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Post by bixaorellana on Sept 20, 2012 18:16:34 GMT
I reeeeeally need advice, please.
I've had a couple of cell phones that people gave me, but which I never used, either forgetting about them or getting frustrated with them.
Thus, I am completely in the dark ages about them, as in knowing NOTHING.
I'm planning on going to a family reunion in October & my mother told me to get a cell phone. Okay. Now what?
Should I go ahead & get one here, then do whatever I have to do to activate it for use in the US? Should I wait till I'm there & get some throw-away thing? Seriously, I have no idea about them.
What are terms I need to know when shopping for one, for instance?
Help!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2012 19:15:29 GMT
International calling plans are always highway robbery.
Most of the world uses GSM sim chips, but apparently the US system is different (but perhaps slavishly copied by Mexico? I have no idea.). In most cases with the GSM system, the cheapest thing to do is to just by a new sim card in each country (a sim card costs about 5€ in France) and then just buy credits on whatever temporary carrier has the best deal.
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Post by onlymark on Sept 20, 2012 19:26:28 GMT
In essence there are two types. The phone that is 'locked' to a specific provider and those that aren't. If it is then (I'm presuming they have a SIM card in?) you are tied to that provider. You either have an account which is paid monthly or a 'pre-paid' - this is where you can re-charge it using a scratch card or from a receipt with a reference number. If it is unlocked then you can put any SIM card in it from any provider and either have an account or a pre-paid card.
If you are using it in a foreign country then most either get a new SIM card in that country (if it is unlocked) or put up with excess charges when using it (called 'Roaming' charges). Some phones have a facility to put two SIM cards in, like mine. One for one country and one for another - saves having to swap cards or have two phones.
If it is a phone with a Mexican provider SIM card and you want to use it abroad then you need to find out if it is activated for roaming in a different country - some cards aren't.
If you buy a new phone/SIM card in the US I expect with the latest terrorist security problems then you'd have to go through the hoops as regards bureaucracy to get one. An address, ID etc etc, but I don't know for sure there. It'd probably be easier to get one of the phones functioning where you are and then make sure you hardly use it abroad, methinks.
SIM card - the little card in the back underneath the battery that is removable. Roaming charges - the cost you pay for calls and SMS's when you are away from the provider associated with the card in the phone. Pre-paid - this is where you load up the phone with money and when it's gone, it's gone. Usually done with a scratch card/reference number. Account - you pay a fee each month plus the cost of the calls made.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2012 19:32:35 GMT
Just about every prepaid card allows you to recharge over the internet as required.
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Post by onlymark on Sept 20, 2012 20:05:27 GMT
In civilised countries may be. Not in Egypt and not in Jordan either I'm afraid.
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Post by fumobici on Sept 20, 2012 21:14:36 GMT
Just buy whatever the cheapest disposable phone is available with enough minutes preloaded and throw it away when you leave. I know it sounds wasteful but it is absolutely the best answer for a situation like yours. I wouldn't spend more than 30 USD tops for both phone + minutes, you can pay cash if you prefer. You can buy these in any big discount store. One thing nice about being in the US is these throwaway phones are cheap and available here . I couldn't find any similar deals in Europe.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2012 21:23:26 GMT
Bic sells disposable phones loaded with 30 minutes (but rechargeable) at newsstands for 29€ in France.
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Post by htmb on Sept 20, 2012 21:28:56 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2012 21:34:15 GMT
I am a big Wal-Mart fan and I say that sincerely. Wal-Mart, Target and KMart are my holy trinity when I go to the United States, particularly Florida.
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Post by htmb on Sept 20, 2012 21:56:10 GMT
I pretty much detest Walmart, but will occasionally look at their website when needing something like a cheap phone. Actually, I just hate to shop period.
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Post by bixaorellana on Sept 22, 2012 1:42:59 GMT
I do like the cheap thrill of shopping in stores with tons and tons and tons of options. I get weak in the knees with frustrated buy-itis when I go to Target, and yes, badbadwrongwrong, but Walmart definitely has its uses.
THANK YOU all so much for the great info and advice. I checked with a friend who just came back from the US (although she had to be there for 4 months) & wound up buying a cell phone there & having to sign up for service. She also reports that cell phones here are a ripoff. Where I'll be, the only place available for acquiring this unloved bit of electronica will be a Walmart. At least now I'll sort of know what I'm looking at.
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