Samsungs and spanish sims

kgldsun

Hi, on trying to save money for family out in spain, I have purchased a couple of different samsungs in order for them to put in a spanish sim. one of these was a SGH D600. The language was changed to 'Spanish ' and they are unlocked. Whilst out in Spain, it appears they keep getting the message 'Limited Service'. Does this mean they are of no use out there with the Spanish Sims? Any help appreciated. Thanks in anticipation

princessjessica08

I dont know much about putting forgein sims into phones but I do know that when you get a phone unlocked it isn't garunteed to work on other networks or be able to use all the features. But it does sound like 'Limited Service' either means it's not going to work with a spanish sim, or it's not picking up the network. Which means you'd have to do a manual network search. can't hurt to try it.

dont think that was much help sorry

MrMan08

Many phones have their default language set to 'automatic' - So a UK SIM in the phone will make the phone have the UK language, while an international SIM will make the phone default to the relevent language of the SIM. With a UK SIM in the phone... Head into the language settings and force the phone to English.

Limited Service is usually when the SIM card being used is out of service.. I think.

Do the Spannish SIM's work in the UK?.. But not in Spain?

kgldsun

Hi, thanks for both replies. Not too sure what a manual network search is, and would be happy for you to tell me further please?
With regards to 'forcing the phone to 'English', as they are Spanish it is only that they require.
Not too sure if spanish sims work here(uk) but the advantages are there are cheaper calls to and from here. The phones are also cheaper in many cases to purchase from the UK especially on ones they dont have there.
I am presuming there must be a way and am sure UK mobile shops would not want to lose a sale because somebodys heading abroad?
Looking forward to anymore offers of advice and thanks

princessjessica08

A manual network search on the D600 - Menu>Settings>Network Services>Network Selection>Manual. The phone will then start searching for the available networks. All you have to do is select one. If this doesn't work there may be many reasons why limited service is on screen. Phone being Blacklisted (reported lost/stolen) is one of them. Did you get the phones unlocked yourself?

Hope you get it working
Jess

kgldsun

HI Jess, thanks so much for your reply. I tried the manual network search on my samsung and sure enough it came up with the usual available networks, eg orange, virgin vodafone etc. I am still confused though, as does this mean if I inserted a Spanish sim into this phone whilst in Spain it will or will not work? The usual network is Movistar. My phone was originally my daughters and now I have it on PAYG. I presume if I do the manual search whilst out in Spain, this will show me further networks?
Once again thanks for your help as I am really a novice just trying to help some persons out.

princessjessica08

If the phones unlocked and you put a spanish sim in it, if it comes up limited service, do the network search and try to pick up movistar, It should work. As I said I don't know much about forgien sims, but I hope this helps.

Intasun32

I use an Almena/Orange Espana payg sim card when in Spain also. There are a few reasons why your sim is showing 'Limited Service', if I am not mistaken the Movistar sim payg has to be 'topped up' every 6 months to remain valid unlike Orange Espana which is every 12 months so this could be one reason. The 'Limited Service' also shows when you have run out of credit, you can only phone the emegency services.

Unless you speak fluent Spanish there is no reason not to switch the handset to the 'English' settings, it will not have any affect on the sim card. When in the UK the phone should roam on one of Movistars UK partners, ie: o2 or Orange etc, it does this automatically.

The final possibility is with the handset, yet you have stated that it is unlocked. Try a UK sim and see if it works ok, that will answer this question.

Good luck.