Can you use your current cell phone overseas?
"Can I use my current phone in Europe, South America, or Asia?" is a common question. The answer is a resounding, "Maybe." Many other countries use cell phone technology that is different from some U.S. service providers.
The majority of overseas countries use GSM (Global System for Mobile) technology. Most U.S. cell phone companies use CDMA, or iDEN platforms in addition to GSM. Do you see the potential problem? If you want to "do nothing" to have the ability to use your cell phone overseas, owning an instrument that understands GSM signals is important.
Since T-Mobile and AT&T (formerly Cingular) operate GSM networks in the U.S., you may already own a GSM-enabled cell phone. You'll still probably need to do a few things for international cell phone use, but, at least, it has the ability to work.
If your current cell phone is on a Verizon, Sprint, or Nextel network, the odds are it does not have GSM capability. While not an absolute guarantee, should you use one of these networks and have an overseas trip planned, you should investigate other options in advance.
See also: GSM, CDMA, and iDEN Comparison
What type of phone do you need to get overseas service?
As you can see, you'll probably need a GSM-capable cell phone to activate service overseas. The manufacturer, be it Samsung, Motorola, Sony-Ericsson, or other respected company, is not the crucial factor. The internal configuration, offering GSM-capability is the key feature that may enable a cell phone to connect properly to overseas' networks.
Even if your current cell phone is compatible with overseas' networks, you must remember that you may be liable for "roaming" charges that can be rather expensive. While many current cell phone plans permit unlimited U.S. long distance calls and connections outside of your "home area" without roaming charges, a week in London may not qualify. You'll typically be subject to the roaming charges that apply to the country or area in which you're traveling.
There are some other options you might want to consider. World network enabled cell phones are typically available for rental for around $30 to $60 per week. While this fee shouldn't destroy your travel budget, you should resist the temptation to become "chatty Kathy" while overseas.
The fees for both incoming and outgoing calls can range from $1.50 to $5.00 per minute! It may be wise to save a detailed oral recap of your experiences until you return to U.S. soil to limit your cell phone expenses.
What is the best option for overseas cell phone use?
There is a low cost option that provides overseas cell phone use without much extra activity or aggravation. Purchase (or use your own if it's compatible) a GSM cell phone AND a prepaid SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card. Here's why.
Unlike many U.S. providers, GSM world phones are not loaded with a phone number or service attached to a specific handset. Users activate their service by plugging in their SIM card.
By using a prepaid SIM card for each country you visit, you will receive a local number and only be required to pay local, non-roaming rates, often around only $.25 per minute. A further positive: In most cases, incoming calls are free, not just those originating from your current home away from home, but calls coming from anywhere, including the U.S.!
If this relatively low cost and simple solution generates the desire to talk as much as you do at home, you'll be pleased to learn that you can reload your foreign SIM card to keep you ready to connect. Since these cards are prepaid, you need not worry about the potentially unpleasant surprise of receiving large cell phone bills.
Another possible option is available to some users through their U.S. service provider. Some offer a worldwide service package for their subscribers. You can compare their charges and terms with the international cell phone use plan explained above. Be aware that since you will be dealing with foreign currencies, whether or not they need be converted to U.S. dollars.
The rates of exchange can fluctuate on a constant basis, which may or may not work in the favor of your budget. Still, you should be able to analyze the potential or projected costs of both options and select the best choice for you. Staying connected with a cell phone, at reasonable cost, may enhance your international travel experience.