I've been reading up on cell phone usage in Europe and there is a lot of good material out there, no doubt.
I have a little different way to go about calls while in Europe, and it's geared mainly towards the budget traveler.
Here in the States, Republic Wireless has the cheapest cell phone plan I've heard of. They are $19 a month unlimited calls, text, and data. That is with no contract too. Their old phone, I believe is $99.00 and their new option is $299.00.
Part of the reason they are so cheap is they use hybrid calling, so it calls over Wi-Fi when available and uses the Sprint Network when Wi -Fi is not available. The beauty of that is you can use the phone anywhere where Wi- Fi is available. I've noticed Wi-Fi is easily accessible in most of Europe. Benches at parks, train stations, malls etc. have Wi-Fi spots .And then of course, there are the restaurants and coffee shops. My thinking is to use a Republic wireless cell phone there in those Wi-Fi spots. If you use it with Google Voice you can call within Europe, too, for a few cents a minute. Not a perfect solution but a cheap way to have a phone or not use minutes on a more expensive emergency phone you do have.
Another great way is the Magic Jack. It has been my go-to travel phone for years. You can use it if you bring a laptop, and regular phone when you have an internet connection. If you use your Magic Jack number with Google Voice, you can even call within Europe for a few cents a minute. Of course, calls back to the US or Canada are free.
http://www.magicjack.com/plus-v05/
Any other unique ideas, please share them with us!
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