There was a time when having a cell phone in Europe meant renting a phone and paying very high per minute charges. Not anymore. If you live in a major metropolitan area of the US, chances are good and getting even better that your present cell phone service offers tri-band service. It may mean that you have to upgrade to a new phone, but the end result is that people can call your US cell phone number and get you most anywhere in Europe. Cost? Between $1-2 a minute, depending upon your service provider.

Update: In the year since the above was written, GSM (tri-band) cell phones have become pretty much commonplace. And the rates for calls to and from your phone while in Europe have fell as well. Many plans offer rates for around $.60 per minute. This further underscores the suggestion to upgrade your present phone rather than pay the high price of a rental.