Best cell phone plan/phone for extended international travel?

[A930Rocket]

What's the best cell phone plan/phone for extended international travel?

From a previous post, our daughter will be going to Barcelona, Spain from 9/1 to 12/16 for school.

What's the best idea to have for phone, data, text etc.?

Take her phone and get a AT&T plan? Buy a local SIM card? Buy a local phone? I don't expect that we will talk every day but might text.

She likes to text and use data, so that's a must.

Thanks.

[motion]

Get ahold of an AT&T compatible (GSM) smart phone. Go to a T-Mobile store and signup for the $50 unlimited post-paid account that allows for free unlimited international data roaming. Works like a charm. Data and texts are free. Voice is .20 a minute.

[Rick Lee]

But a phone and local SIM card once in country. I did that in Germany and it's really the easiest and cheapest way to go. Assuming you'll be dealing with a lot of locals, they won't want to be calling your US number from their own cell phones.

[pcardude]

It depends on where you are going. Spain I'd do the T-Mobile one. Japan or Korea sprint would be best. If you are planning to be receiving calls from locals getting a local SIM card is best.

[5String43]

But a phone and local SIM card once in country.

This is what I do. Works just fine.

[A930Rocket]

Thanks everyone!

[Arizona_928]

I used t mobile, but only in Germany. Unlimited text/data/ 0.15 a minute for 50$/month. Was quite happy.