Best Phone & Service Combo For My Needs?

[snaimon]

Originally Posted by lmernal

I'm new to this site, so if this is not the right place for my question, please let me know, or repost it elsewhere. I've read through this and several other posts, and I am unclear about a few things, which perhaps I overlooked in my reading.
1) Callbackworld seems the cheapest way to go for international calls. If I understand correctly, for someone to call me from the US, they use the toll-free number and pin. If I call the US, I can use the callback feature. But, I will be in Portugal and France, both of which have toll free numbers. So, is it best to call those toll-free numbers to call the US? How about to call within Portugal or France, or between them?

2) SMS does not appear to be covered by any of the callbackworld options. Is that correct?

3) Is there any particular reason to use United Mobile with Callbackworld, as opposed to one of the other international cards? GeoSim appeared to have better rates for direct calls and SMS, with no setup charge, though perhaps a bigger initial outlay. Does CBW work w/ any of them?

4) Sometimes I think I'm obsessing endlessly over what will turn out to be maybe $100 out of a several thousand dollar vacation. But, it's entertainment!

Thank you for any help.

Suggest you review the Americans going to Europe thread under EUROPE. You might consider national cards for the 2 countries -- unless you have already invested in an international card.

Are you COMPELLED to use a cell phone? Land line calls are almost always less expensive.

Now, on to your questions....

I believe CBW also work swith 09, the Icelandic carrier and the rates are cheaper than the UM cards from Liechtenstein. 09 also has free inbound.

Yes, you care correct about giving out your PIN2DEST PIN and a US party calling you.

I don't think the toll free #s in FR and PT are cheaper FROM YOUR CELL PHONE. As long as you have free inbound, the UM rate is 14 cents and the the 09 rate is 12 cents (I believe), so WITH THE CELL, I believe that will be cheaper IF THAT IS ALL YOU USE.

CBW does not deal in SMS messages.

I would imagine CBW will work with any international card; you must have FREE INBOUND however to take advantage of the low rates. Do the Isle of Man cards have free inbound in FR and PT? I don't think so.

You might be obsessing..... How many minutes of outbound and inbound calls as well as SMS messages do you think you will use while in Europe and what will that cost you? Tally that up at US roaming rates and that is the MAX you would spend. If you don't already have some kind of international SIM, that will be an initial $50 investment or so PLUS any CBW calls and any top ups you need AND don't forget the regular calling cards. Compare.

It is always good to have a PLAN B. My US (ATT, MCI, etc) and German toll free calling cards DID NOT WORK AT ALL in the hotel we stayed in (total 10 nites).

Stan