Cell phone abroad

[Eagle]

WillTravel, the Fido reply looks somewhat like a "form letter", but it seems to have provided most of the information you'll need to travel with your Phones. Once you've upgraded your Phone, you should be ready to go. Don't forget to call Fido before you leave, to notify them that you'll be travelling.

One other possibility to keep in contact with your Daughter during your trip (if you're separated). If either of you happens to have access to a Computer, you might be able to save the 40¢ fee by sending the message via the Internet. Try www.fido.ca/portal/web2fido/compose.do before you leave, to see if it works. The disadvantage of this method is that the recipient can't respond to the message using the "reply" function in the Phone; it's necessary to generate a new message in order to reply. Just a thought......

Cheers!!!

[WillTravel]

Eagle, what I do sometimes now is that if I'm at my computer at work, I'll just email a message to my daughter sent to this recipient:
[e-mail]

Then she gets it on her cell phone.

I mentioned my suggestion about me taking her phone during the day, but she didn't want that. She promised she won't answer the phone, but will use caller ID to keep track of who is calling her and later call them with a calling card! Plus, incoming text messages are free. Ah, technology. Nowadays with travel you need never be far from your friends or family, other than for the most remote locations.

[ashleyg]

Ok, I've spent several days researching all my options, and I think I've got it figured out to work best for me. I'm going to get a phone off ebay, and an international SIM card. I just want to check one final thing, and since Eagle seems to know pretty much everything, I thought I'd ask here. If I go with a fully unlocked tri band 900/1800/1900, will I be able to pop a Rogers SIM card in it back here in Canada if for some reason I need to at some point? The one two I'm currently looking are the Nokia 3220 and the Panasonic GD55. (I prefer the bar style rather than the flip phones - personal thing). Any input before I dive in and buy one?

[Eagle]

ashleyg, glad to hear that you're getting the Cell Phone situation worked out. I'm not sure I know "pretty much everything" (thanks for the compliment!), but I'll try and answer your questions.

> If you have a SIM-unlocked tri-band phone with 900/1800/1900 MHz frequency bands, this should work just fine on the Rogers / Fido networks as long as you have either a valid PAYG or Contract plan and SIM. You may find that your coverage is "limited" in some areas though without the 850 MHz band (especially in buildings, malls, etc.). I noticed an enormous improvement in coverage when I upgraded to a quad-band Phone, although my venerable tri-band V-60g worked well for the most part with only the 1900 MHz band.

> I suggested the "clamshell" style Phones for your travels as many of these are quad-band, and this is what I use so I'm more familiar with them. It's unfortunate that Nokia doesn't make many (any?) quad band Phones, as many people (such as yourself) prefer the "candy bar" style Phones.

> You indicated that you would be buying an "International SIM". Which one are you considering?

> Regarding which Phone model to buy, that's a really "tough call". I checked a few review sites and both models seem to get "mixed" reviews. The GD55 is considerably older techonology (introduced 2002) whereas the Nokia is much newer (introduced 2004). As it's more "current" the Nokia has a greater range of features, such as colour display, polyphonic ringtones, more up-to-date text messaging capabilities, etc. I'm more familiar with the Nokia models, as I've used them in the past, and I believe this is the same model that I bought for my Son. Some of the older Nokia models with the "internal antenna" were a bit "quirky" in terms of signal reception (if the user's finger was over the antenna, the signal was reduced a bit), although from what I've seen this isn't as much of a concern now.

However, one very important caveat regarding the Nokia. This was apparently sold in two versions, one for the North American market (850/1800/1900) and one for the Eurasian market (900/1800/1900). Since you're buying this phone primarily for travel, I believe it's more important that it be equipped with the 900 MHz frequency band. I wonder if many of the sellers on E-Bay are aware of the difference in models? When you bid on the Phone, confirmation of the frequencies would be a good idea!

Which model you choose is ultimately up to you. If I were in the same situation, I would probably "lean" towards the Nokia although it doesn't have the tiny size of the Panasonic (I tend to focus on "function over form"). Both models have an alarm clock (which I find is a great feature when travelling!) and I believe the Nokia also has "snooze".

