BootsnAll Travel Community

I'm looking to buy a new cell phone (unlocked, of course) and would like some recommendations on something that will be compatible with just about every possible network on this planet. I'm partial to Nokia though, because I've only ever used Nokia and the models I've used have been virtually indestructable.

And any online vendors you recommend???

Gracias!

quote:

Originally posted by redleader:
I'm looking to buy a new cell phone (unlocked, of course) and would like some recommendations on something that will be compatible with just about every possible network on this planet.

No such beast, but Nokia has a few that come close. The new Nokia N series (N80, N95, etc) sport GSM 800/900/1800/1900 (traditional networks found nearly everywhere), Edge (faster version of GPRS found in most GSM tri-bands), and WCDMA 2100 (Europe & Japan's version of 3G networks), along with WiFi (for the cafes.) Just make sure you don't buy one with WCDMA 1900, as that version of the 3G is only prevalent on American networks. Useless elsewhere.

Don't let all the acronyms and numbers fool you. It isn't that complicated.

The biggest issue you'll face is whether to buy different regional SIM cards while on the road or to pick up an expensive Global SIM card before you go.

If you get a quad band GSM phone you will cover most of the countries. There are some very few exceptions where such phone will not work.

I use a Motorola SLVR and I am very happy about its performance.

Just buy a cheap one, toss it into salt water and get it over with now.

phonescoop.com to compare

most phones have lousy battery life

Where do I find this Global SIM card? Are there pre-paid options or just monthly plans?

quote:

The biggest issue you'll face is whether to buy different regional SIM cards while on the road or to pick up an expensive Global SIM card before you go.

I've got a Motorola V176. Used it for a year with Net10. I'm trying to determine 1) if it can work outside the US, 2) if it is locked, 3) how to get it unlocked.

I still don't understand the different bands. I got this from Motorola's website: Bands: GSM/GPRS 900/1800 and 850/1900. Also this note: Operates in many major cities and countries where GSM network coverage and roaming agreements are present.

Now if all that means that this phone can work in most places, how can I tell if the phone is locked. I'm sure it is, but how can I tell - without buying a sim card and finding out that it doesn't work?

I saw a number of sites online that offer to unlock phones for a fee of $20 - $40. Are these for real? Or would I just be throwing money away? What's the best way to unlock my phone - assuming it is worth unlocking?

jamileblog.blogspot.com

Here's a website that's pretty good. I've ordered SIM chips from them before. They have a ton of different ones for every region of the world. Please be aware though, that they are basically selling you SIM chips that you could easily purchase from the actual destination (i.e., like at their local 7-11 stores, etc.), for WAY cheaper. The only difference is, you have the comfort of knowing you already have it in advance. This is a good safey net for more third world/rural places where you're not going to have SIM chips falling in your lap as soon as the plane lands on the runway. The website also has a lot of information about international cell phone use in general.

www.telestial.com

redleader, thanks for that link. I'll definitely get me one of the International Roaming SIM Cards. Then when I get to places like India, where the rates on the international card is really high, I'll get a local SIM.

jamileblog.blogspot.com

absolutely, places like India, Africa, etc., where might not be easy for a first timer to find where the SIM's are sold, its better to buy before hand, but when I went to Hong Kong, I felt kind of dumb spending $$$ on a SIM chip here when the streets are literally lined with them!

Just make sure you let the folks back home how much it will cost them to call you on your new international number!

Why does it have to be so difficult? Too many choices and they are all confusing.

I was set on getting the Telestial Explorer SIM, then I wondered if it really was the best deal. But the more I looked into other companies, the more confused I got.

Then there is the phone itself. My V176 will be useless, so I'll have to buy a new phone. Again, there are a number of quad band phones available, each with reviews that range from awefull to excellent - and they are all pricey. The cheapest I saw was a deal on Motorola RAZR V3 for $139 - then I read the reviews.

