Thanks everybody !  Great advice !  Thanks for taking the time to help ! My last overseas trip was 20 years ago, so I am WAY out of touch, electronically.

I think that renting a phone is not going to work, since both girls will be studying for an entire semester (aprox. 4 months.)  The area for study, as far as we know at this point, will be Tokyo/Yokohama areas, and probably some just general traveling around stuff too.  Good to know, though, because it sounds like a good idea for short term travel.

Cost is a definite concern for us, so we appreciate any advice on the best way to save $.  Any other advice is greatly appreciated !