Ok, it's off topic, but you're all experienced here. I own a diesel here and will likely be driving one in Europe next week. How's that for stretching the diesel forum?


I need a cell phone for 2 weeks while there. I'll be in Germany and Italy. What are your suggestions? I won't need it back here. I only know my own Verizon service won't work there. Someone mentioned something to me about "sim" cards?
What is a GSM phone?
What is a Tri-band phone?
Will either work in Europe?
If someone's in NJ, could I rent yours?

Thanks in advance for any help or advise.

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85' 300D No inspection, No registration fees, Cheap insurance
"If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're going to see some serious %$&^."

There are two main cell phone technologies in use in the US, GSM and the other one (I think it's CDSM). All GSM phones have a Subscriber Information somethingbeginningwithM card (SIM) that identifies you to the network. When I bought a new phone recently I pulled the SIM card out of my old phone, put it in my new phone and started using it immediately without my provider even knowing.

All (I think) of Europe uses the GSM technology, though predictably on a different frequency than what we use in the US. To have a phone that will work in Europe it must have:

GSM : this is fundamental to the phone. Some models are available in GSM and the other one versions.

Tri-band capability. It needs to use the two frequencies we use in the US, and the one they use in Europe.

A carrier who will connect you whilst you are over there.

From memory you can rent a cell phone at most larger European airports.

I own a Treo 600 which is a Palm PDA and cell phone combined, it is GSM and tri-band and I have TMobile (a German company) as my service provider. When I get to Europe I just switch it on and it works, callers call my regular US number and reach me. It's not inexpensive at $1 per minute, but when you really need it, you need it. It also uses GPRS for wireless internet access both here in the US and in Europe, though I pay more for it over there.

Kevin
A Brit in Exile

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'85 300SD

I second the T-Mobile route. I travel over to Europe, Asia and South America, and they are the most frequent provider. The smallest TriBand GSM phone is the Motorola V66 "World Phone". The sim is already setup for Int'l. Usually costs me 99 cents per minute to/from Europe. Service is great. FYI, TMobile offers the phone for free for new service

This is great, up to date information. Thank you!
Thanks also to the moderators for allowing the thread to stay around long enough for my answer.

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85' 300D No inspection, No registration fees, Cheap insurance
"If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're going to see some serious %$&^."

i travel from the uk to florida on a semi regular basis. i have a tri band phone that works either side of the pond. my service provider has a tie up with voicestream? or some one. as soon as you get off the plane & switch on your mobile you are good to go. as long as you have asked your service provider to enable int roaming on your account before you leave. even my caller display works as normal so you know who is calling. its cheaper for me to call them back rather than receive a call £1.30 per min. £1.00 per min outgoing.
hope you get sorted