Sometimes I wish there was just one global company that provided one service or one model of each product, and we should have no choices!

Now, for the past 10+ years, I very rearly used my phone - land line or cell. What makes me think that just because I'm travelling I'll need to gab on the phone?

The more I think about it, I begin to see the wisdom of static's earlier post.

quote:

Just buy a cheap one, toss it into salt water and get it over with now.

jamileblog.blogspot.com

When I last left this issue (as if anyone cares) I was abandoning the idea of carrying a cell phone. However since then I've slept, done a 67 mile bike ride, and slept some more. So now I'm looking to purchase a Motorola V235 for $110 and a Telestial Explorer SIM. Any comments?

jamileblog.blogspot.com

I can't comment about that particular phone, but I bought a Siemens A70 with the Explorer SIM from Telestial a few months ago before a trip to Europe. No complaints about either. The SIM call out rates are higher than for a local card, but not outrageously in Europe, and you can receive calls for free within a lot of countries. The phone was great, only a triband, but 900/1800/1900 works most places outside the US, I think.

The phone and card arrived very quickly after I ordered them. It's pretty easy to add time to your SIM online or you can set it up to add $25 automatically when you get down to a certain level.

Since technology changes every 2 days and this thread is a little old I was wondering if there are any new suggestions.

I need a phone this time otherwise my parents will kill me with their nagging over this issue.

I don;t want to spend too much :-( and don't need a FANCY gismo...just a little phone for emergencies in around the world.

If I want to buy this on ebay any suggestions how to or is it best to get a new one.

-Madhu

If the idea is only to placate the nagging parents...then have you considered skype? They have nifty phones that work with wifi...so basically if you stick to populated areas you can talk.

Otherwise, my experience has shown that the least expensive option is to wait until I get to whatever country I'm going to and buy the least expensive phone (it'll be unlocked and work on any network) and a sim card to go with it. I have some cheap motorola that I bought in Bulgaria for ~$20USD. It has performed flawlessly everywhere else I have been (with the purchase of a sim card for that country/network)


P.S. Madhu
as the lone night shift worker for nine months at the South Pole station (population 60) I really get a kick out of your signature.

I actually received a free upgrade with T-mobile and got a Blackberry Curve 8310 I believe.

Its a quad band and has Wi-FI.

I got it unlocked through T-mobile at no charge!

the battery life is good, not stellar!

overall the quality is good and the connection/call reception is good.

I opted for this, rather than a computer (i.e emails and the such)

$.o2

I think I will do the local phone thing. My friend in EU has a extra one that i can use with a new SIM card and will do the same in India.

Once I get to Asia..i will buy one in Jakarta which I think will be launching city.

Well... my husband is in bootcamp, so I've been scrambling to find a solution to our communication issues once I get down to Central America.
I went through a lot of crap trying to get T-Mobile to unlock my phone, so it would accept another sim- like Telestial. They're jerks- didn't happen.
Well, upon asking my mother in law... the answer to my problem was quite simple and clear...
I didn't already have cell service (I stopped using it a while ago), and I was planning on getting AT&T when the husband is out of basic. I chatted with a customer rep- and apparently they have this special international plan, that works in a million places. I think you pay like $6.00 a month, and it vastly improves the international rates. No need for a special sim...none of that. You just get the plan and add on the international saver thing for the six bucks.
Make sure your phone is GSM capable.
And...there you are.
I'm just happy right now because I didn't think there would be a way for me to speak with my hubby, without paying a pound of flesh for it.

thats unfortunate Tmobile was shitty to you.

i had no problem asking to get it unlocked, i spoke with tech support and they walked me through the process.

I too have the international service ($o.oo)added on, but it doesnt cut cost too much.....for me at least.

Has anyone tried the global SIM card maxroam (www.maxroam.com)?

I've also looked at a software product called TruPhone (www.truphone.com) available for certain nokia phones that let you make wifi calls... Anyone have any experience with it?