Is priceless. (Granted, one should not be screaming, but rather speaking in a normal tone of voice.)
Also, the reason many people want a cell phone in Europe us the same darn reason they get one at home: in case of emergency.
Sorry if this offends.
Mar 29th, 2004, 12:07 PM
#36
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"why do people worry about cell phones in europe?"
Haven't you noticed that it is an addiction, like cigarettes? When flights are over, the cell addicts race to place their phone calls.
Keith
Haven't you noticed that it is an addiction, like cigarettes? When flights are over, the cell addicts race to place their phone calls.
Keith
Mar 30th, 2004, 01:50 AM
#38
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i never really thought this would be such a polarising topic.
no, rex, there is no repressed rage implicit in the question merely a benign puzzlement. patrick, with all that's going on in the world, cell phone usage is low on my priority list of worries.
actually, i find the proliferation of the cell phone subculture more an amusement than an annoyance.
no, rex, there is no repressed rage implicit in the question merely a benign puzzlement. patrick, with all that's going on in the world, cell phone usage is low on my priority list of worries.
actually, i find the proliferation of the cell phone subculture more an amusement than an annoyance.
Mar 30th, 2004, 05:11 AM
#39
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My husband and I always carry a cell phone at home, but we don't bother in Paris, as we just buy a phone card to call home. We talked about getting one for our next trip, but we decided against it. We decided it was just one more thing to carry around. We would probably get one, if we were driving, but as it is, we take public transportation. The kids and my parents have the number of our hotel, and we e-mail them often to keep in touch.
Best,
Sandy
Best,
Sandy
Mar 30th, 2004, 07:17 AM
#40
I used to say I would pay not to have a cell phone. Then I got one so I wouldn't have to worry how to get AAA to come and tow me when the car broke down on my way home on the highway at night. I leave it off all the time unless I know somebody is going to try to reach me. Once in a while it is very convenient to be able to reach someone while traveling, and then I'm really glad I have it.
I have a T-Mobile phone, and while the international rates of a dollar per minute are too high to encourage casual use, it was very convenient for reporting our credit cards were stolen on a train to Pompeii. While traveling in Europe, I have also found cell phones handy for making restaurant reservations and meeting up with other family members. The total calls I've made in these circumstances have not cost even close to as much as a rented or purchased phone would have cost.
I think people's attitudes toward cell phones on vacation are shaped by the reasons they use cell phones at home. The original poster's business requires him to be reachable by phone at work all day, and I can see why he'd want to get away from that. On vacation, it's a totally different need. If you leave it turned off and only use it for your own convenience, it doesn't have the same hold over you as a business that you are tied to and trying to escape from on vacation.
I have a T-Mobile phone, and while the international rates of a dollar per minute are too high to encourage casual use, it was very convenient for reporting our credit cards were stolen on a train to Pompeii. While traveling in Europe, I have also found cell phones handy for making restaurant reservations and meeting up with other family members. The total calls I've made in these circumstances have not cost even close to as much as a rented or purchased phone would have cost.
I think people's attitudes toward cell phones on vacation are shaped by the reasons they use cell phones at home. The original poster's business requires him to be reachable by phone at work all day, and I can see why he'd want to get away from that. On vacation, it's a totally different need. If you leave it turned off and only use it for your own convenience, it doesn't have the same hold over you as a business that you are tied to and trying to escape from on vacation.
