At last, there is an option that breaks down all my obstacles with a simple, pre-paid account. For $50 you can buy a dual-band Mobal World Phone from mobal.com which works in 140 countries (unfortunately the US isn’t one of them - but I have my Treo for at home talking.) You can buy a pricier phone that will also work in the US, but the phone plan is far more expensive than most of the domestic stuff, so why bother? I never have to pay monthly fees, make changes to an account,  change my phone number or trade out SIM cards. I’m assigned one number for the life of the phone, no matter how frequent or infrequent my use and there is no minimum credit purchase. Calls in most European countries to the US cost around $1.50/minute, which is an average cell phone price and it beats most hotel rates. There are also no taxes on calls. Incoming text messages are free -- hit me with your best shot, Cupid!
 
Whether I want to make text message romance with my love or simply coo to Mr. Big - get your mind out of the gutter, Mr. Big is my Chihuahua - I just double check my credit before I go, charge up my battery and I’m connected 24/7 to my entire universe. Now, if only they could figure out a way to share meals long distance…

For more information visit www.mobal.com