hotshot

Trac-fones are an expensive alternative to regular cell phone service depending on amount of usage. If you only need a phone for occasional use they are nice because you can purchase a card and have no monthly fees or usage requirements. If you plan to use them alot (over 120min/month) then you are better off going with a service. I have one but I only use it when I go out of town in case of emergency. It has also been handy when one of my kids have an activity I can't attend, they take the phone or call me on it when they are finished. The signal is actually better than a lot of my friends get on thier cell phones. I have never had a dropped call or even bad reception. I do curb my usuage though so it remains cost effective.

frontline

Do you know if these phones are available internationally? It sounds like it would be a good deal if you are traveling on a short vacation to another country and would like to have a pre-paid phone to call home.

hotshot

According to thier packaging and web site, www.trac-fone.com they are available internatationally. I would recommend them if they are.

gizmokid999

They could be very handy to have on vacation. Especially if you are apt to forget your cell phone someplace or lose it. A lot less costly than losing your regular cell. Also great security for those who don't have a cell phone when traveling. Give one to a a relative that will be traveling and they can use it for emergencies on the road or to let you know when they've arrived at their destination. Gives peace of mind to you and your relative.

hotshot

Thats a really great idea. They cost around $15-$20 and come with some time on them. Also if you don't keep using them then you lose your number after a few months. That's not really a big deal though, anyone can buy a new card and recharge them and they issue a new number. So its nice you don't have to worry about paying every month. And the phones are like the ones with the plans now. So it isn't obvious what phone you have. I thought they would be cheaply made, they're not. My phone is a Nokia. The other nice thing is you can get some accessories for them like car charger etc. I just leave my phone in the car and check the battery to make sure its not dead.

gizmokid999

What's the cost per minute, though? I know people who give them to their children, because the kids know there's only a certain amount of calls they can make and it keeps them from going crazy on the phone. That I can understand, but for adults, if the cost per minutes are high, then wouldn't it be easier just to get on a calling plan? Has anyone here tried both and what was the difference in cost?