International Cell Phones

There are a few things to consider when you begin your search for an international cell phone or travel phone. It needs to operate on the right network and the right frequencies.

Most of Europe, Asia, and Africa use a GSM network. The US, Canada, Australia and a few other countries sometimes use CDMA, TDMA, and iDEN networks as well.

The phone you use when traveling must operate off of the same type of network. Most international travel phones can make use of GSM networks because they are the most prevalent type.

In addition, different countries use different frequencies. Once you know where you'll be traveling to, you can look up the country to determine what frequencies are used to assure your phone will work.

There is an easier way however. A good international travel phone would be a tri-band or quad band phone. A quad band phone for instance can operate at the four frequencies used most often across the globe. Thus, these phones provide a good option for travelers.

The most common cellular networks are GSM and CDMA. GSM is prevalent globablly. In the US, AT&T and T-Mobile phones are on a GSM network while Sprint and Verizon use the CDMA network. GSM phones are generally necessary when traveling to Europe as that is the predominant network there.

Sprint and Verizon have some CDMA/GSM hybrid phones however. For instance, Sprint has the Blackberry 8830, Samsung Ace, and Motorola i930 while Verizon has the Blackberry 8830 and Motorola Z6c. These phones work on the CDMA network in the US and the GSM networks in Europe. These phones will not work on the GSM network in the US but do make a good international travel phones due to their flexibility.

Once travelers have the right phone, they need to get service for their international cell phone. If their cellular carrier has international roaming available via the right network (usually GSM) and cross billing agreements in place with carriers in the country to be visited, this can be a simple option. However, users should be sure to acquaint themselves with the roaming charges before leaving as they can be a bit pricey. If you plan on using data, be aware of international data costs which tend to be cost prohibitive.

Once you have your travel cell phone, you'll need to get service. Major US cellular companies now offer programs for customers who travel internationally:

Verizon Wireless has global travel kits and a program for "occasional travelers".

AT&T offers a number of special packages for "world travelers" that can be used with compatible phones.

T-Mobile's International Services offer lower rates than most providers.

Sprint PCS phones won't work in countries using a GSM nework. They do offer other options including rental for those traveling to Europe and other GSM network countries. See their International Services here.

Of course, getting service for your international cell phone is also possible by using prepaid minutes. By buying an unlocked GSM phone or world phone, a traveler can also install a SIM card which is compatible with the service used in the country they will be visiting. Then, pre-paid service can be purchased easily eliminating any need for an unwanted contract or service agreement. For anyone who travels quite a bit this may be the most cost effective solution.

Another option for travelers is to rent international cell phones or travel phones. The charges for renting the phone and for per minute talk time varies widely from service to service and is dependent upon your destination.

A few services online include travelcell.com, cellularabroad.com, rangeroamer.com and, or course, Mobal.com for international cell phone rental.

Photo Credits
Introduction: woinary.
Quad Band GSM Phones for Travel: pacdog.
A Few More Words About Networks: Squeakymarmot.
Getting Service: International Roaming: ruurmo.
Getting Service Prepaid Minutes: jmerelo.
Internation Services from US Cellular Providers: inkiboo.
Renting a Cell Phone for Your International Travels: jepoirrier.