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Finding a global phone
To get phone service in most countries, a phone that uses GSM is still the best choice for globe-trotters (remember, it's the standard in Europe). Obviously, GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile will offer the most choice in GSM handsets, but CDMA providers don't shut you out completely. Both Verizon Wireless and Sprint offer a few options for getting a GSM handset. We'll describe them in the next few pages.
However, not just any GSM phone will do the trick. Of the four GSM bands--850, 900, 1,800, and 1,900MHz--the 850MHz and 1,900MHz bands are used in North America. Europe, on the other hand, uses only the 900MHz and 1,800MHz bands. So to have a true world phone that will work in the most countries possible, make sure your handset is quad-band (GSM 850; 900; 1,800; 1,900MHz). Your handset's bands are readily available from your carrier or the handset's manufacturer. However, if your phone isn't compatible with the network in the country you are visiting, you can rent a phone from your carrier.
Another advantage of using GSM is that you can get an unlocked handset, which is a phone that has no restrictions that tie it to one carrier. With an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card in the country where you're traveling and switch carriers at will. Available in per-minute increments, they are sold in varying amounts in convenience stores and phone shops. With a prepaid SIM card, you'll get a local number for your phone, which is convenient and cheap for calling local friends and traveling companions. There are a couple of trade-offs, though. The main disadvantage is that because you've swapped out your normal SIM card, you won't be able to receive phone calls made to your U.S. number. Also, calls back to the United States will be expensive. Unlocked phones are readily available in the United States, though they can be more expensive since they don't come with any carrier-subsidized service rebates. Any phone that you buy from a carrier will come locked to that operator, but the carrier may unlock it for you if you're a longtime customer in good standing. For both U.S. and local calls, you can buy a dual-SIM-card cell phone.
However, not just any GSM phone will do the trick. Of the four GSM bands--850, 900, 1,800, and 1,900MHz--the 850MHz and 1,900MHz bands are used in North America. Europe, on the other hand, uses only the 900MHz and 1,800MHz bands. So to have a true world phone that will work in the most countries possible, make sure your handset is quad-band (GSM 850; 900; 1,800; 1,900MHz). Your handset's bands are readily available from your carrier or the handset's manufacturer. However, if your phone isn't compatible with the network in the country you are visiting, you can rent a phone from your carrier.
Another advantage of using GSM is that you can get an unlocked handset, which is a phone that has no restrictions that tie it to one carrier. With an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card in the country where you're traveling and switch carriers at will. Available in per-minute increments, they are sold in varying amounts in convenience stores and phone shops. With a prepaid SIM card, you'll get a local number for your phone, which is convenient and cheap for calling local friends and traveling companions. There are a couple of trade-offs, though. The main disadvantage is that because you've swapped out your normal SIM card, you won't be able to receive phone calls made to your U.S. number. Also, calls back to the United States will be expensive. Unlocked phones are readily available in the United States, though they can be more expensive since they don't come with any carrier-subsidized service rebates. Any phone that you buy from a carrier will come locked to that operator, but the carrier may unlock it for you if you're a longtime customer in good standing. For both U.S. and local calls, you can buy a dual-SIM-card cell phone.
Call with caution
Be advised, just because GSM is used in your destination country and you have the correct phone, that doesn't mean that your cell phone will operate without a hitch. Your carrier must have a roaming agreement with a carrier in each country on your itinerary for it to work. Though that won't be a problem for most travelers, roaming agreements vary by carrier, so it's essential that you check beforehand. Also, remember that as is the case in the United States, the quality of service will fluctuate as you travel. The same thing goes for CDMA phone users. Though you may find a CDMA network in your chosen country, make sure that your carrier has a relationship with a local operator and that your phone is activated for worldwide use. Another issue to remember is that international calls do not come cheap; satellite calls from a cruise ship, for instance, will break the bank. Otherwise, roaming charges of 50 cents to $3 per minute are standard. Sending text messages is always a cheaper option, but don't forget that sending and receiving messages will cost more than they do at home. In the following pages, we list exactly where the major U.S. carriers have roaming agreements, which phones they offer, and how much your calls will cost you.
Finally, when using your phone abroad, remember these additional points:
Finally, when using your phone abroad, remember these additional points:
- Calls to voice mail will incur all applicable fees, and you'll need to enter your password to access your voice mail. On the other hand, calls to your carrier's customer service are typically free.
- The method for making local calls in each country will vary, so make sure you know how to do so. Also, remember that emergency-dial numbers will be different from 911.
- When in a foreign country, you will have to use the appropriate country and area codes for calls back to the States or to another country.
- Your phone should automatically search for and select a network in each country, but you may have to do this yourself through your phone's menus. You also can try turning your phone off and on again. You also should receive a text message from your carrier warning you that you're now roaming internationally.
- Free mobile-to-mobile minutes on the same carrier usually are not offered outside the United States.
- When roaming, the name of the local carrier will appear on your phone's display.
- You can track your minutes and data use on your handset and on your carrier's Web site.
- Roaming charges will show up on your normal wireless bill, though they may take several weeks to appear.
- Not all data features, such as e-mail and mobile Internet, will work the same way when you're abroad. So be sure to ask your carrier about which services you'll receive. Data charges are expensive so you might want to consider a data package.
- Use Wi-Fi as much as possible to avoid paying for data.
- Prepaid users will be subject to restrictions and rates separate from monthly contract customers. Check with your carrier for details.
- For 3G access, your phone must support international data networks. For example, while Europe uses the 2,100MHz UMTS (GSM) band for 3G speeds, the United States uses the 1,900MHz band. Check that your phone is compatible (the iPhone is, for example).
- Don't forget an electrical-plug adapter for your phone charger.