Whichever Phone you choose, a couple of other points to consider. Since these are both "pre-owned" models, it's difficult to say what condition the batteries are in? If the batteries have been charged/discharged extensively, they will probably require replacement in the near future (the Nokia batteries will probably be more readily available, as it's a newer model). You'll want to get this sorted before you start travelling.

Also, you'll have to verify the Input Voltage specification's of the Charger that is supplied with the Phone; you may want to ask the Vendors about this also, when you bid. Ideally, the Charger should be capable of use on 100-240 VAC (all of my Motorola Chargers have been "world chargers" with folding pins, that's another reason why I suggested them). If only a 115 VAC Charger is supplied, you'll either have to try and buy a "travel Charger" at one of the Cell Phone shops OR pack a Voltage (step down) Converter on your trip.

One final point regarding travelling with the Phone. When you step off the Plane, you may find the Phone indicates "No Signal". If this is the case you'll have to manually switch frequency bands; once this is done it will "search" and find the strongest available network. Make sure you check the Manual and are familiar with the method to change frequencies (some phones do this automatically, others have to be set by the user).

Hope this has answered your questions. Let us know which one you buy and how this works for you.

Cheers!!!

[ashleyg]

Thanks again Eagle - you brought up a couple points I should have considered, which, as well as being helpful, have left me even further in a dilema! A couple more questions (if you don't mind - you can tell me to bugger off if you're getting sick of it!):

- The point about the charger... Hadn't thought about that before. A friend suggested that maybe I should get a phone off ebay from the UK - that way it would have the appropriate cord, and if I wanted to use it here, it would be easier to have an adaptor or converter here rather than packing it around Europe. Does that make sense?

- The Panasonic phone I mentioned before is available relatively inexpensively from the UK, and I like that it's tiny - would be so easy to keep in a pocket at all times. I also know someone who has that phone and loves it, which is why I'm considering it. But.. I'm starting to think that maybe Motorola is the way to go. My first mobile was their old StarTac, and recently I switched my current mobile to a new Motorola one purely because I like the quality. But I wanted to have a candy bar style for the trip - don't ask me why - I just seem to have this vision of it. I know I'm slightly mental, but am I totally insane?

- As to the SIM card, a friend put me on to this site: www.prepaidgsm.net/en/int/compare.html. Haven't looked at it in too much detail, but it appears there are a few options for me to consider when I eventually get the hardware part sorted! Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Eagle]

ashleyg, I certainly don't mind answering a few more questions, but just hope I'm providing "the right" answers.

First, with regard to buying a U.K. Phone off E-Bay in order to have a Charger that operates on 220 VAC. You could end up with either of two possibilities:

1.) a Charger that operates only on 220 VAC, which means it will be quite awkward to use on this side of the pond. You would need to use a Voltage (STEP UP) Converter in order charge the phone in North America (you indicated that you might like the ability to use a Rogers SIM if necessary and use the phone here on occasion). This Converter would most likely be a Transformer, which is inherently heavy (in larger sizes) and cumbersome to travel with (although only a very small Transformer would be required for a Cell Phone, due to the low current draw).

2.) a "world Charger" that operates on 100-240 VAC. This would be supplied with the somewhat "large" U.K. style Plug, which means you would have to use a Plug Adapter whenever you charged the Phone either here or in Europe (which uses a different style Plug than the U.K.).

The bottom line is that whether you choose a Charger with a North American style Plug or one with a U.K. Plug, you will have to use Plug Adapters. It's probably more practical to have a Charger with a N.A. Plug, as this is where you'll be spending the majority of your time.

NEXT, the Phone. Yes, the Panasonic is quite tiny and easy to carry, but again there were "mixed" reviews on that model. It might be perfectly reliable and the fact that you know someone who "loves" the Phone is a good sign. However, it's still somewhat "old" technology (almost four years - a "lifetime" in tech circles!). I really like having a few modern features such as the colour display, EDGE capabiltiy, a good range of polyphonic ring tones and even though I didn't think I'd use it -- the Camera! In reading over my comments, keep in mind that I'm most familiar with Motorola (my last two Phones have been Moto), so I tend to favour those.

