I've decided that it is time for me to get an unlocked GSM quad band phone for use in Europe, since I go there every year or so (and family/friends can take it when I'm at home). I'm leaning toward buying a refurbished basic model (Motorola or Samsung likely) on eBay for about $50 or less.

The first use will be for two weeks in UK, followed by 4-6 days in Belgium.

My questions for Slow Travelers:

1. Is there a source other than ebay where I should look for unlocked phones at bargain prices?

2. What SIM do you recommend for use in UK with not-too-exhorbitant roaming charges on the continent? I expect to buy it shortly after arrival in UK unless there is a compelling reason to purchase via internet in advance.

All advice from Slow Travelers is welcome -- you are always so helpful. Thanks.

I'm not sure which service has the cheapest roaming rates, but I have been pleasantly surprised recently to find that my network (3) will charge me out of my montly entitlement whenever I am in another country with a 3 network. For us, this means that we can use the mobile in Italy at no extra cost, including the enhanced services like email and skype that are available with my phone. For example I phoned my sister in Canada for "free" while we were in Italy recently using the Skype function.

Whether this is a good deal for you or not will depend on whether you want to visit the countries where 3 have a presence. I'm afraid I don't know if any of the other networks have similar deals. Orange is, I think, owned by a french company. I suggest you spend some time searching the websites of all the main providers.

Beebee -- what is a 3 network???

Judy

Not a 3 network, the 3 network. It's one of the mobile telephony networks in the UK. Their website is here

Thanks for the clarification, Beebee!

Judy

My local garage sells pay as you go sim cards for most major companies. It may be worth checking out the websites for the major UK companies and see if they have the Roaming charges as they vary greatly. My Vodaphone charges from Italy are 3 times my Virgin sim from the same city.

TimW

My husband and I have unlocked GSM phones and we usually get prepaid SIM cards from Telestial if we are going to be in Europe for awhile. We will be in England for only 3 weeks, and the $39 per card feels too high. If I wait til we get to Heathrow to buy SIM cards (term.4) can you suggest where to buy them there. Also, what are the calling rates within the country and to the USA?