Folks,

I've never used phone cards or cell phones internationally. I personally prefer not to be contacted. However....

My wife's father is in his last stages and she is worried that something might happen while we're in Argentina.

I can bring down an unlocked Sprint cell phone, probably a Blackberry. I'm looking for places that would put in a temporary SIM card with prepaid minutes. Better yet, I'd love to have the process explained to me (and others).

Sprint's charges of $1.99 a minute or a partial minute seem a tad high, to say the least.

It's very easy to do. If you want to have a card in place before you go, you can get one from Telestial.com. I have used them for several countries. The cards come with very good directions. You can also easily buy a SIM card in BA at any of the hundreds of phone kiosks.

Even if you don't buy from Telestial, they good info on calling overseas.

I bought a pre-paid sim card from celtrek. Their card worked well for me in Costa Rica last year, with rates cheaper than AT&T. You can go to their website www.celtrek.com and see what the rates are for Argentina.

I have used my own phone with a SIM card when traveling internationally during the past several years. I, like your wife, have an elderly father with whom I communicate by phone regularly. I begin by asking the people at the place I am staying to direct me to a phone store. If that store does not sell SIM cards, they can usually direct me to a shop that does. Let them know that you need an international card which will allow you to call the US. The SIM card generally comes with a limited number of minutes on it, which will cover about one international call (more domestic). So, in addition to the SIM card, I recommend that you purchase a phone card with extra minutes. By the way, the phone is a great way to make reservations for meals or to ask for directions if you should happen to get lost.I love the convenience of having my own phone with me when I travel.

I have access to my choice of cell phones to take to Argentina.

I have arranged and received a Sprint Blackberry 8830, which uses GSM and has an unlocked SIM card.

Where in BsAs can I purchase a sim card that allows cheap calls to / from the U.S.?

Otherwise, it's a $1.99 per minute or partial minute.

You can go to any phone kiosk/store - they are plentiful and get a sim card. You probably want Hello - It seemed the most plentiful. Then you buy scratch off cards to add minutes. The cards are available at almost any kiosk or mini market. To add the time, you scratch off the cover, dial a number, select English if you need it, and then enter your code. You can also dial a number to hear your balance.

I read an excellent trip report on TravelPod by Journeyer dated December 3, 2008 with the following place to get a SIM card: Movistar at Corrientes 665, near Florida Street.