International SIM for Italy, Ireland, UK

dchmello · **International SIM for Italy, Ireland, UK -** 18-05-2011, 03:39

My family will be traveling to Italy, Ireland, and the UK at different times this summer. We have two unlocked GSM phones ready to go, mostly for the purpose of communicating when we are separated, but we would also like to be able to call to and from the US as well. I realize that one option is to buy SIM cards in each country as we travel, but for this trip I would like to keep the same phone numbers for the duration of the trip, and if possible I would like to buy them before traveling, so we will have the phone numbers ahead of time.

My number one criterion is call coverage, and I can't seem to find any coverage maps online. We plan to travel to some more remote areas of all three countries. Per minute charges are less critical, since we don't plan to have lengthy conversations.

The ability to send text (SMS) messages between the phones would be nice as well.

I would appreciate this forum's guidance in choosing a provider that will provide good service.

Thanks!

	(#1)
dchmello (Offline) Junior Member Newbie Posts: 1 Join Date: 18 May 2011 Country:	International SIM for Italy, Ireland, UK - 18-05-2011, 03:39 My family will be traveling to Italy, Ireland, and the UK at different times this summer. We have two unlocked GSM phones ready to go, mostly for the purpose of communicating when we are separated, but we would also like to be able to call to and from the US as well. I realize that one option is to buy SIM cards in each country as we travel, but for this trip I would like to keep the same phone numbers for the duration of the trip, and if possible I would like to buy them before traveling, so we will have the phone numbers ahead of time. My number one criterion is call coverage, and I can't seem to find any coverage maps online. We plan to travel to some more remote areas of all three countries. Per minute charges are less critical, since we don't plan to have lengthy conversations. The ability to send text (SMS) messages between the phones would be nice as well. I would appreciate this forum's guidance in choosing a provider that will provide good service. Thanks!