My D will soon be studying abroad in Germany. I would like her to have access to a cell phone to use while she is there, in case she needs it in an emergency. Do anyone of you have advice as to how to manage this?
The best option would probably be a pre-paid option. Most contract phones require a minimum of 12 months commitment. I can recommend simyo for pre-paid. Their rates are pretty good and they ship the sim-card to your daughter's address and she can just replenish it online. The only downside is they don't provide a phone, just the sim-card, so your daughter would have to buy one somewhere else. If she's in a bigger city that shouldn't be a problem though.
Thanks very much! She will be in Berlin, so I would guess it would be easy to find a phone! Or could she buy a prepaid phone with a sim-card already in it?
It's easiest to buy a prepaid phone when you get there. I was there for a year in 2010-2011 and had a phone through T-Mobile. I didn't use it very often, because the credit went fast but it was good for emergencies and when I needed to get in contact with people. Silence's idea is also good, but it can be hard to find unlocked phones.
sarah9 It's actually very easy to find unlocked phones in Germany compared to the US. Especially in big cities like Berlin there will probably be a ton of small shops that cell used, unlocked cell phones and even some big electronic store chains usually have one or two unlocked models. Granted these phones don't do much other than text and call but there is no need for anything else anyway.
This one does not require any contract. You can just buy a sim or a phone with a sim.
You can recharge it when more credit is needed. They give 2 phone numbers: 1 global and 1 US.
Each phone plan depends on the usage: want to call/text home, want to receive call/text only...
