Why won't US cell phones work in other countries?

What are SIM cards and how do they work?

In what countries can I use my International Cell Phone?

How much will it cost to make calls while abroad using an International Cell Phone?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Why won't US cell phones work in other countries?
A: Most US and Canadian cell phones use the CDMA, TDMA, IDEN or AMPS systems. Generally, the rest of the world uses the GSM 900/1800 MHz system. Two US exceptions are AT&T and T-Mobile, who do use the GSM system but DON'T use the correct frequencies. Further, if you obtained your cell phone directly from your US service provider, it is almost certainly LOCKED to their networks. These phones will not and cannot be made to work internationally.

All Travel Ready Phones are UNLOCKED to work with ANY network and support the international GSM 900/1800 MHz system. Each phone is refurbished to "like new" condition and operationally tested before shipping to insure we provide you with reliable communications during your travels.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: What are SIM cards and how do they work?
A: A SIM card or Subscriber Identity Module is a portable memory chip used in GSM cell phones. It is about the size of your thumbnail and is usually installed just under a cell phones battery. It not only stores information like your phone book but allows your service provider to recognize your cell phone.

SIM cards are ONLY used by service providers that operate on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network. The competing network is Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a US technology that does NOT use SIM cards.

A cell phone that uses a SIM card provides a big advantage to international travelers. Simply take your International Dual or Tri Band GSM phone with you and buy a local SIM card and Pre-Paid Calling Time or "minutes" at your destination. For example, a traveler from the U.S. going to Thailand can purchase a Thai SIM card when he arrives and be ready to receive and make calls almost immediately. Additionally, if he should decide to visit Saigon on his way home, he just purchases another SIM card in Saigon and keeps using the same phone.

American cell phone providers expect you to change cell phones if you want to use another network; in the rest of the world you just change SIM cards.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: In what countries can I use my International Cell Phone?
A: If you are headed for Europe, Asia, Australia or Africa your International Cell Phone should work fine. If you would like us to verify a specific country, just click on the "Contact Us" link below and we'll be happy to help you out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: How do I get a SIM card for the country I'm traveling to and how much will it cost?
A: Most people wait until they arrive at their destination before purchasing their SIM card. Of course every country is a little different but Pre-Paid SIM cards are generally sold in shops, markets, convenience stores and even some gas stations. Just look around the cash register area and you should see a display or ask the clerk for SIM cards ("SIM card" is a widely accepted international term and is understood in almost EVERY language). Cost also varies depending on the amount of calling time that comes with the SIM. We recommend purchasing the basic SIM with just a little calling time and then adding Top-up or refill time as needed. Basic SIM cards usually only cost between $2 and $7 and refill cards come in an assortment of denominations ranging from $3 to $20. Unless you plan on spending a lot of time on the phone, don't buy too much calling time. You can always purchase another refill card if you start running low. The SIM card comes in a package that almost always include English instructions, so take a minute to read them, then follow the simple directions to install and activate your SIM. Do it once and you'll feel like an old Pro.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: How much will it cost to make calls while abroad using an International Cell Phone?
A: Here again, every country is a little different, but generally this is the really GREAT part about using an International Cell Phone and local SIM card, CALLS ARE REALLY CHEAP! Remember, at this point you will be making and receiving calls like the locals, and the locals ALWAYS know the most economical way of doing things. For most of Europe and Asia, domestic calls costs from 4 to 12 cents per minute. Some networks charge a cent or two more for calls to land lines or other networks but the overall cost is VERY reasonable. As for international calls, they are also cheap by our standards. International calls back to the U.S. from Europe or Asia generally cost from 12 to 25 cents per minute. Maybe a little more if calling from the Middle East. SMS or text messaging is generally about half the cost of one minute voice call. AND incoming calls are usually FREE. Compare this to "Global" and roaming plans that charge $2 to $6 per minute for making AND receiving calls and you will be patting yourself on the back for being so clever.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------