Going to France? All about Cell Phones & SIM Cards

It's summer time. And you know what that means: soaring cell phone bills with international roaming charges.

Most people know that international roaming charges can be pricey. But few realize just how easy it can be to avoid these outrageous charges from U.S. Carriers. Before heading out on your next trip to France, take the time to look at the easily available alternatives. The result will be a far more relaxed journey with greater sense of comfort of not getting hit with ridiculous roaming charges on your return.

Most U.S. based cell phones will not work outside of North America because the rest of the world uses a different communications standard. Even if your phone does work in France, you may find it less expensive to pay your provider's international roaming rates than renting a local SIM card for France for the duration of your trip. A local SIM card will give you a local French cell phone number and typically offer inexpensive rates to call U.S. with unlimited free incoming calls. Major U.S. Carriers for example, charge $1.29 a minute for service in France while a French SIM card from RebelFone bills at $.35 a minute for local calls and $.59 a minute to call North America. You may also factor in the cost of the France SIM Card - RebelFone charges only $9.99 for a month’s service in France.

If you own an unlocked GSM phone, you can swap SIM cards in and out as needed, buying a SIM for France this year, and a SIM for Italy the year after. If you don’t own an un-locked cell phone already, simply buy a cheap one from RebelFone (starting at $29) or ask your carrier to unlock the one you currently have and take it with you as a travel phone. Whether you expect to make a lot of calls or desire to keep a cell phone on hand in case of emergency a local SIM Card will always be the least expensive option. You may also keep your USA number with RebelFone Follow Me Service.