Hi, I'm planning on traveling to the US and Europe in the near future so I'd appreciate some recommendations on which providers I should use for cell service and phone/calling cards.
Pre-paid, since I assume I'm ineligible for credit, but I would consider allowing a provider to directly bill a credit card number (if they can be trusted). I don't have a SSN, or permanent US/European address if that matters.
Services that require a minimum of pre-paid credit or offer wider coverage would be better. My calls would be a mix of local and long-distance including international. Having the option of toll-free access for the calling card would probably be useful, if that is not a given for US calling cards (it is not in Australia but we have larger local call areas). I would expect that my cell usage would be fairly low, limited mostly to receiving calls.
For the US, I'd like to have service in Hawaii, California, New York, and the New England states. I'll pretty much be sticking to major cities and the more touristed parts of these states.
I don't have a phone suitable for the US, so your recommendations for a specific technology (CDMA, GSM etc) and a low cost handset (or rental) would be welcome. WAP support would be plus if compatible with the cheapest plans. A phone suitable for an elderly person with poor eye-sight and dexterity, would be another plus, but not essential. Offers for loaners or purchase of this phone would also be welcome.
For Europe, I'm planning on visiting the continent mainly to EU states.
Thanks for any help,
D.