What is the best international cell phone option for an American traveling to Europe?

Answer 1

If phoning to the country you are in, or the rest of Europe, just get a Pay As You go SIM card that will work in your phone.

If phoning the States stay with what you already have

EDIT

Ramki - Best OPTION not PHONE

Answer 2

America has both CDMA and PCS networks. You need to make sure you have a PCS phone that also works on 900 and 1800 MHz (called a tri-band).

If your PCS phone is locked, you can unlock it at many places in Europe for a few bucks; you can also try to find a secret code on the Internet. There are many places near Earl's Court tube station in London (in case you're starting there).

Once your phone is unlocked, you can buy a prepaid sim (the enabling chip under the battery) for the phone for a few more bucks. No forms to fill or contracts to sign.

Vodafone or Orange have the most partners around Europe. If you'll be in more than one place for a long time, it's probably better to buy another local sim for a few bucks than to roam on the sim from another country.

Also make sure you buy a recharger that works on 220 V. Most newer models work from 100V to 240V.

Answer 3

Here's the kind of phone you want:
http://toronto.craigslist.org/ele/248487576.html

GSM - unlocked! Use with prepaid SIM card, easy to buy in the country you're visiting.

Hope that helps!

Answer 4

KG 300 from LG