Thanks gglave. This is the sort of feedback I was looking for, both for myself and for other foreign visitors reading these pages. I visit the US twice a year and have never had a problem - but that's a pretty small sample size. Your greater exposure to it, and responding to the post, is most welcome!

I think that's what's supposed to happen - we shall see. Transatlantic phone charges from UK are ridiculous!. I think many foreign visitors use up the last of their dollars in duty free - and if it happens to them I think they're pretty much screwed!