Cheapest phone options for calls from the US to the UK when on holiday?

Hi guys,

I'm visiting my family in the summer and wanted to take my blackberry with me because it's quadband I'll finally have a phone that works in the US too. What's the cheapest option for calling/texting from the US to the UK? I'm currently on giffgaff(o2 network) and might switch to t-mobile. Should I buy a sim card in the UK and use it in the US? I'm on pay as you go by the way. Or should I buy a sim card in the US and use it to call the UK? I've been away for so long I wouldn't even know if they still sell sim cards in the US. I didn't see any at walgreens or anything when I was there last.

What do you guys use when you visit?

Thank you! 

Hi

It'd have to be some sort of plan available in the US to call the UK for X cents/minute that you'll need to find/buy.

It also depends on how you wish to call back to the UK, if you want the flexibility of calling from a cell as you're out and about, it's going to be more expensive to do so than if you were perhaps to call on your computer/laptop using skype to skype for instance which would be free.

With the advent of tablet computers and android etc, also public wi-fi spots which are free, you could try making a skype call (or equivalent) when connected to such a spot - perhaps in a starbucks or mcdonalds etc.

If from your cell, then I'm sure there's some companies that offer discounted rates to call abroad - similar to the many we have here. Most likely pre-paid phone cards etc.

I haven't really needed to call back to the UK/home for any extended amount of time, so I just make a minute or two call to let everyone know im good. For my US to US calls, I just buy a pay as you go SIM (usually T Mobile). I'm back out US side in a couple of weeks time so will have a look to see if there's anything I spot which looks good for calls back to the UK

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

Ah ok thanks Dennis!