GSM Phone and SIM FAQs

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Shop Unlocked GSM Phones and International SIMs
Travel Cell Phone Options – Roam, Rent or Buy?
National Geographic Global SIM Card
International Calling Cards
Follow-me 800 Number
Rick Steves on International Cell Phones
International SIM FAQs

There Are Four Choices for International Cell Phone Service:

1.) Use a GSM Phone and Prepaid SIM Card – Pay local or international rates on a pay-as-you-go basis
2.) Roam with Your U.S. Cell Phone – Pay your carrier's roaming charges that are billed to your U.S. cell phone bill
3.) Rent a Post-Paid Travel Cell Phone – Pay rental company roaming charges that accrue to a credit card
4.) Buy an Unlocked GSM Phone – An unlocked GSM phone can be used with any SIM card to access local rates

Better to Rent or Buy? – If you rent a cell phone twice, it would have been cheaper to buy an unlocked phone and purchase SIM cards.

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Use a GSM Phone and Prepaid SIM Card

Access Local Rates with a GSM Phone and SIM from Local Overseas Phone Company

One option for international cell phone use is to use a GSM cell phone with SIM card. This method puts you on the local pre-paid service that most people around the world use for cell phone service.

For example, if you are traveling to France you could rent or buy a GSM cell phone and install the SIM chip from a local French cell phone carrier into the phone. This would give you a French phone number and access to the rates of a French cell phone carrier.

There are also international SIM cards, such as the National Geographic Global SIM, that are designed for travel to multiple countries.

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Click here for information to Rent or Buy GSM Cell Phone and SIM for more information on prepaid GSM cell phone options for international travel.

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Quick Links:
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Roaming with Your U.S. Cell Phone

AT&T and T-Mobile Phones Work Overseas, if Phone is Quadband (850/1900 MHz US and 900/1800 Overseas)

AT&T and T-Mobile customers are already using phones with GSM technology which should make roaming outside the U.S. possible, however, customers will want to be sure their phone handsets operate on the 900/1800 MHz GSM frequencies in use outside the U.S.

Verizon and Sprint Customers Need International Handsets

Verizon and Sprint customers, and AT&T and T-Mobile customers without quadband handsets, will first need to acquire the correct hardware before using their U.S. cell phone overseas. In most cases the carrier will ship them the correct GSM handset before their trip. There may be shipping and/or handset rental charges for this service.

Check with Provider Whether US Number Can Be Maintained

Often you will be able to maintain your U.S. cell phone number when roaming abroad, but there may be situations where this is not possible. Call your carrier for hardware compatibility, service, rate and phone number details.

Be sure to check with your carrier about handset rental and shipping and return shipping costs.

Call Carrier to Activate Roaming, Check Rates

After hardware compatibility comes the question of international roaming availability and rates. U.S. cell phone customers should first ask their carrier if their plan allows for international roaming and what the per-minute international roaming charges are when making and receiving calls overseas. In some cases the international roaming rates are quite reasonable, as low as about a dollar a minute in Europe for incoming and outgoing calls. However rates will vary depending on the customer’s service plan and the country visited.

Roaming Charges Billed at End of Trip

Normally international roaming charges are billed to the regular U.S. cell phone bill. Since users probably won’t see their bills and the actual minutes used until after the trip, it’s a good idea to be careful about usage to avoid coming home to a big cell phone bill at the end of an international vacation.

Also keep in mind that if you keep your U.S. cell phone number, you’ll also receive all your normal incoming calls, now at international roaming rates, and callers who don’t know you are away might call at awkward times due to time differences.

Post-paid International Cell Phone Rentals

Billed at End of Trip (Watch for High Per-minute Rates)

Another option for international cell phone service are cell phone rental companies that charge the per-minute rates for incoming and outgoing calls to a credit card.

The rates for this service have historically been very high (sometimes $2 a minute or more). While some service providers have lowered their rates to be more competitive, users should shop carefully and consider per-minute rates, minimum usage requirements and other service charges.

Phone Numbers Vary

Similar to roaming with a U.S. carrier, it may or may not be possible to maintain a U.S. phone number when traveling outside the U.S. Some of these types of rental companies give you a U.S. number and some provide a European-based phone number.

Having a U.S. phone number can be a mixed blessing because international roaming charges will be charged for receiving everyday calls, and some calls might come in at inconvenient times because callers are not aware they’re calling a different time zone. Of course the upside is that the caller can use a U.S. number.

