Using Google Edition One in Europe???

[wr1020]

So i'm moving to Germany in a few months and i'm considering upgrading to a google edition One from my gnex. I'm gonna be in the US for 2-3 more months than i'll be moving and i'll be gone for about 2-3 years. I wanted to know what kind of prepaid service their is in Germany and in general Europe as i'll be visiting other countries while i'm there. Should i wait and see what contracts are like there before i make my purchase? Anyone here use their phones in Europe? I'll be visiting the states here and there so a non contract plan would be more ideal. Any suggestions? Thanks.