Quote:
Originally Posted by PennMike
Hi,
Just came across this site a few weeks ago and it has helped me a lot in cutting through some of my fog, but I must admit I'm still basically clueless when it comes to using cells internationally. (technology has passed me by I'm afraid  )
I only travel a few times a year, but when I do it's usually 2-3 weeks at the same destination (for example this summer 2 1/2 weeks Prague, 1 1/2 weeks Berlin). I bought a used cell (Motorola 551 GMS- unlocked) and am hoping that was the correct first step. I gather the cheapest rates are going to be by buying local/country-specific cards. (Feel free to tell me I've already screwed up  )
Two questions:
1.) Is it a good idea to get local SIMs for the best value when IN the country, but to have an international one to swap out for when travelling to/from/between the countries (or is this even possible a/o easy to do)?
2.) Where do you buy local SIMs other than at a carrier-specific cell phone store?
I waded through various forums but couldn't find the answers to my questions. Sorry if I missed the obvious and asked a typical newbie question for the millionth time.
Thanks,
Mike
PS: FWIW I will most likely not be using SMS, and will probably be using the phone only once or twice a day (maybe 5-10 min) daily. |
Welcome aboard!
Have you looked in the Europe section of the forum; there is a sticky on going to Europe.
The 551 should work fine; make sure you have adapters for the voltage/electric.
The EU is undergoing some changes and nothing is clear at this point. Teltarif.de reporting the EU has passed new legislation.
The cheapest rates for receiving calls and calling within a given country are probably found on SINGLE COUNTRY SIMs as you suggest. HOWEVER, calls to the US and other foreign destinations may be quite expensive on these cards. Also, you must consider the long-term costs if you want to keep these alive. I had 2 Malta cards and those were not good investments.
Depending on how much you call and travel between countries, an international SIM might be good. If you are just traveling between Prague and Berlin, there can only be one or two countries in between.
Can't speak for CZ, but you can pick up prepaid SIMs in DE, CH or FR in many places, including larger stores (Saturn in DE, for instance). Or you can try eBay US. Or you can try eBay.de for single country SIMs.
PERSONALLY, since I do not travel often, I now try to keep foreign SIMs inventory small. I have one for DE and one international. I am heading for DE this summer and MIGHT pick up another one for DE. Not sure yet, however. I have $50+ sunk cost in my UM international card and would like to use some of the balance up. Why spend more money?
Short and sweet answers:
0 phone is OK
1 depends; IMHO buy one local SIM in each country OR if you can get a VODA SIM with the passport option for both DE and Prague.
2 local SIMs should be available in any major town; train station, shopping districts. Know what the local carriers names and logos.
Bon voyage!
Stan