While cell phones are ideal for travel, unfortunately they do not always work in other countries. Even if they are fluent in the language of the country, many world travelers must get international phone chips so that their cell phone service also "translates" while you are abroad. Read on to learn get international cell phone chips.
Instructions
1. Verify whether the cell phone you have now works overseas. In the United States, frequency bands are usually 850 MHz and 1900 MHz. Most other nations use cell phone frequency bands of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz.
2. Call your cell phone service provider or visit their official website. Confirm your cell phone model and its frequency. The customer service representative or website information can help you determine whether you need an international cell phone chip for the nations you are visiting. They can also tell you about options and costs. This is also a good time to review and, if necessary, update your service plan.
3. Find out about the cost, coverage locations and warranties of SIM cards. A prepaid SIM card typically covers incoming calls from every country. However, beware of roaming rates, which vary by carrier but that can add up very quickly.
4. Consider getting a roaming SIM cards if you plan to visit several nations. One roaming SIM cards lets you stick with a single phone number that works in many countries.
5. Rent a phone, either before you depart or once you reach your destination. While you may pay higher talk time rates, depending on your needs, a rental is often a better choice than buying a new cell phone, service plan or one or more international cell phone chips.
6. Get an international cell phone before you go. Shop around and search online auction and retail sites.
7. Buy an inexpensive local cell phone once you arrive at your destination and get the phone chips for it there. While you will not have your own stateside cell phone number, you can get a significant break on rates.
Tags: cell phone, international cell, international cell phone, cell phone service, phone chips, phone service