What am I going to do about my cellphone?

I cherish perserving what can be preserved. Most of my clothes that I currently wear are from my highschool days (I graduated 8 yrs ago). For goodness sakes, I've had my well-functioning TV since I was 13 and I am now 24. I am dreading even having to think about getting rid of my cellphone while I am overseas. I've had this phone for 5 yrs and it took my friends 3 yrs of convincing me, I needed the thing in the first place. This precious device serves as my life line. It has saved me from some life threatening situations (ok, so I am being dramatic). Nonetheless, there is some value in having a cellphone. In my research, I've discovered that my t-mobile phone is not compatible with CR communications technologies. So, what do I do?

Do I get rid of it, plain and simple, and buy another once I get there? Or, should I keep my phone active here for as low as $20 bucks per month? After all I pay less than $60 for my phone and probably will not get a deal as good as this.

In general I live pretty simply, but again I like to hold on to things as well. To my fellow PC folks & family member what have you done in the past with your cellphones?