Roaming with an International GSM Phone
UniquePhones > Travel > Roaming with an International GSM PhoneIf you know you have a GSM phone that works internationally, half the roaming charges battle is half over.
If you are an infrequent traveler, it may make sense to see what roaming rates your current provider might offer you. However, even the best rates they offer are notoriously high and require a certain caution not to ring up Aunt Martha from Paris to tell her how great it is. Just a few lengthy calls and you'll have a surprise of a bill awaiting you back home.
But if you care about saving money, and who doesn't these days, the ability to pop in a different SIM card for cheap rates in another country is one way to start saving.
There are two types of SIM cards which may be helpful to you. There are cards available from local providers in the countries you intend to visit. These are usually quite inexpensive allowing you phone not only locally for little charge but the rates for calling home will be good not to mention that incoming calls are almost always free. You will receive a local number. These cards generally cost anywhere from $30-60. If you are visiting multiple countries, you will need to change SIM cards when you arrive at your next destination. And, you'll get yet another phone number. Six countries. Six different SIM cards. But know that the saving will be huge if you use your cell phone very much. You can easily check these rates at our call costs comparision tool. See the savings?
The other type SIM card costs more but doesn't necessitate more than one change from your usual number. These are called global roaming SIMs. Basically wherever you go, the rates are treated as local ones. This is an excellent route to pursue but it is more expensive than the other SIM cards explained above. But even at much higher initial costs, these global roaming cards still save you substantial money from even the best rates your usual provider can give you.
Both of these options are simple. Take out your old SIM card and put in the new one. If your phone is unlocked, it takes only seconds. If you discover your phone is locked to your provider at home, that's an easy problem to solve as well. Go to our unlocking dsection and buy an unlocking code for your phone. After unlocking, your phone will be able to accept any SIM card of your choice at any time. A great investment!
