OT: European Cell Phone Service, Looking for coverage in London, Paris and Amsterdam Options

[Part Pricer]

I know this is off topic. But, I'm sure that this group has some knowledge & experience in this area, so I'm looking for some advice. I've googled this subject and I'm more confused than ever. So, I decided to ask the experts. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I'm heading over to Europe in the fall and I'm going to need local cell phone coverage. This will only be for calls being received and placed to phones in the countries where I will be visiting. I will not need to receive or place calls to the U.S. from this phone.

I will be spending some time in London, Paris and Amsterdam (and surrounding areas) and would like to have coverage in all places using the same phone number. I'm thinking that it may be best to just purchase a SIM card that will provide me a number and roaming to all three countries. Which brings me to two questions.

First, I have a Nokia 6230 phone which is unlocked. This would allow me to put any SIM into the phone. The phone is GSM 850/1800/1900 MHz. Will this work? Or, do I have to go with a phone that operates at 900 MHz as well?

Second, who should I purchase a SIM and coverage from? There are so many places that come up when searching for coverage that it's making my head spin.

Thanks

[Bleyseng]

I have always used/bought a phone over there and bought calling cards for the minutes. Stupid USA phones don't work over there even ones I had that were "unlocked"
Same thing in South America except Trinidad.

[Randal]

I have always used/bought a phone over there and bought calling cards for the minutes. Stupid USA phones don't work over there even ones I had that were "unlocked"
Same thing in South America except Trinidad.

9 courtries out of 10 (Europe, Asia, South America or whereever) it will always be cheaper to purchase a phone there when you arrive at the airport. Along with the phone you can purchase (authorize) X number of minutes.

When you run out you simply pay for another top up. Cellular shops everywhere seem to be able to do this.

Alternatively you can use a credit card to effect the purchase.

You want a phone local to the country as the rates for incountry use are always more cost effective.