i'm not sure what network europe uses, but most likely you need BOTH:

1) unlocked gsm cellphone
2) support for the band in europe

There are 4 bands in general that most carriers use.

GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network (DATA) HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100

Again, I'm not sure what europe uses mainly, but if you do get an unlocked cellphone, make sure it supports europes band along with toronto's. I think any quad band phone will be good.

Oh, I'm not sure about data bands too.. not sure if its the same as voice... double check on that if you intend to use email, msn, web browsing on your cellphone while in europe..



Personally, what i would do is, get a cheap unlocked quad band gsm cellphone for under $100. I call it more spare and travel cellphone.

And then, with fido, get a plan and get a good expensive cellphone (hopefully for very little cause of the contract)... the only problem is that fido doesn't sell (on their own) the super amazing cellphones... i think that's why most ppl buy unlocked phones. not because they want switch between gsm carriers, but rather the carriers don't sell the good phones along with a contract.

Oh and I don't mind contracts cause I usually stick with the carrier. I currently have 1 fido cell and 1 rogers cell. I'm on a 3-year contract with fido (which I kinda regret it being that long, cause I want to change my plan to a cheaper plan without the system activation fees)... the rogers is no-contract, but I'm thinking about changing that too to a contract so that i can get another cellphone..



in other news, i think telus and/or bell are going to support gsm soon. So unlocked gsm phones will work with them.



hope i made sense in my post... i kinda rushed it..

Its always better to buy your own phone so you are not locked to any contract unless you have a really great plan that you know cannot be beaten by anyone else then you sign and get a free phone.

And you will need a Quad band phone for when traveling so it will work on any GSM provider.

You are going to need to look at the new HSPA+ phones. They will allow you to get SIM cards and use them in Europe.
(Your still going to have to get it unlocked).

Yea but as long as the phones are Quad band there should be no problem with it working.

i'd buy it unlocked from a trustworthy online website. They usually come unlocked AND cheaper than buying it here. You'll save on the unlocking fees too.

To be clear, whether you buy the phone or subsidize it over 3 years, the phone will be locked to your network. If you pay full retail for the phone, tell them that you want them to fully unlock it for you. they may put up a fight but they will eventually do it.

Or you can buy an unlocked phone from a reputable web site.

Or you can buy any GSM phone from eBay and have it unlocked.

Thanks for the information everyone, it has been very helpful.