Trip Tip a Day

Tip of the day: Rates are different for calling a European landline vs. a mobile from the USA! Verizon $ 4.99 per month plus 10 cents per minute to a European landline, 30 cents/min to a Euro mobile AT&T Cell International Calling $3.99/month plus 22 cents/min to a Euro mobile Skype 23 cents/min to a Euro mobile AT&T Worldwide calling $30 prepaid calling card 25 cents/min to Euro mobile Pingo USA to France 2.25 cents per minute to a landline 14.5 cents/min to a Euro mobile Looks like Pingo wins to both landline and mobile. http://www.pingo.com/ (photo is a New Hampshire USA peppermint patty- yummy)

Taking a cell phone, hair dryer, or camera to Europe? Plan to purchase a converter/adapter set. This device converts European electricity that runs at 220/240 volts to "American" 110/120 Volts electricity. Result - your appliance works in Europe. By the way, many hotels in Europe have hair dryers in the bathrooms. Living in Dallas, I headed over to my local Fry's Electronics store. ( www.frys.com ). Before you go, check the wattage on your applicances so you can choose the right converter. They are based on wattage. I settled on the Travel Smart by Conair 1875-watt international converter set. ( www.conair.com ). Dual wattage converters can be VERY heavy - but the Conair is relatively light. Read the instructions before you go. There are details about which setting to use (LO or HI) based on the type of applicance and also DO NOT USE for.....lists. This set worked for us in France, Italy, and Switzerland with cell phones, cameras, and an 1875 w...