Motorola does make some "candy bar" style Phones, but I'm not too familiar with them as I've tended to concentrate on "flips". Each style has advantages and disadvantages - the flips sometimes open on their own (when running I have to put my phone in a pocket or secure it with a rubber band) and the bar styles have a problem with accidentally pressing keys while the phone is carried - I've always had to "keyboard lock" the darn things.

As you've recently switched your current mobile to a Motorola model because you "like the quality", one possibility might be to have a similar GSM model for travel. That way, you'd be familiar with the operation and features of the Phone. If you want a quad-band, the field of choice narrows quite a bit (most Moto models seem to be quad, although some of the other "high end" models such as the Treo and Blackberry also have quad-band models). You could always "splurge" and try something like the V3 Razr; my Son has a V3 Silver, and so far is really pleased with it. One caveat though, I've heard a rumour that the pink & blue models of the V3 had to be recalled recently due to a "technical problem" - this apparetly didn't affect the silver & black models; according to the rumours, both Rogers and Cingular in the U.S. had the same problem. I'm sure that model would be as easy to carry as the Panasonic model!

I'm not sure what other comments to offer concerning the fact that you want a "bar" style rather than a "flip" for travel? Can you articulate your reasons or logic behind this preference?

Finally, with regards to SIM cards for travel. It appears from the link that you provided for Prepaid GSM, that the user has to select a card from the cell network of one country. If that's the case, this might not be the best strategy as if you travel to other countries in Europe, you'll be "nicked" for HIGH roaming charges. A "universal" SIM such as that offered by Cellular Abroad (or others) might be a more cost effective solution.

One final comment regarding the high charges that Europeans pay for roaming. The E.U. has been pressuring the Operators of the cell networks to reduce roaming charges, and my impression is that they've "hinted" that regulations on pricing might be in the works. The GSM Association has recently started to fight back and has commented that "unintended consequences" might result if the authorities push the issue. I'm not sure what these consequences might be, but I suspect the end result will be a compromise of some sort? I've noticed that the charges for roaming using a Rogers or Fido phone have increased very slightly recently (perhaps a penny per minute or so?). I suspect this "rate adjustment" for roaming has also taken place with the U.S. GSM networks as well, but haven't checked lately.

Here's a few more links for you to check out:

Travel Phones and SIM cards:

www.telestial.com/view_product.php?PRODUCT_ID=MSIM-EX01

www.cellularabroad.com

Travel Phone (Buy or Rent) & SIM cards - Canadian supplier:

www.importcell.com/

Information on Cell Phones & Networks:

www.howardforums.com

www.phonescoop.com/

www.gsmarena.com/

I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but so far my solution has been to use roaming with Rogers. This option is only available to contract customers AFAIK. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this approach -- the advantage is that I keep my usual number, and this is just a "local call" for anyone calling me from my home area. The disadvantage is that in the case of "undesirable calls", I get charged over Cdn$ 2.00 a minute (billed in one minute increments, I believe) for the priviledge of telling them that I'm on the other side of the Atlantic and can't deal with whatever it is they are calling about (that's why I don't give my Cell No. to very many people!). Getting a call in the Hostel at 04:00 because someone forgets the time difference is a bit of a nuisance also. I don't mind the $2.00 / minute if it's a legitimate call, but NOT for frivolous calls. I've found from past experience that with roaming the costs are manageable if one uses the Phone sparingly, and that if I use it a lot I'd better be prepared to pay the bill!!!

I hope this additional information will help you with your decision? Again, good luck and let us know which solution you choose as it might help others here.

Cheers!!!

[Jules80]

hey

so i plan on using my phone when i'm in the UK this summer. i can roam with rogers. while i know making a call there i get charged 1$/min texts are 40c. if i call my cousin on his cell for example, what do i dial? 01144 then the number or 0 than the number like i would from a regular land line there? and for him to call me, he has to dial like its international? 001 than the number?

