International SIM, Europe to US.

[nokitsch]

Hi. I apologize if this is a n00b question, I will try to be clear and concise. I would like to buy a prepaid international SIM card, and my situation is outlined below. Basically I want to use a card on my vacations in Europe just to say "Hello, I am Ok" to family back home, and for emergencies.

Conditions:

Traveling from US to Europe, multiple destinations, multiple times.
Will be using the phone rarely to call within the country, between European countries and to the US.
Will mostly be getting calls/SMS from the US.

Preferences:
Low cost (I would not want to buy a $50 card)
Free incoming calls/SMS from the US.
Same card working in different countries.

Thank you in advance.

[Przemolog]

Originally Posted by nokitsch

Hi. I apologize if this is a n00b question, I will try to be clear and concise. I would like to buy a prepaid international SIM card, and my situation is outlined below. Basically I want to use a card on my vacations in Europe just to say "Hello, I am Ok" to family back home, and for emergencies.

Conditions:

Traveling from US to Europe, multiple destinations, multiple times.
Will be using the phone rarely to call within the country, between European countries and to the US.
Will mostly be getting calls/SMS from the US.

Preferences:
Low cost (I would not want to buy a $50 card)
Free incoming calls/SMS from the US.
Same card working in different countries.

Thank you in advance.

I'm afraid that you'll have problem with cost, especially now when US dollar is so weak it's difficult to find a card really cheaper than 50$.

As to the cost of incoming calls, it doesn't matter from where the call is originated - it depends on the SIM and the country in which you are using it.
Incoming SMSes are free worldwide with European SIMs both international and national.

As to multi-country usage you must remember that you can have free incoming calls in practically each European country, but not in all of them with one SIM! SIMs with Isle of Man number don't cover few countries in Eastern Europe. Be more specific what country you WILL NOT visit for sure, then it's easier to make an advice

[snaimon]

I have seen several international SIMs offered on eBay USA. I think you can do under $50. A search on international sim gives you 7 entries, some > $50. There is an auction with buy it now feature for $43 with shipping for $5. That last one ends in 19 hours as of 2100 EDST.

Stan

[nokitsch]

Thank you for your prompt replies. I mostly visit Western Europe when I travel - UK, France, Benelux, etc. - the usual suspects.

I found this, which seems like an excellent choice, but I'm not 100% sure.