Mobile Roaming: Cheapest Calls When You're Abroad

redux

You need to make sure your phones are tri- or quadband, as America uses the different frequencies of 850 and 1900 MHz.

Get two (or more if necessary) local SIM cards, available at plenty of stores. Calls will cost between 10 and maybe 20 cents, for both incoming and outgoing calls.

The main networks are AT&T Cingular and T-mobile, with some virtual brands as well (like Virgin on T-mobile here). You can get details, including tariffs and links to network's websites (click on logo) at http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/usa/tmo.html

As you'll see, some only seem to have a kit including a phone, and the tariffs on some depend on the top-up value chosen.

If you're happy looking on eBay, I'm told there are often T-mobile and Cingular SIMs available at a discount to the remaining credit. Myself, I'd just go to a shop.

If you will also make calls back to the UK after all, then Tuyo looks interesting as it's only a couple of cents more than local calls. Or find a calling card method (there are hundreds though) with one of the other SIMs. If people want to call you, then recommend a search of the MSE Callchecker to reach you for from 0.5p/min

bagsy137

REDUX - Many thanks for a quick response. Great advice and a few options for me as well- thanks. Now I don't mind if half the family (in-laws!) get lost in Disney World! Ha Ha, only kidding......

Maruk

Just been looking at Three's website to find out about roaming charges in Europe but can't seem to find it. Would anyone know how much roaming charges are in France with Three network as all i can see are the costs for sending and receiving calls + text.

Thanks

redux

3 is 10p per minute incoming, 25p outgoing to the rest of Europe,

http://www.three.co.uk/personal/coverage_/going_abroad_/international_charging.omp

Maruk

Thanks for info, so is there no charge when you keep your phone switched on abroad in Europe

boiledegg

Hi, I'd love some advice - I've just moved to France and I need a blackberry-type phone. I don't make many calls at all, but need to be contactable and to be able to check my emails easily. I will send emails but not download stuff.

What's your view on buying an unlocked wifi phone off ebay and putting in another sim? I ideally want free incoming calls and good internet rates



I've heard that some phones may be unlocked for calls but still be locked for internet, so I could buy one from the UK (not in person though), have it sent to my parents if needed. I could buy a new one here, too, although they have a french keyboard

Thanks in advance

redux

Maruk wrote: »

Thanks for info, so is there no charge when you keep your phone switched on abroad in Europe

No fee for just having the phone on, and no fee for receiving text messages.

titorco

Hi fellows,

I read the tread and I am not able to find a conclusion for my issue.
I am an auditor and I have to travel mainly in Europe. I am italian.

I am looking for a travelling sim card that allows me to divert calls of my Italian number (without making an international call) free of charge on the incoming calls.Does it exists?

I am not interest that the outgoing calls are the cheapest.

Any suggestion is more than welcome.

Thanks
T

dot111

I'd like some help please.
I'm travelling to Chile for a month, I have a contract with Vodafone, also an unlocked phone.
I will need it mainly for texts, as I will be able to use a landline and email.
What are my best options, Vodafone or buy a sim card for unlocked phone before I go. 02 look quite resonable, or do I get local card there, but will that be expensive for people texting me?
The people I text most are on 02.
Thanks

gsysezz

My head is spinning reading all of this information. The phone sites are so misleading with great claims of incoming calls being free then conflicting information in the tariffs.

Is there anyone would could advise on the cheapest way of receiving / making calls whilst in New Zealand. We are based in Guernsey which may make this information a little more challenging to provide.

I would be very grateful for any advice.

Thanks in anticipation!!