Duet Dual SIM Card Cell Phone from National Geographic™
National Geographic™ International Roaming SIM Card
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Pros, Cons and Best Use Summary for International Cell Phones
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International SIM Card from National Geographic
National Geographic SIM Countries, Zones and Rates
The Duet ® Dual-SIM Card GSM Cell Phone, with NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM
Two SIM Cards Active at Same Time
The Duet D888 Talk Abroad™ unlocked GSM cell phone from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ represents a major step forward in convenience and savings in overseas communications because it lets travelers maintain two active SIM cards in one phone simultaneously!
Imagine the convenience of keeping your T Mobile® or AT&T iPhone® number active, while also being able to make or receive inexpensive calls from an Italy SIM or the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ international SIM card – at the same time without having to swap SIMs.
National Geographic™ Talk Abroad® Duet® Dual SIM Cell Phone Features:
- Tri-band GSM: 1900 MHz for N. America, 900/1800 MHz for international frequencies
- International battery charger, 110/220VAC, and plugs for US, Euro. and AUS
- Includes USB data cable and hands-free earpiece
- TWO batteries, pre-charged to 50% capacity included
- Bluetooth connectivity, MP3+ MP4 player, and stereo speakers
- 1 GB Micro SD memory card for storage of MP3s, phone book, calendar, photos, video and sound recordings
- 2.0 megapixel camera and video recording with instant playback
Only $179
Also Sold Separately:
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International Prepaid SIM Card
This multin
ational prepaid SIM is perfect for vacations, cruises, business trips, study abroad programs or any occasion when you need one phone number that roams seamlessly to multiple countries.
Key Features:
- The only international roaming SIM card from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™
- Pre-loaded with 30 minutes of talk time in 60 countries (in Zone 1 Countries)
- FREE incoming calls, calls to U.S. average $1 a minute (in Zone 1 Countries)
- Free 24-hour, U.S.-based customer service, balance check, credit top up
- Voice mail and text messaging service
- Pay-as-you-go service – no contracts, no overages, no bills
- Roams in 160 countries (rates vary)
- Comprehensive English language User’s Guide and wallet-sized pocket guide
- For use in SIM-unlocked, international GSM cell phones (GSM phone requires minimum 900/1800 MHz capabilities)*
*Product is SIM card only, GSM phone not included.
Only $49
Single Cell Phone Number in Multiple Countries
With a UK-based phone number, the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM offers cell phone service in over 160 countries around the world.
Regardless of where you are or when you cross the border your friends, family and business associates can reach you on a single overseas cell phone number. It’s simple and reliable.
Free Incoming Calls, Low Outgoing Rates
Did you know that most Europeans, Australians and others don’t pay for incoming calls on their cell phones? That’s because most overseas cell phones operate on a pay-as-you-go basis and under this system incoming calls are free to receive.
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ international SIM operates under the same type of service. In most countries in Europe, as well as in Australia, Israel, Brazil and all other Zone 1 countries [link to: zone 1 country list], incoming calls are free and outgoing calls to the U.S. and other Zone 1 countries are only $0.90 a minute to landlines, and $1.15/minute to cell phones.
Prepaid, or Pay-as-You-Go Service – No Bills, Fees, Roaming Charges or Overages
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM comes pre-loaded with $29 available outgoing call credit. When outgoing calls are made, per-minute charges are deducted from the available prepaid balance. When the outgoing call balance is low, you simply “top up” in increments of $29 using your credit card via a free call to the 24 hour customer service line. When your balance is zero, you can still receive free incoming calls in Zone 1 Countries [link to: zone 1 country list]!
Free 24/7 Customer Service
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM offers 24 hour, 365 day customer service from their U.S. call center. No matter where you are in the world, any time of day or night, you can check your remaining balance, add additional call credit and receive technical support.
Ultimate in Travel Convenience
With one international roaming cell phone number there’s no need for others to keep track of your travel itinerary, and you don’t have to inform anyone if there’s a change in your travel plans. Before you leave you can simply say, “While I’m overseas you can reach me on this number”.
