Experiences of Globalsim?

andy · 06-01-2007, 14:06

On the Isle of Man SIMs the tariffs (including some free roaming countries) are set by the reseller, but most have the 30 then 6 second billing units, (I thought all of them until I read the OP).

Talking of Globalsim, there is and was a German operation with this name well before the UK one started using it and confusing the issue; the person behind the UK one also has another trading name borrowed from a UK company so I'm not that impressed by seeing ™ on his Globalsim branding

The renewal conditions of the CallKey brands also seem to vary; to begin with the notes in the leaflet with the SIM mentioned a possible annual fee, but a couple of dealers didn't yet know at that time. Now some specify either an annual fee or top-up every so often.

On my particular one (bought from 0044 but now transferred to Simazing - by them) I was told that there is no annual fee, but a reactivation fee if it isn't used for 6 months; the minimum top-up on this is $50.

I think the variation of renewal and top-up conditions between the various resellers could become as significant as the initial credit or the call tariff. £20 or £25 starting credit included might not be as attractive if it needs $40 or £40 a year in top-ups when most outgoing call tariffs are now near to or actually higher than using an O2 UK SIM or Vodafone Passport

And like any of these global SIMs it can be used with independent callback, so I will probably avoid topping up unless (unforeseen at the moment) I go to a country with charged incoming calls; the balance has been 18c since May. (I've never topped up my Riiing SIM in two years either)

As for the additional charge mrbarlow mentions, this is the supplement while using it for conference calls, and applies on all of the brands

mrbarlow · 07-01-2007, 12:35

Thanks for all your replies, guys; food for thought.

I've just noticed that Geosim states that rates do NOT include VAT - but there is no mention of VAT on Globalsim: does anyone know whether their rates are inclusive or exclusive of VAT?

Thanks.

jeffharris · 08-01-2007, 14:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy

On the Isle of Man SIMs the tariffs (including some free roaming countries) are set by the reseller, but most have the 30 then 6 second billing units, (I thought all of them until I read the OP).

Which other prepaid MANX SIMs use 30 second/6 second billing? I seem to find they all seem to be rounded up next minute EXCEPT foeGeo SIM....

mrbarlow · 09-01-2007, 10:16

Thanks for all your comments, guys.

I think despite the initial high cost of the SIM I am now leaning toward GEOSIM since I have also been impressed by their customer service (swift e-mail replies even late on a Saturday afternoon) and do like the 30/6 billing method.

I'll place an order over the next couple of weeks as my first overseas jaunt this year is not until the first week of February.

	(#1)
andy (Offline) Senior Member Prepaid Prophet Posts: 2,128 Join Date: 10 Dec 2004 Country:	06-01-2007, 14:06 On the Isle of Man SIMs the tariffs (including some free roaming countries) are set by the reseller, but most have the 30 then 6 second billing units, (I thought all of them until I read the OP). Talking of Globalsim, there is and was a German operation with this name well before the UK one started using it and confusing the issue; the person behind the UK one also has another trading name borrowed from a UK company so I'm not that impressed by seeing ™ on his Globalsim branding The renewal conditions of the CallKey brands also seem to vary; to begin with the notes in the leaflet with the SIM mentioned a possible annual fee, but a couple of dealers didn't yet know at that time. Now some specify either an annual fee or top-up every so often. On my particular one (bought from 0044 but now transferred to Simazing - by them) I was told that there is no annual fee, but a reactivation fee if it isn't used for 6 months; the minimum top-up on this is $50. I think the variation of renewal and top-up conditions between the various resellers could become as significant as the initial credit or the call tariff. £20 or £25 starting credit included might not be as attractive if it needs $40 or £40 a year in top-ups when most outgoing call tariffs are now near to or actually higher than using an O2 UK SIM or Vodafone Passport And like any of these global SIMs it can be used with independent callback, so I will probably avoid topping up unless (unforeseen at the moment) I go to a country with charged incoming calls; the balance has been 18c since May. (I've never topped up my Riiing SIM in two years either) As for the additional charge mrbarlow mentions, this is the supplement while using it for conference calls, and applies on all of the brands

	(#2)
mrbarlow (Offline) Member Advanced Member Posts: 51 Join Date: 17 Dec 2006 Location: Cardiff, Wales Country:	07-01-2007, 12:35 Thanks for all your replies, guys; food for thought. I've just noticed that Geosim states that rates do NOT include VAT - but there is no mention of VAT on Globalsim: does anyone know whether their rates are inclusive or exclusive of VAT? Thanks.

	(#4)
mrbarlow (Offline) Member Advanced Member Posts: 51 Join Date: 17 Dec 2006 Location: Cardiff, Wales Country:	09-01-2007, 10:16 Thanks for all your comments, guys. I think despite the initial high cost of the SIM I am now leaning toward GEOSIM since I have also been impressed by their customer service (swift e-mail replies even late on a Saturday afternoon) and do like the 30/6 billing method. I'll place an order over the next couple of weeks as my first overseas jaunt this year is not until the first week of February.