A suitable mobile phone for Spain, Portugal, France

[thecowans]

We are travelling from Australia in April 2013 to walk the Camino Portugues and part of the Via Podiensis (France). Any recommendation, if it is possible, on the most suitable and cost effective pre-paid mobile phone (&/or company) to purchase in Lisbon with local coverage in the three above countries and the capacity to be able to ring home/text to Australia and receive calls/texts from there.

Having read the FAQs we haven't really got a clear picture of the best way to go with a mobile phone. We have walked the Camino Frances without a phone, but realise we will probably need it this time to book ahead for accommodation especially in France. Many thanks for any suggestions. Peter & Carmel.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Cellular service is not integrated between the three countries. You will have roaming charges in the other two countries regardless of which service you purchase. I have one SIM chip for France (Orange) and one for Spain (Vodafone). I have never been very far from the Spanish border when in Portugal, so did not buy a chip for them. There may be a service that covers Spain and Portugal.

 

[colinPeter]

Hi Peter & Carmel
http://www.mobipassport.com.au/
I used these guys for SIMS for Spain and France (separate SIMS), the rates are not as good as buying a SIM locally, but you can have it set up before you leave home. Since then they have introduced an International SIM does all Europe but again higher rates. Not sure if this is a call back system or not (ie the call is diverted via Estonia or somewhere).
Speaking of which, we also used an EKIT SIM (Through Flight Centre), it is a call back but cheap rates to call back to Australia, we used this to call family back home, it worked eally well.
Buen Camino
Col

 

[thecowans]

Many thanks 'falcon269' and 'colinPeter'. Appreciate your advice very much and are actively pursuing options and comparing rates. As our parents used to say: 'it pays to ask!' Never truer than when chatting with fellow peregrinos.
Peter & Carmel