GSM Mobile phones?

Has anyone taken a GSM phone from the U.S. and taken it with them or bought one in Europe to use there? If so, how did it go?

I'm thinking from a safety perspective...besides, I intend to use it for other trips, too! :p

(wyndyl, I just moved your topic to this forum)

You'll find information about the GSM phones in the " Cell phones, medications and maps " thread. In that thread, Antonio writes: And CaliBasco give the following useful link: You could also simply rent a cell phone while you're in Spain if you plan to stay in one place and be able to return it at the end of your visit. If you search CELL PHONE here in this forum you'll find a number of threads on the topic. Good luck!

Saludos, MadridMan

Hi,
I reckon you should be able to use an American GSM phone as long as it works in either the 900MHz or the 1800 MHz, which are the bands GSM phones work currently in Europe.

At least I know it worked the other way round (a friend here in Europe that bought Motorola triband (900,1800,1900) handset and it worked fine in the States).

You can use the phone with the same SIM card (check with the co. in the US if they have roaming agreement in Spain), or just buy a new spanish SIM card which are quite cheap.

Just remember that the plug of the charger is different over here, but that shouldnt be a big problem.

Have a good time.

daniel b and all
Thanks for the info. I purchased a SIM unlocked phone in Chicago and a SIM card for Spain. Since I go to Asia also, the mobile will pay for itself.
Thanks again.

My brother in law visits us several times a year and he can never get his (English) mobile phone to work. On his last vist in January he bought one at El Corte Ingle for 60 Euros ($53?) and this included 48 Euros of calls, making the cost of the phone (which is light, OK and easy to use but in a disgusting shade of purple )about $10.

He's due here at the end of this month and he can pick up from where he left off, as I think he only has to use it every nine months or else he loses the number. In fact, for completing a Vodafone questionnaire they credited him with an additional 6 Euros of free calls too!

There are now at least two companies which offer a service plan which includes both the US and Europe.

Voicestream and Nextel both offer a rate plan which includes a bucket of minutes for your area in the US and then all calls in Europe are $0.99

If you aren't planning to use it much in Europe, this can be a good deal.
I know the Ericsson T28 World is a fantastic phone that works well on both sides of the ocean and I have heard nothing but rave reviews about it's use in Europe.
I used to be in the cell phone business and had numerous customers who traveled extensively in Europe.

I am hoping I have no problems with the phone when I activate it in a few weeks. I suppose I'll find out as soon as I turn it on at Barajas Airport.
I decided on the Airtel SIM card. Has anyone ever encountered any problems with it or has had experience with it?
Thanks in advance, everyone!

Hi wyndyl,

The only problem with Airtel (now called Vodafone since it was acquired by the giant) is that the coverage is not as good as that of Telefónica. Prices are more or less competitive but Telefónica dominates the market here due to the amazing coverage they offer. Airtel (Vodafone) is the second largest cellular operator in Spain.

Have a great trip.

Saludos,
jer...

p.d Calibasco, I was looking at that rental service at http://travtel.com/gsm.htm and it IS EXPENSIVE! They even charge you for incoming calls when they are free here

Any rental service that charges for incoming calls and those super high rates for outgoing airtime is a major rip-off.

Thanks, jer.
Maybe I will get a Sim card from them instead. What's their web address?
Thanks again!
Wendy

Hi wyndyl,

Can you tell me more about the SIM phone--what are the details/where did you get it?

Thanks!
-GG

GG,
I bought a GSM phone through the internet; it is compatible with the networks in Europe and Asia; though you can't use it in the States. The next thing I did was by a SIM card.
I don't know all the tech details about it :o , but it enables you to hook up with a network at whatever country you go to and use their network. Since I am going to be in Spain, I bought a SIM card for Spain. (There are, I think, 3 major carriers-kinda like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, etc).
The card gives you your own telephone number and a certain amount of time, so you can call back home. Though, I like it because incoming calls are free. I bought the SIM card from www.telestial.com
Their based in San Diego...their site also has good info about GSM phones and SIM cards. I hope this is helpful.
And GG, I will let you know how it works in 6 weeks or so.
Wendy :p

GG-
I forgot to mention that the phone I bought was from www.welectronics.com based in Chicago. The important thing to remember and be certain of, is that the phone is "unlocked". This means it is SIM unlocked.
When we switch cell phone carriers, eg AT&T to Verizon, etc.; most of the time(All the time, I think )we can't use the same phone. That's because it is "locked", restricting the use of it for whatever network or carrier you were using.
I bought the SIM card separately...Feel free to e-mail me and I'll give you more details, if I can, when I wake up this afternoon...
Wendy