Jules

[Eagle]

A few more comments.....

ashleyg, if you're looking for a "bar" style Phone, check out the Motorola L7 Slvr model. I think it's fairly new, so I don't know a lot about it? I believe it's a quad-band model and comes with I-Tunes capability. I've seen some on E-Bay for about US$150.00.

Jules80, from what I remember, I was dialling the "01144" sequence when I was in the U.K. I had the number entered in speed dial, so I didn't really think about it. You might have to experiment a bit once you arrive there. In some cases, I believe you have to enter "+" in front of the number (on Motorola phones, this can be entered by holding down the "zero" key)

For your Cousin to phone you, he will have to dial long distance to North America, using 1 + A/C + Number (as far as I know). The call will then "bounce back" to you in the U.K. If you call your Cousin, you will pay about Cdn$ 1.00 / minute and when your Cousin phones you, the charge will be Cdn$ 2.00 / minute (incoming).

I'm assuming your phone is either a tri-band or quad-band model? If you're only going to be there a short time and/or use the phone very little, roaming is probably your best bet. If you plan on using the phone extensively, having an unlocked phone and setting up a PAYG account on a U.K. network might be more cost effective? When I was roaming last time, Orange and O2 seemed to have the best coverage.

Cheers!!!

[Jules80]

thanks eagle! i knew you'd have a good answer for me i basically plan on using it to meet up with people. and my cousins are big fans of txt messages which works for me. i don't plan on using it for much else other than to receive calls from job applications i've filled out. it is a quad-band i believe (motorola V551) and can be used overseas. this is why i bought this particular model. it is also locked so i can't change the sim card.

Jules

[Eagle]

Jules80, I'm also using the V-551 and so far have been really happy with it. I haven't used it for travel yet (except to the U.S.) but no problems so far. I haven't looked at the manual in a while, but I believe the V-551 will automatically change bands as required. If not, you'll have to manually select 900/1800 when you get to the U.K. (I had to do that with my V-60 last time - not a big deal, it only takes about a minute).

One other option for text messages. If your work contacts or family want to save the small charge for sending messages, they can do this from the Rogers website in Canada. I see no reason the messages won't reach you in the U.K. and I don't believe there's any charge? The only disadvantage is that the Cell user can't reply to the website messages directly - you have to generate a new message.

Happy travels!!!!

[uberbackpacker]

Phones are a bit of a pickle internationally right now.

I'd get a new one when I got there if I were you. Your mobile service company might offer a decent plan for while you're abroad, but I doubt it.

I've found that there are some great companies out there that offer alternative plans to your traditional long distance companies. Do a search on the Internet for your options; it might be less expensive to find a different carrier all together. I have done this and when I wanted to call someone it just forwarded the bill to my house back home. The rates were far less expensive and it was such a convenience while abroad.

Cheers

sorry....ads not allowed without permission

[mcbg1]

Bumping this thread to talk about my situation. I will be going to Italy for a month in September and would like to have a cell phone with me just in case of emergency and to make short local calls. I found this Pay As You Go quad-band phone from Rogers at 69.99$.
www.shoprogers.com/store/wireless/products/phones/products_details.asp?shopperID=PDEB3DFWP3N88NMF5K0V05RSHGF89U5C&PRODUCTID=V186M&summary=1

Does it sound like a good deal? Their roaming rates in Italy seem pretty high (2$ a minute for outgoing and incoming calls to and from Canada). However like I said, I'd only use it in case of emergency and in case I wanted to make longer calls, I could buy a calling card here and there for cheap. Incoming text messages seem to be free so that seems like a good alternative to avoid call charges.

[Eagle]

mcbg1, I have a few comments about your post. First of all, about the Phone. I'm not thoroughly familiar with the V186M, but it is a quad-band phone and has EDGE. Those are good features, as even the V3 RAZR doesn't have EDGE (that allows faster data transfer, should users wish to take advantage of that). It should work fine in Europe and if it were "unlocked" you would also have the option of using in-country SIMS or "travel" SIMs such as those from Cellular Abroad or other firms. The V186 looks to me like a newer version of the V-220.