Easy Planning from the Road
Making and confirming reservations, calling a taxi, and tracking lost luggage become much easier with a single phone number that travels with you.
A multinational SIM makes it very easy to make plans and deal with common travel contingencies during your trip abroad. Single country SIMs, pay phones and hotel phones don’t provide nearly as much freedom when you’re on the move.
For Use in Unlocked, GSM Phone with 900/1800 MHz Bands
Simply install the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) in the back of an unlocked GSM phone with 900/1800 MHz frequency capabilities (more frequencies are ok) and enjoy low rate service with one phone number in more than 160 countries.
Rates & FAQs
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International Prepaid SIM Card Country Zones and Calling Rates
Please see the list below for a complete lists of country calling rates by Zones, including incoming and outgoing calling rates from and to the U.S and Canada, and when dialing out from within a country in a specified Zone.
Please note that in some Zone 1, 2 and 3 countries, it is still possible to receive free incoming calls if country name is denoted with an asterisk (*).
ZONE 1: Country List and Incoming and Outgoing Calling Rates
All incoming calls FREE, whether from U.S. or anywhere else when phone is in a Zone 1 country.
Outgoing rates of $0.90 a minute to U.S. and other country landlines and $1.15 a minute to U.S., Canada and other cell phones.
|
Australia |
Gibraltar |
Poland |
ZONE 2: Country List and Incoming and Outgoing Calling Rates
Incoming calls when in a Zone 2 country are $0.90 a minute, or free in countries marked with an asterisk.
Outgoing rates to the U.S. and Canada and other countries are $1.45 per minute when calling from a Zone 2 country
|
Albania |
French Guiana |
Lebanon* |
Niger |
ZONE 3: Country List and Incoming and Outgoing Calling Rates
Incoming calls when in a Zone 3 country are $1.45 a minute, or free in countries marked with an asterisk.
Outgoing rates to the U.S. and Canada and other countries are $1.95 per minute when calling from a Zone 3 country.
|
Afghanistan |
Gabon |
Mozambique* |
Syria |
ZONE 4: Country List and Incoming and Outgoing Calling Rates
Incoming calls when in a Zone 4 country are $2.65 a minute.
Outgoing rates to the U.S. and Canada and other countries are $2.70 per minute when calling from a Zone 4 country
|
Anguilla (U.K.) |
Bermuda (U.K.) |
French Polynesia |
Myanmar/Burma |
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM Card Answers
How do I Use the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM Card?
(This question and all operational details are covered in the included User Guide)
First, after purchase and before use it is necessary that you register your NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM card with the service provider. Activation service is available toll free 24 hours a day from any country.
How Do I Make an Outgoing Call?
(This question and all operational details are covered in the included User Guide)
To make an outgoing call, first dial 00 to gain an international line, and then enter the country code of the country you are calling, then the remainder of the phone number.
For example, the country code for the U.S. is 1. Therefore, to dial a U.S. phone number you would dial, 00 (or “+”), then 1-area code and seven digit phone number (+/00 1 310-555-1212 for example).
The “+” symbol often signifies the international calling prefix of “00”. In many phones simply press and hold the “0” key to obtain the “+” symbol prior to making an outgoing international call. With the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM Card all calls will require the full international dialing procedure, even calls within the U.K. or within the same country.
If pushing and holding “0” does not bring up the “00“ or “+” shortcut, simply enter “00” and the country code of the phone number you are dialing.
Again if you are calling the United States, dial “00” (to register an international call) then 1 (1 is the country code for the U.S.), then area code and phone number.
If you are in the U.K. and are dialing a U.K. number it is also necessary to dial “00” (or “+”) 44 (44 is the country code for the U.K.) and the rest of the phone number.
The country code is always required, even when making a call within the same country.
How Do I Call Customer Service, Check Balance, Add Credit?
