An Observation about ekit SIM cards if you plan on using them in the USA.

[highered]

Originally Posted by DLCPhoto

I have limited International needs - a trip to Costa Rica in a few weeks, one to Greece a couple of months after that. Want to use my Verizon Touch Pro 2. I purchased a Celtrek SIM with $45 credit about 2 weeks ago, got a U.S. number, tested it out, and thought I was good to go. Starting last week, however, it appears that they may have bit the dust, so I'm back to square one...

I'm interested in EKit - and as you point out, there is a multiplicity of cards and options, which given my limited experience and needs, makes this a tough thing to sort out.

I've contacted them through EBay, but no response yet, asking what card/plan would be appropriate for my situation. As per above, I want a U.S. number so family can call if they need, and reasonably inexpensive rates to call U.S. from those 2 countries. Don't need a large amount of minutes, as we'll just touch base from time to time.

I don't want or need Data, Texting might be worthwhile if cost-effective.

Any recommendations on a specific EBay EKit product to purchase for these needs?

Thank you.

Either the Simple Plus or the Passport.

Here's the Passport:
International World SIM card with free Incoming calls! - eBay (item 130287597538 end time Mar-10-10 02:24:46 PST)
Free incoming via your UK number in both Costa Rica and Greece.
Full Passport rate info: http://ekit.com/ekit/MobileInfo/Serv...rt_dual/#rates

Simple Plus info: http://ekit.com/ekit/MobileInfo/Serv...us_dual/#rates
(I didn't see this one on Ebay, but I didn't look too hard.)

[DLCPhoto]

Originally Posted by highered

Either the Simple Plus or the Passport.

Here's the Passport:
International World SIM card with free Incoming calls! - eBay (item 130287597538 end time Mar-10-10 02:24:46 PST)
Free incoming via your UK number in both Costa Rica and Greece.
Full Passport rate info: ekit, Passport SIM card

Simple Plus info: ekit, SIMple Calling + SIM card
(I didn't see this one on Ebay, but I didn't look too hard.)

Many thanks. The first one looks like the best option.

What is the track record for Ekit, in terms of the likelihood of their going belly-up, like Celtrek apparently has just done?

[RTuesday]

Originally Posted by DLCPhoto

What is the track record for Ekit, in terms of the likelihood of their going belly-up, like Celtrek apparently has just done?

They've been around since 1999 (probably just calling cards in the early days) and are Australian-based. Which gives them more of an international spread of operations compared to some of the European providers who are battling the EU's reduction in roaming costs.

But no company is immune from problems, so what I liked about the sims was that they cost me only $9 + shipping with about $10 in balance on them, and the minimum online recharge is only $10, so not a great deal to lose. I have a couple of the US/Canada only sims (no longer sold, but still work fine).

[rfranzq]

Originally Posted by DLCPhoto

Many thanks. The first one looks like the best option.

What is the track record for Ekit, in terms of the likelihood of their going belly-up, like Celtrek apparently has just done?

I strongly suggest that you get the SIMple Plus card indicated above. It is $9+$3shipping=$12 versus $20 +$3=$23 for the Passport. The SIMple card has the _SAME_ rates as the Passport for Greece and Costa Rica and cheaper rates in the USA [so you can test it?! or set up voicemail] before you go. Be sure you use the eBay seller ekitmobileusa for the SIMple card.
I have been using various ekit cards for over 3 years and their web interface and customer service is excellent.

[DLCPhoto]

Originally Posted by rfranzq

I strongly suggest that you get the SIMple Plus card indicated above. It is $9+$3shipping=$12 versus $20 +$3=$23 for the Passport. The SIMple card has the _SAME_ rates as the Passport for Greece and Costa Rica and cheaper rates in the USA [so you can test it?! or set up voicemail] before you go. Be sure you use the eBay seller ekitmobileusa for the SIMple card.
I have been using various ekit cards for over 3 years and their web interface and customer service is excellent.

Thanks for the reply and suggestion. I looked through ekitmobileusa's Ebay store, but don't see this particular one listed. SIMple Card yes, but SIMple Plus Card.

The Passport one includes $10 balance, so the SIM itself costs $10. Does the SIMplePlus Card also include $10 balance?

I've looked in their store, did some general searching, etc., but don't seem to find the EKit SIMple Plus Card anywhere on ebay. It's on EKit's website, but for $69 and it doesn't indicate how much balance that includes.

[highered]

Originally Posted by rfranzq

I strongly suggest that you get the SIMple Plus card indicated above. It is $9+$3shipping=$12 versus $20 +$3=$23 for the Passport. The SIMple card has the _SAME_ rates as the Passport for Greece and Costa Rica and cheaper rates in the USA [so you can test it?! or set up voicemail] before you go.

There are some differences in the pricing structure that may make one or the other more attractive than the other for different users.

The Passport card does not have a per call fee (or per minute fee) to receive calls in the US and Canada via the UK number, while the Simple Plus card has a 50¢ per incoming call fee while in the US.

Originally Posted by DLCPhoto

I've looked in their store, did some general searching, etc., but don't seem to find the EKit SIMple Plus Card anywhere on ebay. It's on EKit's website, but for $69 and it doesn't indicate how much balance that includes.

I don't see it on Ebay either.

[unclerap]

Used it in USA and UK, works fine but expensive. DOES NOT WORK IN SOUTH AMERICA, NO SERVICE, CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE REP WAS INCOMPENTENT. Use a diff service, these guys are awful.