Is anyone familiar with these? Do you have any suggestions?

I have an old prepaid flip phone that I use when traveling in the States, so I'm really behind the times on phone technology and terminology. I need to be able to confirm flights, call a cab, make dinner reservations, etc.

When we went to Ireland a few years ago, we went to a store in Dublin, sort of like a Walgreens, and bought a phone and loaded it with minutes. Just a junky little phone, and I think it was only about $30. But we were driving all over, and had to confirm our B&Bs every night, plus we were afraid of hitting a sheep in the middle of nowhere and needing a tow truck. The feasibility depends on where you're going, though.

The CIA and international terrorist organizations use the for their communications.

Thanks MBH, that's an option I've considered. I'll be in Australia and there will be a lot of flying involved I'd hate to miss a flight or a hotel shuttle.

I've always just added the international plan to my phone for 1 month when traveling abroad.

Thanks Walden. Unfortunately, I don't have that option. I did find something over the weekend that will be perfect! I bought a phone for $40 (including shipping, chargers, etc) that will work just about anywhere in the world (including cruise ships). The only additional charges will be for minutes that I actually use, which aren't cheap, but that's ok. When I get home I can keep the phone until the next time I need it, then charge it up and it's good to go for that trip.