Title: The Best Ways to Get a Cell Phone While Traveling in Europe | USA Today
Headings: The Best Ways to Get a Cell Phone While Traveling in Europe
The Best Ways to Get a Cell Phone While Traveling in Europe
Travel Tips
Buy a Phone In-Store
Buy Prepaid Mobile Online
Auction Sites and Secondhand Stores
Travel Tips Video
Rent a Phone
Alternatives
SIM Card for International Travel
Travel Tips
GSM Technology
Locked vs. Unlocked Devices
Country-Specific Cards
International SIM Card

Content: Buy Prepaid Mobile Online
If you have a European postal address and a major credit card, you'll be able to buy a prepaid mobile online. Just arrange to have your device sent to your hotel or hostel. Once you have your new phone, you'll be able to top it up with call time using a credit card or by visiting local top-up points and paying cash. You might be able to get a better deal online than you would if you bought a new phone in store. Bear in mind that your device will be locked to a European network, unless you're happy to pay more for a SIM-free handset. Auction Sites and Secondhand Stores
Pick up used cell phones from European auction sites and secondhand electrical stores. You'll need a postal address in Europe for the former unless you want to pay shipping fees to receive the phone before departing on your trip. This is a good option for those who don't want to travel with their fancy smartphone and are equally adverse to shelling out for a new prepaid handset. Travel Tips Video
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Rent a Phone
If you don't want to shell out for new prepaid handset, you can rent one from firms such as Cellhirein the UK, Me Mobile in Spain and Thrifty Car Rental in Ireland. Alternatively, borrow cell phones in the US before you depart from companies such as CellularAbroad, TripTel and TravelCell.