Where should I buy a prepaid international cell phone?

Question

I'm going to be going to England, Ireland, Scotland, and Northern Ireland next summer, and I would like to be able to contact my family (I'm going to be gone for about 1 month) easily. Do you know where to get one and what is the best international prepaid cellphone?

Answer 1

A few options: 1. If you'll be taking your laptop or have computer access, the cheapest way will be Skype.  

2. If you already have wi-fi 3G cell phone, then you could also use Skype from any open hotspot.  

3. If you have an unlocked cell phone, you could just buy a pre-paid sim in the UK or Ireland with good rates to the USA.

4. Check your current provider to see if they have an international roaming plan.  AT&T, for example, has (used to have?) a rate that cost 99 cents per month to enroll, then 99 cents per minute for roaming in most of Europe--if I recall correctly.  Depending how much you need to call, this could be a solution.

The international pre-paid phones are usually more expensive than options 1-3.  They're locked to higher tariff than what you typically could get locally.  For example, Geeks.com has an unlocked NEC tri-band with bluetooth and camera for $53 right now.  Once arrived to UK/Eire, drop in the nearest corner shop, kiosk, post office, or Tescos to shop the pre-pay rates to US.  These "start packs" often include some talk time in the price of the sim, and get you started for under $10.  You go online to top up this new account.  It's very easy, and the cheapest way (except skype), so definitely check it out.