First trip to France

The wife and I are going on our first trip to France. Last time I was in Europe was on a vacation paid for by Uncle Sam and that was long before cell phones. My son gave me an 8830 and said it was time I get out of the 19th century technologically. I love using the phone.

Question is, will it work in France? Anyone know what I have to do to use it over there and if it is really expensive? I really just want to have it in case of emergencies. Also, do they have WIFI in Europe?

Thanks for your help.

One old traveler.

Well, yes it will work if you get a roaming plan and WIFI in Europe is ok.

(not to forget the power adapter)

Best Regards

They have wifi. I suggest you pick up a local sim card which is cheaper.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

I agree.I took both a 8830 and Storm when I went to europe(flew into France) and the phones both worked perfectly. A local Sim is a great investment though.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

You need to unlock your phone before using a local SIM. Call Verizon and ask for the unlock code.

Thank you.

What is a local sim card and are they expensive?

Originally Posted by bosco11

...Also, do they have WIFI in Europe?...

ROFL!!!

A "local SIM" is a SIM from a local carrier. Orange is a carrier in France. Not sure on pricing, but it will be a lot cheaper than roaming with Verizon.

If Verizon gives you trouble unlocking your phone, I suggest BlackBerry Unlock Code. It's usually a 5 minute deal getting your code.

Originally Posted by 312

ROFL!!!

A "local SIM" is a SIM from a local carrier. Orange is a carrier in France. Not sure on pricing, but it will be a lot cheaper than roaming with Verizon.

If Verizon gives you trouble unlocking your phone, I suggest Unique Phones. It's usually a 5 minute deal getting your code.

cut the guy some slack lol

The 8830 does NOT have wifi. If you have a laptop/netbook then that is a different issue.

I used my 8830 in Italy mostly for 3 weeks but not much phone, mostly data.

Calls are approx $1.99/minute, I think. But you can half that by signing up for Verizon's Global plan for $70/month which replaces your normal BIS plan ($30/month) for a $40 per month over what you now pay - calls in/out are $0.99/minute and data is UNlimited. I don't know the data rate - some decimal (g)

The costs are pro rata - use for 2 weeks and only pay for 2 weeks and then repickup your BIS.

I saved about $300+ on data in the 3 weeks.

Call Verizon and inquire.

If you get a local sim card, all calls to/from the US are priced Internationally, I believe and you have a different phone number.