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Archive for the ‘Cell Phones’ Category

I’m moving to Italy and sadly (tear tear) my new phone, the Samsung Moment won’t work there. Atleast from what my parents say.
So I’ll get a new phone there and I want to get one that can be used on a US Cell Phone network (ex Sprint or Verison) when I move back.
So what phones that can be used in Europe and the US?

Get an unlocked GSM phone, preferably quadband. In the US GSM operates on 850 MHz and 1900 MHz bands, while 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands are used in Europe. With an unlocked GSM phone any SIM card can be inserted. With GSM the phone number is with the SIM card, and not with the handset itself. Get a prepaid SIM card in Italy, which will give you an Italian phone number. When you get back switch to a US SIM card with a US phone number. Using a US SIM card in Italy and vice versa will either not work or cause high roaming costs.

A CDMA phone like yours cannot be used i Europe, at least not for phone calls.

I’m an American, and I’ll be traveling to Brazil in a few months. I’m pretty sure my current cell phone probably won’t work in Brazil. I’ve heard about international Cell Phones and pre-paid plans for travelers, but I’m not sure what type of cell phone to look for. What type of cell phone could I buy for my trip to Brazil, and where could I buy one?

Eric, if you planned visit is for few weeks then i recommend opt for International cell phone rentals.

I recommend go for Brazil Cell Phone from Rebelfone at $1/day & enjoy Free Incoming while in Brazil, lowest call back charges to US, low text + data charges. Also it’s a postpaid service & you only pay if you use otherwise you won’y pay anything.

http://www.rebelfone.com/brazil_cellbundles.aspx?couId=18

I am currently using AT&T for phone service and I want to purchase a cell phone. But I just upgraded a few months ago. I was wondering what are unlocked Cell Phones. Can u purchase those for without commiting to a 2 yr contract?

Unlocked simply means it is not "locked" into a specific carrier; like sprint, verizon, ATT, etc… An unlocked phone is compatible through all carriers as long as the voice and data network is compatible; ie Edge, 3G, EVDO, REV2, etc…. Also, there are different ranges of compatibility, such as dual and quad band phones…

It will be more expensive to purchase a new phone w/o a contract, but is certainly doable. You’ll just need to switch the SIM card from your old phone… However, if you have a data plan as well, you’ll need to contact AT&T, because data goes by the phones ESN as well as SIM cards.

Also, note some phones can be unlocked by simply entering an unlock code. Though that is rare,and the only one I know of is the Samsung BlackJack.