[snaimon]

Recommend BOTH US-based and local.

1. Backup -- mainly -- once you leave the city where you purchased
local card, you may not find anyone who can help you with it.
2. You can always use the US for overseas calling from US later
3. You may be more familiar with US cards dialing instructions, etc.
4. You can usually recharge the US card with a credit card.

Bottom line, more flexibility.

Indeed, you need one with international dialing and SAMs or whatever is fine. Go for a 120 Min card -- especially if you don't think you'll need much outbound dialing. You can always add money, even from overseas. Be sure to find the local toll free #s for your countries before you leave.

If you do lots of overseas calling AND from US, I would recommend looking @ Onesuite and Enjoyprepaid, both available only online. The rates are better than either ATT or MCI.

Stan