Matha531, thank you for the information. I am on Cingular through my company but have the Samsung SGH-x497 (tri-dual mode) phone which does not have international capabilities. I'm currently having my HR person price out an upgrade, which has the international capabilities. I'm reading here dual and tri band .. where did I come up with quad band ... does this exist? Shoot, I've been inquiring about the quad bands (motorola V557, RAZR V3 type phones). The more I read the more I think it's easier for me to get an upgrade and pay the 1.29 (or .99 a minute I've also read .. if I sign up for international service per month).
At this point in time this is a one type trip .. a slight chance we will be going again in December for a week ... This is my first time back to Europe in 10 years .. if that gives you any inkling of how often I go.

Thank you again!