Watch Usage to Avoid Post-Vacation Surprise

As is the case in roaming with a U.S. cell phone, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on usage because the bill will probably not come due until the credit card statement arrives at the end of a trip.

Charges Can Continue over Multiple Billing Cycles

Sometimes the cell phone rental and international roaming charges can appear on more than one month’s credit card bill. This happens when the credit card’s billing period ends during the trip and then new charges begin to accrue on the following month’s bills. There is nothing underhanded about this, but it can catch users by surprise if they think they have paid off all their roaming charges on their previous credit card statement.

Click here to read a summary of pros and cons and best uses of international cell phone options
On this Page:
Travel Cell Phone Options – Roam, Rent or Buy?
National Geographic Global SIM Card
International Calling Cards
Follow-me 800 Number
Rick Steves on International Cell Phones
International SIM FAQs

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ World SIM Card

The National Geographic Talk Abroad global SIM card is the perfect international roaming prepaid SIM card.

Mobile International Roaming with US Phone Number

This world SIM provides both a US phone number and a UK-based phone number, it includes $29 of initial call credit, and offers low outgoing rates to the U.S. of about a $1 a minute from most of Europe, Israel, South Africa, Australia and many more locations.

Additional money is added to the account via an automatic topup feature accessible through the handset and charged to the credit card on file. Also there 24–hour, U.S.-based customer service available.

International Calling Cards

Check the rates below for low rates for people from the U.S. to call an overseas cell phone as well as rates for calling cards for calling back to the U.S. from abroad.

Best Rate to National Geographic SIM's UK cell phone number?
Tel3 has an intro rate of 12.9¢ cents for 30 days, and only15¢ a minute after that. There no minimums or connection fees. See Tel3 International rates here.

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Compare International Calling Card Rates (full screen)

Follow-Me Toll Free 800 Numbers

Follow-me Toll Free 800 numbers provide a toll free phone number that rings to any phone designated. Easily alter ring-to numbers and setting via a simple website. The rate is only $2 a month and a seven cents a minute, and the service has many additional features such as voicemail, and time and location routing options.

Click here to read more on Communication HQ including rates and plans for a programmable toll-free number.

Or click here to go to the Kall8 Toll Free Numbers website

On this Page:
Travel Cell Phone Options – Roam, Rent or Buy?
National Geographic Global SIM Card
International Calling Cards
Follow-me 800 Number
Rick Steves on International Cell Phones
International SIM FAQs
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Rick Steves on International Cell Phones

Professional travel guide Rick Steves of Rick Steves' Europe says the following about using a cell phone overseas.

Roam, Rent or Buy?

Using Your Own Mobile Phone First, figure out whether your phone works in Europe. Many T-Mobile and AT&T phones work fine abroad, while only specialized phones from Verizon or Sprint do

[Rates] Most US providers charge $1.30 to $2 per minute to make or receive calls in Western Europe, and 20 to 50 cents to send or receive text messages, with no additional fees. (Rates for roaming in Eastern Europe vary, but are generally higher.)

A few caveats: You'll be charged for incoming calls, even if you don't answer them (and, in some cases, even if your phone is turned off) — so tell your friends and co-workers not to call except in emergencies. And smartphones (such as the iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry) can incur hefty fees for data roaming*.

[CHQ: *These roaming and data charges accrue to your account and appear on your cell phone bill (or bills if cycle ends mid-trip)]

Verizon's Global Travel Program (available only to Verizon customers). If your Verizon phone won't work in Europe, you can pay a one-time $20 shipping fee to borrow a Europe-compatible phone that can make calls at the regular international rates (generally $1.50 to $2 per minute). The phone uses your regular phone number and can even carry over your contacts. As long as you send it back within 30 days, there are no additional rental fees or charges.

Using a European Phone

Though you can buy SIM cards at newsstands in many countries, don't expect much help from the newsstand vendor. For first-timers, it's often worth the extra time to go to a mobile phone shop, where an English-speaking clerk can help you explore your options, get your SIM card inserted and set up, and show you how to use it.

Rates: If you're calling from the SIM card's home country, you'll generally pay around 10 to 20 cents per minute for domestic calls to fixed lines, and nothing to receive calls. (Calls to mobile phones tend to be more expensive.) Calling the US can cost $1 per minute or more — but using an international phone card with your mobile phone can bring that cost down to pennies.

