Piranha Mobile Sim Card

snidely · 28-07-2013, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by misterbill

Interesting post, since I am about to leave for a Baltic cruise and was looking for a SIM with a US number. I had been planning to use Telestial Passport (wasn't sure which one to order), but I hate their confusing rates (with different products being higher for one thing and less for another so neither is optimal) and someone on another board suggested Piranha, whose rates seem to be cheaper all around and have the US number so my kids can easily call us. I am a bit troubled by SMS not working since I did plan to use that. Was there something you found out after the fact that you could have done to make it work? Should you be able to receive and send texts on the US number?

How long does it generally take to receive this if shipped to the US?

Took 7 or 8 days for us to get SIM earlier this year. The only "problem" we noticed was that the first time you hit a new country it can take 2 hours to first register on the system. After that, no problem reconnecting to system. Excellent rates in most countries.

misterbill · 28-07-2013, 18:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by snidely

Took 7 or 8 days for us to get SIM earlier this year. The only "problem" we noticed was that the first time you hit a new country it can take 2 hours to first register on the system. After that, no problem reconnecting to system. Excellent rates in most countries.

I decided not to bother with Piranha since they never responded to a question I submitted asking about shipping and was not comfortable about getting it in time for my trip. I was going to give in and buy the ekit Passport but then realized that Verizon is actually reasonable for data if I do the bundle ($25 for 100mb, cheaper than Pirahna) and texts (5c to receive, 50c to send). Voice they're not cheap on, even if you buy the $4.99 calling plan. But the ekit Passport Lite only costs $10 on Amazon and comes with 30 minutes of free incoming calling (plus $5 of credit, but the calling rates are high)! So I ordered that and will use it in my spare unlocked feature phone and between the two will figure out a way to make it work, plus I'll have a backup in case there are problems.

misterbill · 02-08-2013, 08:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by snidely

The only "problem" we noticed was that the first time you hit a new country it can take 2 hours to first register on the system. After that, no problem reconnecting to system. Excellent rates in most countries.

That could be a bit of a problem for me since I will be on a cruise and will only be in many countries for 6-8 hours!

Does the ekit Passport SIM have the same problem?

I should mention that the Piranha person contacted me as a result of my post here and apologized for not responding to my question and has sent me a SIM (although I have not yet received it). I leave for my vacation next Friday, so hopefully I will get it soon. Then I decide whether I use it in my Smartphone, or go with Verizon as I had originally planned and use the Piranha SIM in my unlocked phone (where I currently have the Passport Lite).

jeffg1998 · 02-08-2013, 22:25

[QUOTE=misterbill;43533]
Does the ekit Passport SIM have the same problem?

QUOTE]

I have both a Piranha and E-Kit SIM cards. It is true that Piranha can take a long, long time to register on a network. Sometimes it is quick, but you can't count on it. They do have the best rates, though.

My E-Kit SIM pretty much registers within minutes and always seems to work wherever I am. (Usually on cruises).

My advice is if you get your Piranha on time, try it and leave it in your phone starting at about 1 hour before docking (you'd be surprised how far out a phone can get a signal) and see if it registers. If not, plan B... Ekit.

rfranzq · **Foolish question, hopefully not asked too late. -** 03-08-2013, 19:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by misterbill

Then I decide whether I use it in my Smartphone, or go with Verizon as I had originally planned

Your Verizon phone already has a Verizon SIM for international use, right?

misterbill · 03-08-2013, 21:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfranzq

Your Verizon phone already has a Verizon SIM for international use, right?

Yes, HTC Incredible 2. Confirmed that it works overseas.

rfranzq · 03-08-2013, 23:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by misterbill

Yes, HTC Incredible 2. Confirmed that it works overseas.

Sorry to be obtuse. But is their a SIM in the phone right now?
[I assumed the phone works, I was concerned that there is a SIM in it. ]

misterbill · 04-08-2013, 03:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfranzq

Sorry to be obtuse. But is their a SIM in the phone right now?
[I assumed the phone works, I was concerned that there is a SIM in it. ]

Yes, there is a Verizon SIM in the slot.

	(#4)
jeffg1998 (Offline) Junior Member Newbie Posts: 8 Join Date: 19 Oct 2007 Country:	02-08-2013, 22:25 [QUOTE=misterbill;43533] Does the ekit Passport SIM have the same problem? QUOTE] I have both a Piranha and E-Kit SIM cards. It is true that Piranha can take a long, long time to register on a network. Sometimes it is quick, but you can't count on it. They do have the best rates, though. My E-Kit SIM pretty much registers within minutes and always seems to work wherever I am. (Usually on cruises). My advice is if you get your Piranha on time, try it and leave it in your phone starting at about 1 hour before docking (you'd be surprised how far out a phone can get a signal) and see if it registers. If not, plan B... Ekit.