 Your options for getting a compatible cellular phone
THE VERY BASICS
To use a cellular phone when traveling you need to have two things:
- The Phone - a Tri-band GSM phone, and
- The Service - a subscription to a network, provided in the form of a SIM card (a small chip inserted into the phone)
ABOUT THE PHONE
The phone is basically just a hardware device that communicates with the nearest cellular antenna site.
The cellular communication technology may vary between countries and between cellular providers.
To be able to communicate in the vast majority of your travel destination countries, you want to have a GSM phone that is compatible with at least three of the four GSM frequencies used. You therefore want a Tri-Band or a Quad-Band GSM device.
For Tri-Band phone, make sure that 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies are included in your supported three frequencies as they are the most common around the world.
If your cellular provider is not using the GSM technology (could be CDMA 1X, PCS, TDMA) or if your GSM phone is not Tri or Quad-Band, then you NEED to get another cellular phone to use when traveling.
To verify what type of phone you have you can ask you cellular provider representative, or search the Web using you phone model as the search term.
Bottom line - you NEED a Tri-Band or Quad-Band GSM phone to be mobile abroad
You also want your phone to be unlocked. Read on for details.
How to get a world cellular phone?
If you got a little confused from the crash course on cellular technology, don't worry. No more technicalities. Here is a small table mapping your general options:
The phone |
The source & Service options |
Notes |
Use your current phone |
Your phone
Limited to your current cellular provider |
This is an option only to subscribers of GSM providers, provided that your phone is tri-band.
You might need to enable your international roaming service with the carrier (usually free of charge)
Less headaches, but VERY expensive! |
| |
Your phone
Unlimited |
This option requires that have an unlocked tri-band GSM phone. If your phone is not unlocked, unlocking your phone is an option with some risks related.
Unlocking information and service companies can be found on the Internet. It would in most cases require that you send your phone for hacking / unlocking. Beware of the risks.
This is probably the most reasonable option IF your phone is GSM tri-band and unlocked. |
Buy a new phone |
Your cellular provider
Limited to your current cellular provider |
Your cellular provider wants you to use its services. You will be investing in a new phone that will probably be locked and limited to the costly rates of the provider.
If you are already investing in a phone, we recommend that you consider buying a new unlocked phone. This will give you the flexibility to use it with your provider, locally or when roaming, or with alternative providers.
Buying a new cellular phone from you carrier should be considered only if the phone is unlocked. |
| |
eBay & Retailers
Unlimited |
This is by far the most flexible option and the recommended one if your current phone is not compatible. It will require an initial investment in the phone but it will most likely pay off after your first trip.
A new unlocked phone can also be used with your current cellular provider. After all there is no limitation on the SIM, and your phone is now unlocked and limited.
When buying a new phone, you may find a variety of deals offered at very attractive prices. There are a few details to keep in mind: make sure the phone is unlocked, be very careful before choosing refurbished phones - you can never know what can go wrong with it. New phones usually have a one year manufacturers warrantee, unlike used or refurbished. Most online sales are final and there are no returns. It might be worth spending a little more but having the peace of mind.
Owning a new unlocked phone will provide the ultimate flexibility. |
Rent a phone |
US/CA Rental companies
Various local country providers as provided by the rental company |
This option will probably offer you the lowest short term cost but is not economical on the longer run. The phone rental cost itself will usually equal the cost of a brand new phone by your third trip.
Renting a phone will also tie you up with the specific service offering of the rental company, which in some cases could turn out to be very expensive. Its very important that you read the fine print of the service plan and terms. You my find yourself paying a monthly plan fee for minutes that you don’t use.
Phone rental might be the way to go if you hardly travel. If this is what you want, check the details before signing the rental contract. |
| |
Local Rental companies
Local country providers |
An option many are familiar with is renting a phone at the airport or a cellular rental dealer upon arrival to the destination country.
This option is expensive. Very expensive! Your incoming calls will be in most cases free, but you will pay an arm and a leg for outgoing local calls let alone international calls.
Phone rental at the destination country should be an option reserved only to emergency cases, where you are knowingly ready to pay a fortune because you have no other alternative. |
| |
Your cellular provider
Limited to your current cellular provider |
Similar to renting from a rental company and in most cases costs more or les the same. This option however is more limited in on the service end as you can only use the SIM card provided by your carrier.
If you decided to go with rental, check the independent rental companies before ordering from your current cellular carrier |
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