A Lowdown on Cell Phones

Author: Richard Smurthwaite

A woman buys an iPhone, goes to Europe, and unknowingly amasses a $500 bill after four days overseas. By the time she reaches AT&T, the total is around $5,000.

And yes, as she wrote in the Chicago Tribune, not a single phone call contributed to the hefty bill. Turns out that if you don't watch what you're doing, you can and will be charged an arm and a leg for sending photos, watching YouTube footage, surfing the Web, and checking e-mail.

After contacting AT&T and switching to a new global data plan retroactively, the writer was able to negate some of the charges. She also learned that when heading overseas, it's essential to turn the data-roaming feature off, and to use Wi-Fi instead of the 3G network for e-mail. (From the Budget Travel Blog, http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2009/09/how_to_get_hit_with_a_5000_iph.html)

For the informed traveler, having a cell phone in Europe can be a huge benefit, but there are some hurdles to clear to make this possible.

First, a short primer on cell phone technology. GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is a type of cell phone and network used in Europe and most countries in the world. Some US cell phone companies use GSM (T-Mobile, AT&T), but many do not. You need a GSM phone in Europe.

Verizon has seven models that use the GSM technology that works in Europe, such as the BlackBerry Tour and HTC Touch Pro2, but otherwise most Verizon phones are not GSM-compatible. However, Verizon offers a service whereby you can rent a phone from them for about $10 (they will even ship it to you), that will work in Europe. Sprint has five models that are compatible with Europe's wireless technology. It also offers a rental program for travelers to Europe.

However, just because you have a GSM phone does not mean you can use your phone in Europe. GSM cell phones and networks work on GSM bands (frequencies). It is very important that you know which bands the GSM cell phone works on. This will determine where you can use it.

• Cell phones in the US work at GSM 1900 or 850
• Cell phones in Europe work on GSM 900 or 1800

In other words, if your GSM phone only has the U.S. bands, you will probably not connect to a service in Europe. If you want to use your GSM cell phone in both the US and Europe, get a quad-band phone (four bands). Most T-Mobile and AT&T phones sold in the past several years are quad-band.

In addition, T-Mobile has worldwide roaming turned off by default on all new accounts. If you want to use your phone in Europe, call Customer Care and ask for this to be turned on. There is no cost until you use the phone. Rates are about $1/min for calls and $0.20 for outbound text, $0.30 for inbound. The killer cost, however, is data---$15/Mb. If you have a phone that is linked to email, you have a couple of options: (1) you may avoid the data cost by switching to Wi-Fi connectivity for data, or (2) you can avoid it entirely by turning off all data connections, or (3) T-Mobile has a service for $19.99 per month that allows unlimited emails. Even better, you pay only for the number of days you have that activated.

Bottom line: cell phones are not only handy at home (that’s a pun, of sorts, because at least in the German countries the generic name for a cell phone is a Handy), but can be very useful while traveling. If you are thinking of bringing your phone, talk to your carrier’s customer service.

The Final Stretch

Buon giorno fellow travelers,

We're less than a month away from our Italian adventure. Dad and I are polishing up the extended itinerary this week, so expect that in the next week.

In addition, here is a spattering of reading/viewing suggestions if you'd like more Tuscan-themed brain appetizers 1) prior to take-off or 2) to enjoy while there.

The Agony and the Ecstasy,
Irving Stone
If I had to choose a novel that inspired my love of Florence and all things Michelangelo, it would be The Agony and the Ecstasy. This biographical novel (i.e. some stuff is true, other stuff not so much) really captures the essence of Florence and Rome in the magical cinquecento period. It's definitely worth a read if you'd like to know more about Florence, Rome, Michelangelo, the David, the Sistine Chapel, and his other major projects in the format of a novel. 

The Lives of the Artists,
Giorgio Vasari
If you're looking for a more authentic biography of the great cinquecento artists then The Lives of the Artists, written by Giogio Vasari (apprenticed to Michelangelo at an early age), might be for you. Vasari was the originator of the artistic biography genre. In this work, he examines thirty-six of the most important Italian artists of that time with an amusing bias towards all things Florentine. I have not read this yet, but it has been recommended on a number of sites that I have reviewed. I would anticipate it being a more academic read.

Under the Tuscan Sun,
Frances Mayes
I'm not going to pretend I've read this, but it did come recommended by Marisa. Here's the description from Amazon: "In this memoir of her buying, renovating, and living in an abandoned villa in Tuscany, Frances Mayes reveals the sensual pleasure she found living in rural Italy, and the generous spirit she brought with her. She revels in the sunlight and the color, the long view of her valley, the warm homey architecture, the languor of the slow paced days, the vigor of working her garden, and the intimacy of her dealings with the locals." NOTE: You can also watch this film (on DVD) for some great Tuscan footage.

A Thousand Days in Tuscany,
Marlena de Blasi
"From its opening scene of an impromptu alfresco village feast of fried zucchini blossoms, fennel-roasted pork, and pudding made from the cream of a local blue-eyed cow, this memoir of the seasons in a small Tuscan village is rich with food, weather, romance and, above all, life. De Blasi continues the adventures begun in her A Thousand Days in Venice, as she and her husband, Fernando, leave Venice for Tuscany in search of a place that still remembers real life... sweet and salty... each side of life dignifying the other."

Eat, Pray, Love,
Now Playing in Theaters
If you're looking to see Italy on the big screen before going, then you'll probably enjoy the "Eat" portion of Eat, Pray, Love. This film is based on the creative nonfiction adventures of Elizabeth Gilbert, who begins her life-altering journey learning to love the art of eating in Rome. The other two-thirds of the film take place in India and Bali, but it makes a good date night movie nonetheless.

Letters to Juliet, Playing in Theaters - Limited
Marisa went and saw this movie and gave it a thumb up for story and two two thumbs up for scenery. It would be most likely categorized as a chick flick, but another great date night movie if you'd like to see Italy on the big screen. It's currently at the dollar theaters and comes out on DVD the day we leave.

Gladiator,
On DVD
Okay, okay, so maybe this won't give you the idyllic sense of Italian bliss you're hoping for, but I had to include this one for the rough and tumble types. Those who have seen the movie will be interested to know that the scene where Maximus rides back home from the war too late to save his family is shot in the Sienise countryside. Also, Maximus' dreams of paradise are in the Val d'Orcia - confirming that paradise can indeed be found both in Tuscany and by watching manly dramas.

Well, I hope that list helps inspire one or two of you. Feel free to chime in with other books or movies.