Your quotations of the Rogers roaming rates are accurate to a point. The charges can vary a bit by country, with some of the eastern countries being more expensive. However, the charges for most of the western European countries are $1.00/minute for local in-country calls, $2.00/minute for calls back to Canada and $2.00 a minute for all incoming calls, plus applicable taxes and fees in Canadian funds. If you use the phone sparingly, this is a reasonably good option as you keep your home number which makes it easy for family to keep in touch with you. However, if you tend to get a lot of calls (especially "frivolous" calls) this will be an expensive option! Receiving text messages is usually free, so that's another option for getting messages from home. There's usually a charge for sending text messages, but the amount of this charge depends to some extent on which plan you're on, and the charges might be higher if sending from Europe.

There might be one minor problem though. AFAIK Rogers doesn't provide roaming for Pay-As-You-Go customers. This option is only available to contract customers. If you were planning on buying this phone on a PAYG plan, you might not be able to roam with it? You might be better to sign onto a term, as something like the V551 is avalable for as low as $39.99 at the moment (with rebates). You'll have to check with Rogers to clear this up.

If you do decide to go with a contract phone for your travels, keep in mind that you'll also have to call Rogers and let them know you'll be travelling in Europe, as they have to "enable" international roaming. This is not something that is automatically provided on all accounts.

Hope this is of some help. If you have any other questions, post another note. I also hope to be in Italy this September, and will definitely be taking my Cell Phone.

Cheers!!!

[mcbg1]

oh crap I didn't know Rogers didn't offer roaming service for the PAYG customers. Hmm I've never had a cell phone before so perhaps this would be a good moment to get a contract for one? I'd only use it to be reached in case of emergency and to make short local calls in countries I'm in. The Motorola L6 is a little more expensive than the $39.99 model (89.99) but I'd get a 100$ Future Shop gift card and a couple of other free stuff with it. Do you have a specific monthly plan you would recommend with them? The 20$ per month plan seems pretty good to me (200 minutes a month will be plennnnnty for me). I'm displeased to find out there's a $6.95 System Access fee per month though ugh. Thanks!

[Eagle]

mcbg1, it would probably be a good idea to double-check with Rogers, just to make sure that roaming isn't set up for PAYG customers. This is changing all the time, and I've noticed that some UK PAYG cell plans will now roam in Canada so it's possible this will be an option in future for Canadians travelling in Europe.

It's difficult for me to recommend a particular calling plan, as this will depend to some extent on your individual calling patterns. If you're planning to travel with the phone, it would probably be prudent to be a bit "guarded" with your number so that you don't get those "frivolous" calls I was referring to earlier. Also, people in Canada might not take the time difference into account and you could conceivably get calls at 04:00 AM while in Europe. I've just asked Rogers to block my number in the call display, so this doesn't show up at all; there was no charge for blocking the number.

You might want to check the Rogers website, as all their plans should be listed. Get some idea which calling plan and rate structure might fit you the best, and then you'll have some idea about the options when you sign up. You'll likely want a certain "bucket" of airtime minutes, either daytime or evenings & weekends (keep in mind that the evening rates don't start until about 8:00 PM AFAIK).

Not sure where you're located, but there might be full-service Rogers dealers in your area, and you might be able to buy your phone and get set up right "on the spot". One very important note however, the cost for the phones depends on which term you select (one/two/three years), which the least expensive cost being with the three year term. You will have to be prepared to stay with them for at least the length of the term that you sign onto, as there is a cancellation penalty!

One other point to note is that there is also a "system access fee" and a "911" fee, so the total cost per month will probably be about $35.00. I just wanted to give you some idea what type of costs to expect.

One final point that I want to mention, is that if you roam outside of your home area within Canada, you will also find that you are paying long distance charges. It's a bit complicated but if you want further information, give me some specifics on your situation and I'll try to provide an example. The charges aren't that much and for occasional short travels I don't find it to be a problem. Travel in the U.S. is considerably more expensive though.

Again, hope this helps. I'll stop back here again tomorrow if you have any further questions.

Good luck!!!