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So, I understand that SIM cards often are have free incoming calls...but I wonder, what the price is for the caller (ie - my nervous mom in the US). How does one figure that out? Are there any SIM cards that are better for someone who will be receiving most of their calls from the US? Thanks!

[pedant]

You mean some sort of business arrangement with a service provider, do you not?
A SIM card is just a piece of hardware.

[/pedant]

quote:

Originally posted by wingingIT:
So, I understand that SIM cards often are have free incoming calls...but I wonder, what the price is for the caller (ie - my nervous mom in the US). How does one figure that out?

Depending on what service provider your folks use for long distance (let's say Vonage or Skype, for example), the call is going to cost them at least 20 cents or so when calling a mobile in any European country.Other carriers in other nations vary when it comes to incoming call fees.

quote:

Are there any SIM cards that are better for someone who will be receiving most of their calls from the US?

This is a bit of a broad question, but, in short, no.

Regardless of the carrier you're using or the country you're in, most mobile services will charge an incoming call fee of at least 20 cents or so. In Europe, incoming calls are free for the "callee" with most European mobile providers, but that means they pass the full 20 cent cost onto the caller.

Most of the international SIMs will apply the same fees. Even the ones that provide you with a U.S. number. (In such cases, they will simply pass the charge on to you rather than the caller.)

Thanks for the informative replies Continental Op and Static. I didn't even think of having my parents use Skype for some stupid reason. I should definitely look into that. Does anyone know if the 20 cent incoming call fee applies to Asian countries (I'm sure it also depends on which company I choose to buy a SIM card from)?

quote:

Originally posted by wingingIToes anyone know if the 20 cent incoming call fee applies to Asian countries (I'm sure it also depends on which company I choose to buy a SIM card from)?

It differs widely from country to country. I can tell you, however, using Vonage as an example, that calling Chinese mobiles is just as cheap as calling Chinese landlines. Same with Singapore.

- Calling mobiles in Taiwan, South Korea, Mongolia, and Thailand costs about 10-12 cents/minute. (Give or take a few cents when using Skype.)

- Calling mobiles in Japan is the same as Europe. About 20 cents/minute. (It's about 5 cents cheaper when using Skype.)

- Calling mobiles in Myanmar and Vietnam goes for about 35 cents/minute. (Give or take a few cents when using Skype.)

You can find full lists here:

Skype International Calling Rates

Vonage International Calling Rates

And, before some character chimes in with the "ultimate" solution, there are a number of alternatives to Skype such as The Gizmo Project and WebCallDirect. Their prices range from slightly cheaper to slightly more expensive than Vonage and Skype, depending on the destination country.



Where are you heading to exactly?

Wow, Continental Op, you should work for these guys! You're good. I'm starting in Thailand in January, and then who knows.

quote:

Originally posted by wingingIT:You're good. I'm starting in Thailand in January, and then who knows.

Nah. I just make a lot of calls to Asia.

Have fun on your trip! You're already well ahead by including "who knows" on your itinerary. The "who knows" portion is always the best part.

Any other recommendations to call Netherlands Mobile number from my mobile. I'm not always at the computer to use skype.

I currently use Onesuite.com and they charge me a whooping .35 for NL mobile.

Any other companies folks would recommend.

-M

Madhu,

You can save a few cents using Skype, but unfortunately the fee is largely charged by the carrier (Vodafone, T-Mobile, etc) rather than Skype, Vonage, OneSuite, etc.

Of course, given how cheap international calling rates are for the Dutch using landlines, you should make your friend/family member/business colleague call you.

Yes indeed "the who knows" part of the trip will be the best! Took me a while to commit to that idea, but I'm glad I did. Thanks again Continental Op. You rock.

Madhu,

I use Gorilla Mobile. They give you an access number to dial. When their system recognizes you it gives you a dial tone to call any international number. They charge 0.30/minute to Netherlands mobile numbers. Slightly cheaper than what Onesuite charges.

http://www.gorillamobile.com/

set up skype for your mom it is incredibly cheap and get her a headset microphone...for receiving calls (your mom receiving) that is based on your SIM...

Madhu, you can buy the skype phone that works when it picks up wifi, consider that...it is pretty cool

skype phone