 |
|
|
Europe and much of the world adopted a common cell phone standard called Global Service for Mobile (GSM). Equally important, Europe, Africa and Asia not only had the foresight to adopt the same cell phone standard, but they also decided that their cell phone networks would operate on the same frequencies (the 900mhz, initially and later the 1800mhz band). This explains why the same cell phone that works in London will work equally well in Johannesburg, Beijing and Sydney. The bottom line: Most countries around the globe – more than 205 at last count – have adopted the GSM wireless technology and if you want to go travel and want the convenience of carrying a cellular phone, then you’re going to need a GSM cell phone service. The United States and much of the Americas did not standardize and consequently competing wireless standards emerged from the various wireless carriers. Just so you know the names, there is most likely to be CDMA type service or perhaps TDMA or even iDEN or AMPS (you don’t want to know what these acronyms stand for and fortunately you don’t need to know). There are some American GSM cellular providers however they typically operate on a different (1900mhz) frequency then is used in Europe Asia and Africa consequently you will need this frequency on your phone if you plan on traveling to North and much of South America. A GSM tri-band cell phone can be rented for typically US$29-$59/week with per minute charges ranging from $1.50-$5/minute, for your incoming and outgoing calls. If you travel infrequently (less then once/ year) and your stay is less then a week then this may be the best option even with the outrageous per minute costs. If you already have local GSM service then you can probably use the international roaming feature of your domestic provider but that can get expensive fast. Typical roaming rates, depending on your ultimate destination can cost between $1-$7/minute. To really take advantage of a cell phone overseas and not need a second mortgage on your house, you will want to purchase your own GSM cell phone and a local prepaid SIM card for your next international destination. GSM world cell phones do not come with phone numbers programmed into them and the actual service is not even tied to the phone itself. Instead customers activate their mobile phones by popping in so-called SIM cards, little thumbnail sized devices that determine your cell phone number and any additional services like voicemail. A pre-paid SIM card for each country you visit, gives you a local phone number and local calling rates are usually a low 25 cents/minute. It is easy, convenient, and relatively inexpensive for you to call other people in the country you’re visiting, and easy and normal for them to call to you on your local number, too. Best of all, Incoming calls are FREE regardless of where they originate. You can replenish your airtime on the SIM card by purchasing an airtime voucher in one of the local currency denominations. They are available at most newsstands, kiosks and convenience stores. The airtime vouchers are scratch cards that have a pin code which you simply key into your phone for immediate credit. In summary,
with a prepaid cell phone you have a cost effective way of staying in touch
with no bills, no roaming charges and no hassles.
|
