There are many web sites that sell 'unlocked' GSM phones at (almost) reasonable prices. You'll be best served by at least a 'tri-band' phone supporting 900/1800/1900 service; and if it supports the 850 band (quad band), all the better. Here are a couple starting points (google 'quad band gsm phones'): http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/phonesunlocked.asp
and http://www.ustronics.com/noname144.html. I purchased an unlocked Nokia 6100 from USTRONICS for international travel, and have been pleased with the phone. It all comes down to a matter of features, and how much you want to pay. I like the new Motorola phones that I'm seeing, V400 and up; these models are starting to appear on the US market, but of course are usually 'locked' to providers (AT&T, Cingular, T-Mobile) so not the best choice for overseas use with another SIM. Just as an FYI, I've found that t-mobile seems to offer the best international rates if you buy a quad-band from them and use it in your travels. Maybe that's due to their lineage (Deutsche Telekom).
I will be traveling to Europe over the next year and I am looking to purchase a phone that works in all countries. However, I don't want a US carrier charging very high per minute charges, so I guess I would need an unlocked GSM phone, this way I could buy a SIM card in different countries and pay local rates. Question is, where do I get such a phone and which phone do you recommend? I will be visiting UK, Spain, Italy and possibly France. I will also travel to Brazil.
Thanks

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