[On Roaming Rates Using a Local Overseas SIM]

A SIM card works most affordably in the country where you buy it. If you roam with the SIM card in another country, call prices go up, and you pay to receive incoming calls.

Be aware that having people call you on your European mobile phone number typically costs them much more than calling a fixed line (the rates can be as much as double). It might be cheaper for them to phone you at your hotel, rather than calling your mobile.

CHQ – Have people call you on your cell phone using your US number!

Excerpts above are from "Rick Steves' Europe: Mobile Phones in Europe".

International SIM FAQs

Using or Buying a Cell Phone or SIM Card Overseas

Single-country SIM or International Roaming?

Perhaps you’re wondering if you should buy a local (foreign) SIM card before you travel, try to buy one overseas, or get an international SIM card?

And these questions keep coming up,

“How hard will it be to find recharge vouchers?”
“Will the overseas phone company have customer service in English?
"Will I be able to get immediate help if I have questions?"
“What if I want to cross the border? Will it work? What will the
roaming charges be?”
“What if I run out of credit?”

And perhaps you're wondering,

“What kind of number will I have?”
“How do people dial to call me abroad?”
“What will it cost them to call me at that number?”
“Is there a data plan for email and internet service? What are the data rates?"
"Will I be able to monitor my spending, or am I in danger of coming home to a big bill?"

BUYING A SIM

Can I Buy a SIM Abroad?

Yes, you can most likely purchase a SIM in the county you visit. The drawbacks are not knowing your phone number until you arrive, and not always having English speaking customer service to answer questions about usage, roaming rates, etc.

Can Anyone Purchase a Foreign SIM? Where are SIMs Sold Abroad?

Sometimes cell phone SIM cards are sold at vending machines in the airport. But in Italy for example, you must buy a SIM at the cell phone company store (not a convenience store) and they will need to photocopy your passport.

What Does it Cost to Buy a SIM Overseas?

The price of a SIM abroad is sometimes as low as $10, or up to and above $50. Prices vary by country and how much prepaid call credit money is included.

Where Are Recharge Vouchers Sold?

If using a SIM from a local overseas phone carrier, the recharge vouchers are usually sold anywhere convenience items are sold. Always buy the recharge card from the same carrier as your SIM. It's also possible to buy recharge vouchers from the carrier's retail store.

With the Talk Abroad SIM it's not necessary to buy recharge vouchers. Credit is added by dialing a three-digit code or can be configured to be added automatically.

What if I Run Out of Call Credit?

With a local SIM from a foreign carrier in most countries you will still be able to receive incoming calls since they are free with no credit on the account. Your phone will not allow outgoing calls until more credit is added by buying a recharge voucher at the store and entering the code.

Note that you will not be able to receive incoming calls if you are roaming outside the SIM's country of purchase and there are roaming charges for incoming calls. Also, it may not be possible to

PHONE NUMBER

What Kind of Phone Number Will the SIM Have?

A SIM purchased in another country will have a foreign phone number of the country where purchased.

Also keep in mind that you won't have cell phone service or know your phone number until you purchase the SIM overseas. After buying the SIM it will be necessary to notify others of your phone number and the international dialing procedure to reach you (011+country code and phone number, more below)

ROAMING

Will the SIM Roam to Neighboring Countries?

Usually though it depends. The SIM's service might roam across a border, but at a higher calling rate. Or it might not work outside the country where purchased. Sometimes roaming requires pre-notification or pre-activation prior to leaving the home country. Contact the carrier's customer service for these details.

What Will the Roaming Rates Be?

If using a single-country SIM in a second country it will be necessary to contact customer service to learn to learn what roaming rates will be in various countries.

Will Incoming Calls Still Be Free?

No. There is almost always there is a charge for incoming calls when leaving the SIM carrier's home country. Be sure to account for those charges when topping up prior to roaming

How to "Top Up" Credit while Roaming?

It's unlikely you'll find the recharge vouchers for the Italy phone company in Spain (for example), therefore you'll probably want to add sufficient call credit before leaving the country where the SIM was purchased. Contact customer service for roaming rates to anticipate amount needed. And be aware there will likely be a charge for incoming calls when roaming.

