Does anyone have any experience with the National Geographic world phone or a similar phone? I want something to use in Europe from time to time but don't need a full-time Blackberry world phone, so am looking for a relatively cheap pay as you go GSM setup that is useable in Europe. The online search results are quite confusing to figure out, whereas Terbites are smart and worldly. Thanks.
World Phones
- Thread starter CapitalGuy
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I have one from VERIZON runs 1.89 a minute out of the US. Phone was 250.00CapitalGuy said:Does anyone have any experience with the National Geographic world phone or a similar phone? I want something to use in Europe from time to time but don't need a full-time Blackberry world phone, so am looking for a relatively cheap pay as you go GSM setup that is useable in Europe. The online search results are quite confusing to figure out, whereas Terbites are smart and worldly. Thanks.
Works exceptionally well.
My phone is a true world phone. I has both CDMA and GSM.Monty Python said:I know Verizon was on CDMA, totally useless worldwide, but was planning to switch to GSM. Are you saying that you have a GSM?
Now this is not a standard Verizon option. You need to buy the phone.
1) The first requirement of using a cell phone overseas is to have a phone that uses GSM (Global System Mobile) technology. T-Mobile phones, as well as some Cingular and AT&T Wireless phones, are equipped with this technology.
2) You need the "unlock codes" to unlock your phone and use it overseas. For $5, you can get the codes from thetravelinsider.info. You may also want to try NewLC.com.
3) Then, you will need to buy minutes from the company to where you are traveling. You can buy pre-paid minutes from telestial.com. The company will send you a chip that you use to replace the current chip inside your phone.
4) You're ready to go!
I just bought a GSM on ebay.
2) You need the "unlock codes" to unlock your phone and use it overseas. For $5, you can get the codes from thetravelinsider.info. You may also want to try NewLC.com.
3) Then, you will need to buy minutes from the company to where you are traveling. You can buy pre-paid minutes from telestial.com. The company will send you a chip that you use to replace the current chip inside your phone.
4) You're ready to go!
I just bought a GSM on ebay.
Thanks for the advice. The way ahead seems to be to buy an unlocked quad-band GSM phone then buy a sim card for wherever I am going, on a pay as you go basis. PureMobile.com seems to have a broad selection of phones, but I will look into telestial as well. Roamsimple.com seems to have reasonable rates for their cards, and some of their cards have data capability too so I may buy another Blackberry so I have overseas email access too. Thanks again.
Go to factorydirect.ca they sell all manner of unlocked gsm phones and BBerry.
The best bet for Europe is Vodaphone - they are in most contries. All incoming calls are free and calls from North America to Europe mobile are as cheap as 3 cents a minute (check out skype out) Not sure what local calls in Europe are but will be a lot cheaper than using your home provider. If you want to go all the way get an unlocked phone with wifi and you have a win win situation as a shit load of open wifi everywhere in europe.
The best bet for Europe is Vodaphone - they are in most contries. All incoming calls are free and calls from North America to Europe mobile are as cheap as 3 cents a minute (check out skype out) Not sure what local calls in Europe are but will be a lot cheaper than using your home provider. If you want to go all the way get an unlocked phone with wifi and you have a win win situation as a shit load of open wifi everywhere in europe.
Bell had one like that, but also at a high price.papasmerf said:My phone is a true world phone. I has both CDMA and GSM.
Now this is not a standard Verizon option. You need to buy the phone.
A 'global phone' needs to be not only GSM but quadband GSM, i.e. supports all 4 bands.
Many GSM phones sold for use in Canada use only 2 or 3 bands, since that's all you need for Rogers. Specifically, 850mhz is the most important one to have here, but in Europe it's pretty useless - you need 900mhz and 1800mhz in most countries.
Many GSM phones sold for use in Canada use only 2 or 3 bands, since that's all you need for Rogers. Specifically, 850mhz is the most important one to have here, but in Europe it's pretty useless - you need 900mhz and 1800mhz in most countries.
