OK, a couple times a year I am traveling in Europe (Mostly Benelux & Germany, sometimes Austria and Switzerland) with a group of people. I keep in contact with folks at home with UM/CBW -- very happy on that part.

Well, A 2nd unlocked tri-band (900/1800/1900) phone fell into my lap. I thought it might be handy on the next trip (in less than two weeks) to keep different parts of the group together as we sometimes split up for a day or so. So the question is what global SIM offers the best rates between customers? I know UM to UM is the standard .39 + .25 setup. Most of these call would be 1 min or less ("I'll see you at X at 5pm") and SMS would do except that is beyond the ability of some of the people :)

So any recommendations for the best "global to global" SIM?

If you already have a CBW account, why can't you use it to dial from Liechtenstein to Liechtenstein for 20 cents? CBW allows you 3 #s, right?

The cost of investing in 2 new cards I would think would be prohibitive?

OR, just put your TD-1 card in the other phone and have that person send an SMS when they want you (with Riiing) to call or just call and let phone ring once and hang up. That should not cost anything.

Stan

I don't think I can get the other people to do SMS -- using a mobile phone is enough of technological challange.

I will do that with the T-D1 when in Germany, but that can get real expensive in Belgium and the Netherlands. Ditto if I use CBW there (for them to call me). And I've never had luck charging the T-D1 outside of Germany (but I haven't tried in a while -- maybe it is better).

There is probably not enough time to order another UM (unless somebody here has one they're not using and wants to sell) but I do this a couple times a year and so, as they say, "Wait until next year :) "

If the call from the TD-1 phone is not answered and does not go to voice mail, there should be no charge, correct? Regardless if the caller is in Belgium or wherever. As long as the call does not connect, there should be no charge.

TRUE, if you call them, it is 40 cents + they pay 79 to receive.