-
Phone Models: When purchasing an "Unlocked"
GSM phone for global
use, make sure it is
a "Quad-band"
model (850, 900,
1800 & 1900 MHz).
That gives you almost
universal access to
all cellular networks
around the world. However,
new bands are
being introduced, so
this situation may change.
A "tri-band"
phone may work in
some countries but
potentially not in all
towns in those countries.
"Dual-band"
phones work almost
exclusively in North America.
- Voice Mail: When you are calling your voice mail or
a US number from a foreign country, you must
enter the international calling Prefix (or,
additionally, "+1" on GSM phones)
before your number to access a US-based number,
even if it that phone is roaming internationally.
In most GSM devices, holding down the 0 key
will cause the + sign to appear, in others
it may the # key. "1" is the country
code for the US.
- The number for emergencies is not "911" outside of the US. In many
European countries and Mexico, the emergency
number for police, fire, or ambulance is
112. In other areas emergency numbers may
vary. Find the number before you arrive.
If you have trouble being understood, you
may try calling your hotel and ask them for
help. Program in their number as soon as
you know it. On GSM phones that may require
you to know how to save your phone book on
the SIM and the phone.
- Language: You need some foreign language skills to
use Local international cellular services
efficiently. Even if you have your prompts
switched to English, most messages beyond
the balance and refill access are still in
the host language. While some countries offer
English as an option, many do not. Often, the concierge or someone else at your
hotel should be able
to help. Be prepared. Also, make sure you know how
to change the language option of your phone.
It will be hard to guess when your choices
are in Arabic.
- Customer Service: In most cases, calls to your own US cellular
service provider ("611" or their
normal customer service number) do not incur
any charges. Check with your carrier before
you leave to make sure. They may be able
to help with some of your roaming problems
in English. You may not be able to call their
US "800" number from another country,
so learn their "international access"
number, beforehand. The number for Verizon
Wireless is (908) 559 4899.
- Preactivated Phones: Many foreign cellular retailers offer pre-activated
phones and SIM's for the convenience of tourists.
Don't be afraid to ask.
- "Call Me Back": Consider having one party call the other
back, based on who has
the cheapest rate.
Some international phone
suppliers offer
Free incoming calls.
- Long Distance Charges: In some countries you may get a higher charge
for Long Distance for Roaming when outside
of your landing city. For example, in India,
you can cross through the coverage of several
different cellular companies in a single
200 km trip, each with different roaming
fees.
- Extra Passport Photos: Many countries require identification to
buy a local wireless phone or SIM. It would
helpful for you to carry a few passport-size
photos (2" x 2") to attach to your
application form. Activation is normally
immediate. Some retailers overlook this requirement
and others just don't want to be bothered.
In other areas you may only be able to buy
a Local SIM or phone at an "official"
store. Extra photos are a also good idea
for any foreign Visa's that may be required.
- Activate International Roaming: With most US carriers, international Roaming
must be activated which is usually done for
free by customer service.
- Cruise Ships: Calling from a cruise ship can be quite
pricey but it should be much less than calling
from your stateroom. It may be cheaper to
make your calls or check your voice mail
while in port if your phone can roam there.
Cruise ships are normally required to turn
off their onboard cellular access when they
arrive at each port. Make sure your phone
is indeed roaming on the desired system while
you're in port or wait until you're away
from the ship before trying to access the
local, and usually less-expensive, network.
Get more details at Cellular@Sea.
- Check Your Bill: Billing that crosses international borders
isn't 100% accurate or timely. Keep your
"International" plan until all
the charges show on your bill. You might
also have calls that are never charged.
- Caller ID does not work on all networks in all places.
You may not be able to choose which calls
you answer and which you ignore. Our experience
has been GSM carriers usually transmit Caller
ID, CDMA carriers often do not.
- Calls to Voice Mail: There is often a per minute charge with
US GSM carriers for roaming calls that go
to voice mail, even if your phone is off
and even if no message is left. You can have
your home carrier temporarily disable voice
mail. Make sure your own network knows when
you are "home" by turning on your
phone once you arrive in the US. Some carriers,
like AT&T, claim calls to voice mail
do not incur a charge while roaming if your
phone is turned "off."
- Toll-Free Numbers: Calls to US toll-free "800" numbers
are not free, and may not be possible from
foreign countries. Per minute (or per call)
rates apply, but long distance charges may
not. Wireless and credit card companies provide
a normal US number for foreign callers.
- Your GSM phone takes on the characteristics of the wireless
network in each country you visit. So if
you are traveling in Germany, your phone
will work like a local German wireless device.
- Finding Service: When you are abroad and turn on your wireless
phone, it will automatically search for a
wireless network. Registration can take from
30 seconds to several minutes. When the name
or network number of the local network is
displayed, your phone should be ready to
use. The same is true when your phone returns
to the US.
- Battery Chargers: Like any other appliance, your phone's battery
charger may need universal power and plug
adapters for the countries you are visiting.
Most chargers for US wireless phones are
compatible with both 110- and 220-volt systems.
- Wireless Laws: In some countries, using a wireless phone
while driving is prohibited. Contact the
local tourist information office for regulations.
- These are observations we and other contributors
have noted while traveling, yours may be
different. Rates and specifications are subject
to change. We'd like to hear about your experiences.
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