.... anyone know if a Telstra pre-paid mobile will work in Dubai and UK in an emergency. The website says yes, but double checked in Telstra shop and they say no. Young spark flying tonight so I'm letting nerves get the better of me

Telstra – International Roaming – Pricing Pre-Paid

says yes.

The bigger issue is making sure a smartphone doesn't roam and rack up silly bills (particularly data). Get the SIM out of the phone is best.

Young Spark doesn't have a smart phone so not data bills to worry about - and prepaid means he'll run out of credit first. First time flying on his own so just worrying a bit

Edit - and sorry, should also have said thanks Garry - that was what I read, it was the guy in the shop who said no.

Mine always did (its not pre paid now, but on contract) but I think I had to check with telstra first that it had roaming turned first.

Emirates offered assistance through Dubai at check in so not so nervous now. He even went through to international departures with the staff at Adelaide and will be boarded first - huge weight off!

Well, actually you are probably better off with a smartphone - since actually calling is a bit old hat, and you can send a message via a wifi hotspot for free. Plus smartphones are more likely to have the right frequency to connect to a local network.

Thanks, I'll have to look into that. Any recommendations for an easy to use one?

Personally I think they are all easy to use !

Difficult

At this precise time the best VFM is probably the Nexus 5 - its stock, will get upgrades for ages, and a good chance of some deals as the 6 has just come out - and the 5 is a better phone anyway. Otherwise it will be a while before the the new 4G Moto G is released, the 3G only version really isn't too sensible.

iphones are too expensive (though good granny phones) and I can't advise anyone to get a windows phone.

Thanks - will look at that for him.

Excellemt. Heshould be fine then, it'll be noted on his booking all the way

Granny phone ......

nothing wrong with being a granny

I thought people had heard that before?

It always used to be that the iphone/ipad etc. were so locked down, so lacking in options/flexibility, and so simplistic in operation that people got them for relatives in order to reduce the "IT support" type calls anyone who knows anything about computers gets from anyone who knows they know anything about computers.

Hence, granny phone.

Given that apple have been copying Android with extra power/flexibility - and Google have been dumbing down Android for those that don't know where the levers are - I'm not sure it really holds anymore. However, if I know someone with more money than sense, and that might cause me hassle, I still tend to point them towards apple as a granny phone.

Note, that does tend to be MBA/PHB type thing, more than anyone ....

Ouch.

you been at the sauce again gal??