What is the best way to give phone access to someone traveling in Europe?

Question

A family member, who recently suffered a brain injury, is traveling to Europe for 2 weeks. I want to get them a phone or calling card that they can use in case they get lost or something. I'm being paranoid, but I want him to have it. What is the best suggestion?

Answer 1

calling cards are probably the easiest way to go. they're not cheap but they are convenient. and if you don't need to have long conversation they're not as bad way to go.
if you want him to have a phone you have to make sure it's a gsm phone. those are the only kind that will work in europe. currently only at&t offers gsm phones and to use it overseas i believe requires an extra monthly fee plus roaming charges. but he will be able to use it wherever/whenever instead of having to hunt down a pay phone.

Answer 2

All countries in Europe have different systems for cards with which you can use a payphone.
The cards you could use are rather difficult to use, if you are in a panic, as you need to phone a different number in each country, and after that you need to enter a code, 15 digits or so.

If the family member is only going to one country it will be easier, and you could also get a phone card for that country, but it might still be confusing.

A mobile (cell) phone might be the best if not cheapest option.
We have dual (or triple) band phones here, as some countries use different systems.

Check the sites of several providers where you live to see what they offer in world wide (or Europe wide) covering, at what cost and so on.
Here we often use pre-paid phone contracts, so we do not pay per month, but just for usage. If you can get a system like that, check about how to get more money in the account when the phone is here in Europe.

Answer 3

Lots of places have free wifi.

Answer 4

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