[FAQs Continued Below]
On this Page:
Travel Cell Phone Options – Roam, Rent or Buy?
National Geographic Global SIM Card
International Calling Cards
Follow-me 800 Number
Rick Steves on International Cell Phones
International SIM FAQs
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CUSTOMER SERVICE

Will the Customer Service be in English? Is Customer Service Available 24/7?

Sometimes customer service will be English, more often it will be in the local language unless you're in an English-speaking country. Customer service is sometimes available 24 hours a day, but not always. It depends on the country and carrier.

UNLOCKED AND TRI-BAND/QUAD BAND PHONES

Buy a Phone and SIM Overseas?

If you see a good deal on a phone and SIM package while abroad, be sure to learn if the phone is "unlocked" (works with any SIM card). The only real way to know for sure if a phone is locked is to put a SIM from another carrier in it and turn it on. A locked phone will display an error message.

Phones that are very inexpensive are subsidized by the carrier and almost always locked to that carrier's SIM/service only. It is possible to have a phone unlocked, usually for a fee.

Also – check the manual to see if the phone works on the 850MHz and 1900 MHZ frequencies if you want a phone that can also be used in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

SMS TEXT MESSAGING ABROAD

How Well Does Text Messaging Work Internationally?

Usually fine, sometimes it's very slow. International text (SMS) messages, especially when roaming, sometimes encounter delays and delivered more slowly than in the US. In most cases international texts work fine and are received as quickly as a domestic text, but be aware that there can sometimes be a delay, even up to a day.

If dealing with information that needs to be seen or acted on right away it's best to call rather than relying on texting between countries.

"CALL BACK" SERVICE

Are International SIMs "Callback" Services?

All international prepaid SIM cards operate in a unique but simple way – after you dial an outgoing call, a few seconds later the phone rings, and when answered your call is connected.

The "callback" happens in one or two seconds and you quickly get used to dialing and having the phone ring to connect the call.

Why Do International SIMs "Call Back"?

Sending out an initial connecting message and relaying the response via the handset ringing is the least expensive and most reliable way to offer service over hundreds of cellular carrier networks in almost 200 countries.

INTERNATIONAL DIALING

How Does Someone in the US Call an International Phone Number? To make an international call from the US we dial 011 + country code + phone number.

How to Call from Another County to the US? Dial 00 + country code. The US country code is 1, therefore to call the US from abroad, you would dial 001.

For example to call the UK from France, you would dial 00 44 because to dial internationally in most countries outside the US the international call is denoted by first dialing 00.

Sometimes well-intentioned people abroad will try to help by advising you that people in the US should dial 00 then the country code to call you at an international number, but this is incorrect. When this happens it's because they don't realize that from the US and Canada an international call is made by first dialing 011, not 00 as it's done overseas. Who knew?!
Tips for Success Using any International Roaming SIM Card

Learn how to switch networks on your phone – This will resolve the majority of issues. If the SIM is not operating well on one carrier, search networks and select a different provider from the list of choices.

Don't rely on text for important and timely messages – Make a phone call instead. For whatever reasons (probably prioritization of network traffic) these little data packets can sometimes get hung up and arrive late when sent internationally.

Contact Customer Service – For example, National Geographic's U.S.-based customer service reps are available 24 hours a day to help you with everything related to the SIM's operation.

National Geographic User Guide and Pocket Guide

In addition to a US call center near Seattle to answer customer inquiries day and night, the NatGeo SIM also comes with thorough and handy documentation.

Full Instruction Booklets Included, and Wallet-sized Reference Card

The National Geographic SIM comes with a comprehensive 12-page instruction book that details all the features, services and everything else you'll need to know to how to use the service.

Download the Talk Abroad International SIM by National Geographic User Guide

And there is a small wallet-sized booklet containing all the keypad short
cuts to do things like check your balance, make a call, send a text or reach customer service.

Toll Free Number for All Your Questions – Even Before You Go

Have questions about installation, your phone or your phone number? You can call the 800 number on the packaging anytime you want even before you leave on your trip.

And once you are on your trip overseas, dial the toll free (from the handset) customer service line for help from the American support staff!
On this Page:
Travel Cell Phone Options – Roam, Rent or Buy?
National Geographic Global SIM Card
International Calling Cards
Follow-me 800 Number
Rick Steves on International Cell Phones
International SIM FAQs
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