Multi Country Cell Phone Usage

[GuyA]

Hi,

I will be walking through Switzerland, France and Spain on my Camino next year. One area I could use your advice on is cell phone usage. My needs are simple i.e. have a cell phone available to call to reserve/confirm bookings and for emergencies. I will communicate with family and friends through the Internet.

I am thinking the best approach would be to purchase a cheap phone upon arrival in Switzerland and then purchase some type of pay as you go plan for travelling through these 3 countries over a 3+ month period.

From your experience is this the right approach? If it is any recommendations on either the type of phone or pay as you go plans that would be good for this trip would be helpful.

I appreciate any assistance you can provide.

Thanks

Guy

 

[fraluchi]

I will communicate with family and friends through the Internet. I am thinking the best approach would be to purchase a cheap phone upon arrival in Switzerland and then purchase some type of pay as you go plan for travelling through these 3 countries over a 3+ month period

In my experience it is best to buy a chip in each country you travel through, if it is only to make local calls. As soon as you cross a border from one country to the other (CH - F for example), you will find that conversations on a chip, purchased in CH, will eat away your deposit in no time when calling in France.
You may want to find out about rates with Orange, Movistar, and whatever other providers, what the calling costs are, particularly the cross border calls.