(This question and all operational details are covered in the User Guide included with SIM card)
Dial 101 from the handset anytime to reach NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ customer service. This is always a free call from the handset from any country and will connect you with the customer service center located near Seattle, WA.
Is This A Callback Service?
(This question and all operational details are covered in the included User Guide)
In order to offer prepaid roaming service in over 160 countries, the phone will dial out, and then ring the handset back with an incoming call.
When an outgoing call is placed the service will check the available balance and after a few seconds (sometimes a few minutes) the phone will ring. Answer the phone as if answering a normal incoming call to connect the outgoing call.
Between dialing the outgoing call and the ringing of the phone as the call is connected, messages may appear on the phone display including, “call failed”, “please wait”, “number has been modified” or “not available”. This is normal.
Why do these messages appear? Because most unlocked GSM phones are not programmed to function with a SIM that operates in 160+ countries. Due to the unique worldwide service this SIM provides various GSM handsets will display pre-programmed messages during the SIMs outgoing call procedure.
How Do I Dial Customer Service from My GSM Phone with NG SIM in it?
(This question and all operational details are covered in the included User Guide)
- This question and all operation details are covered in the included User Guide Dial
Is it Cheaper to Use a Country Specific SIM Card?
If you are traveling to only one country, and wish to have a local (to that country) phone number it may make sense to obtain a SIM from a local GSM carrier for that country.
The things to consider are whether you will cross the border at all, at which time your country-specific SIM may not function at all.
Another consideration is when is the next time you will travel abroad?
How Long Does the SIM Service Last?
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM phone number, service and remaining call credit is valid for one year (12 months) from the last time credit is added.
How Does this Compare with Roaming with my U.S. Carrier?
Whether You Have International Service Depends on if You Use a GSM Carrier and Have a World Phone
Whether you have service overseas at all depends on the cell phone and cell phone carrier you use in the U.S.
T-Mobile and AT&T use SIM cards and offer international roaming service, however, your phone must operate on the 900/1800 MHz frequencies for use outside the U.S.
Verizon, Sprint, Nextel, Cricket, Metro PCS and Boost Mobile handsets are not usually configured to work overseas.
IF your AT&T or T Mobile phone operates on the 900/1800 MHz frequencies it should operate in Europe and other overseas destinations. Rates will vary depending on country, but in Western Europe (comparable to Zone 1) the rate is likely to be about $1.00 a minute for incoming and outgoing calls.
The advantage of roaming with your U.S. cell phone (if you have the right phone and carrier) is being reachable on your U.S. phone number.
However many people prefer to avoid mundane local calls on their cell phone when they are on vacation overseas.
Roaming with a U.S. phone number overseas means remaining connected to the usual contacts from home during your time abroad. And paying about $1.00 a minute for all incoming calls.
Roaming with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM card allows you to establish a U.K. phone number. If contacts from home wish to reach you, they must dial a U.K. phone number. And the incoming call is free to you, regardless of how long the conversation lasts!
Also, the prepaid service means there is no bill with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM card. All incoming calls are free in Zone 1 Countries and outgoing calls to the U.S. are deducted from the available $29 initial credit balance.
When the outgoing call credit balance runs out you can simply add another $29 of talk time, or take advantage of the free incoming calls (in many countries) when people call you.
Hey, it’s your vacation. Why should you come home to a big cell phone bill because your chatty brother in law called while you were in Italy?
With the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ Talk Abroad International SIM service you get free incoming calls in Europe and more. Let those chatty callers decide how long they want to talk with you when it means calling a number in the U.K. at no charge to you!
Can I keep My U.S. Phone Number?
At the moment you give up your U.S. cell phone number to take advantage of the low rates offered by the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM card, including free incoming calls in Zone 1 countries.
The question to ask yourself is in determining whether you need to keep your U.S. cell phone number is if you want to receive all your normal cell phone calls when paying roaming rates, and dealing with a time difference, during your vacation.
Click here to learn about a programmable follow me toll free 800 number that will ring to any phone you program, including to an international cell phone (additional international forwarding charges apply).