Cell Phones in Europe

What is your best option for mobile communication when you visit Europe this spring/summer?

• Option 1: Buy a European cellphone with a pay-per-minute SIM card. After the initial investment of $50-100 you are paying a few pennies per minute for local calls. Int'l calls are quite expensive. This is the right choice if you're visiting with friends and you plan to make many local calls. This was also the obvious choice for my six month visit.
• Option 2: Unlock your American cellphone and install a European SIM card. I have been told that it's possible to unlock a phone for $30...or free if you know the right people. A SIM card will cost around $20. So, it's just a little cheaper but you know you love your phone and you have all of your numbers ready to go. Beware of the risks: in Barcelona I somehow melted my American charger in the Spanish outlet.
• Option 3: Use your American service in Europe. Cingular has roaming coverage for all of Europe and the rate is $1-2 per minute. Text messaging works too. This is a good option if you just want your phone for emergencies.
• Option 4: Skype your int'l calls. You will need to buy a $30 USB headset and set up a free account on Skype, but you can have unlimited FREE conversations with other Skypers back home. Calls to regulare phones are not free, but they are reasonably priced. Also, Wi-Fi phones are now available for approx $200, so you just have to hunt down a cafe with free Wi-Fi access. The real benefit is the pride you feel as you sit on the cutting edge of technology.