I'm trying to buy a cell phone WITHOUT A PLAN. I am sending it to a
> relative in another country where they will activate it.
Cingular is presently advertising a plan that costs 10c per minute of use plus $1/day of any use. I don't know what the phone will cost or added fees. For very occassional users this might work out better than a contract.
Note that some providers do offer cheaper plans (ie $20/month) but don't push them and you must ask firmly about them.
Radio Shack had some phones for sale that came with a pay-as-you go plan.