[Idyllchat] Cell Phone

Tue Aug 21 09:35:54 EDT 2007

Oops!  Sorry.  The cost of the phone which works only in Europe was $49, including recharger and adaptor kit.  The cost of the phone which works anywhere in the world was $99, including recharger and adaptor kit.  That may seem like a lot of money, but I felt it was reasonable given the fact I could have a dependable cell phone with me anywhere.  If you add the purchase price to the $30 I've spent in calls, it comes to $65 per year so far and the cost will only go down.  You can't rent or have a regular cell phone for just $65 per year.
In regard to Vance's reply, Mobal doesn't sell packages of minutes, so you can't get a free phone from them by buying minutes.  And while Mobal is a UK  company, if you live in the U.S. you will deal with their office in NYC.
The phone which works anywhere is a Siemens A70 -- slightly larger than about 3 credit cards together, so it is very compact.  It is the same model I have seen in some Untours apts where cell phones are provided for local usage.
As I said before, what I like best about Mobal is the clarity of their calls and the fact that I only pay for what I use -- no penalites for not making calls.
Thanks for the question and hope my reply clears things up for anyone who was wondering about the purchase price.
Christine in Massachusetts
-------------- Original message from "robert w. miller" <rwm1029 at chartertn.net>: -------------- 

Christine, you have given a very detailed and useful set of comments on the Mobal phone including the reasonably modest useage charges.  However, it appears that you have omitted a very important bit of information.  What did the phone cost?

Bob Miller
----- Original Message ----- 
From: ZBerry at att.net 
To: yose42 at embarqmail.com ; postchat 
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 7:05 AM
Subject: Re: [Idyllchat] Cell Phone

Hi C&J -
Two years ago I bought a Mobal cell phone for use anywhere in the world.  (I bought because over time it was going to be much cheaper than renting from time to time.)  I didn't have a cell phone for use at home (don't want one except for emergencies) and so the Mobal fit my needs exactly.
If you have looked into them at all, you know there is no monthly or annual fee, minutes don't expire, you have your own permanent phone number (but it is a UK number), and they are virtually hassle-free.  You pay only for the phone calls you make, and those costs are automatically charged to your credit or debit card.  The per-minute rate is higher than some other plans, so if you do a lot of talking on a cell when you travel, this is not the phone for you.  But, if like me, you use it for the occasional call to get info about some place you may want to visit or if you use it only for emergencies, I don't think you can beat it. 
Many respected travel "authorities" have endorsed it:  David Rowell of The Travel Insider, Budget Travel, Frommer's, Visit Britain, Inc., ITN, Rick Steves, etc.  
The one thing that has impressed me is the absolute clarity of calls I make with the phone -- whether here at home, in Belgium, Germany, Iceland, etc.  Obviously I am very happy with my Mobal cell phone and would recommend it to anyone who wants a quality and dependable cell phone for their travels.  Again, the only caveat I have is that it is most definitely not for heavy cell phone talkers because the per minute rate is higher than most (Mobal's web site will tell you the per minute rate for the country you will be visiting).  I have made quite a few calls in the two years I've had it (both while traveling in Europe and here at home when it was necessary) and I would estimate my total costs at about $30.  Inexpensive for all the convenience it offers.
Anyway, hope this helps.  If you have any other questions, let me know.  There are others on Idyllchat who will recommend other good cell phones as well.  Good luck with whatever you decide.
Christine in Massachusetts

-------------- Original message from yose42 at embarqmail.com: -------------- 

Good morning from NE TN. We are in last minute preparations for our UnTour to Seiwald, Kuchl the first of October.
Wondering if any of you have had any experience in using mobal.com phones?
Appreciate any thoughts.
C&J

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