[snaimon]

Originally Posted by Triband81

T-Mobile, Vodafone, E-Plus and O2 all charge 19 cents/SMS to each other's networks. ALDI charges 15 cents:

http://www.medionmobile.de/tarif/body.htm

I think SIMYO and BLAU charge 11 ecents for national (German) SMS. Both charge 16 ecents per TALK minute but are in 1800. I also have SIMYO and coverage in major cities is decent.

One kicker is that you must order SIMYO online and have a German address. I used the address of the hotel and they sent the card and it was easily registered.

There are other cards coming on the scene - May 29 - rewecom and penny martk.

Again, I think the best solution is a combination of calling cards and SIM or SIM(s).
You might be able to pick up a French SIM, too. Then you could always sell them on Ebay once you return. The SIMYO is somewhat problematic for resale, however, as it is registered to you and the transfer is expensive.

Stan