Originally Posted by
Often1
I am presuming that OP does not have a smart phone or else he would simply use the same WiFi connection to access Skype as he is using to access the internet for his post on FT.
Indeed, if he really is in a pickle, a prepaid cheap phone with a SIM card loaded for calls to the US is the best and cheapest option.
A collect call, if you can make it to an 0170 operator is going to cost the party who accepts the charges an astronomical amount, far more than the a prepaid.
If you are travelling regularly, having a smart phone and a backup is a real necessity.
Banks/CCs accept collect calls from overseas if you lost your cc or other similarly related issues--since their "800" number won't work and is NOT toll-free.
I've not had to deal with making a collect call to the USA until NOW, but buying a pp cp with SIM is good for FUTURE use.
At one time (5+ years ago) pay phones in Switzerland allowed one to use a CC with NO surcharges, a 5 minute call to the USA cost $1.00^--but NOT anymore
Originally Posted by
freecia
Unlocked Android smartphones can be quite affordable these days. If you prefer iOS an unlocked iPhone 5s from eBay or swappa runs ~ $120.
There are apps for making calls, including Skype and Google Voice (free calls to the US). You can make the call via wifi so you don't even need to purchase a sim card, get the phone unlocked from carrier, or worry about which carrier frequencies your phone may be compatible with. Just look for a decent wifi connection. It is fine to keep the phone turned off if you don't need it. The voice quality over wifi/data has also gotten better, too, though you still often get what you pay for.
Purchasing a local sim card usually requires 15+ min and fitting my purchase into regular business hours so a little planning is necessary. VOIP isn't allowed in every single country in the world so a backup or two is a good idea
https://nordvpn.com/blog/why-is-skyp...ain-countries/
As far as "many US cell phone networks not working in Europe", that was perhaps true 6/7 years ago but is no longer the case. T-Mobile data roams for free in many European countries. AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint have paid international roaming passes.
My cellphone is a VirginMobile on a pre-paid plan, it does NOT get a signal in Europe--even though VM uses Sprint Network in the USA.
But as others have noted, buying a "cheap-o"
flip-phone is probably best for my needs.