Need advice for GSM phone

[Vsweety]

I'm there to relax and explore, not to gab on the phone.

Better tell everybody that, including marketers, before they call you or send you (large or lots of) files.
OR disable 'roaming'. That's a lot simpler.

 

[Superorb]

Better tell everybody, including marketers, that before they call you or send you (large or lots of) files.
OR disable 'roaming'. That's a lot simpler.

Incoming calls are free on most of the international SIM cards But I agree, just put the phone in airplane mode until you need to make a call or use data. Or you could power it off too.

 

[Vsweety]

Or you could power it off too.

That's the best solution: power it off as long as you're not in a WiFi hotspot. Extends your battery life too.

 

[zorak950]

Assuming you don't want to use your device, you can keep it powered off all the time. I think the idea is to have your phone.

 

[Superorb]

Assuming you don't want to use your device, you can keep it powered off all the time. I think the idea is to have your phone.

Well yeah, but when you're overseas you pay for data and minutes usage, so you want to limit that to only what you need. Otherwise it gets expensive fast. Unless you're on a T-mobile plan which includes free global roaming and data of course.

 

[zorak950]

Well yeah, but when you're overseas you pay for data and minutes usage, so you want to limit that to only what you need. Otherwise it gets expensive fast. Unless you're on a T-mobile plan which includes free global roaming and data of course.

Am I the only one that's confused about why we're all still having this conversation? The OP is getting an international SIM card and using their phone with it. Why are we talking about using US SIM cards overseas?

 

[Superorb]

Am I the only one that's confused about why we're all still having this conversation? The OP is getting an international SIM card and using their phone with it. Why are we talking about using US SIM cards overseas?

I'm the OP. And SIM cards are at least related to the thread since I'll be using this phone overseas.

 

[zorak950]

I'm the OP. And SIM cards are at least related to the thread since I'll be using this phone overseas.

If you're using an international SIM card, though, why be concerned about overages you'd incur if you weren't? I feel like I'm missing the core issue.

 

[Superorb]

If you're using an international SIM card, though, why be concerned about overages you'd incur if you weren't? I feel like I'm missing the core issue.

I don't even have the phone yet, I'm still researching whether it would be better to go with Tmo or an Int'l SIM.

 

[zorak950]

I don't even have the phone yet, I'm still researching whether it would be better to go with Tmo or an Int'l SIM.

Ah, gotcha. Well, T-Mobile would be easiest; no swapping SIMs out. You'd have to make sure that all the countries you're going to be in are on their list of countries covered under their free roaming, though. And remember that the free data is only 2G and calls aren't free, just the data and texting. SInce it sounds like your usage is going to be very limited it could work out to be a good option for you, just be sure you know the fine print. The main beauty of going prepaid international SIM is that you can't screw up: if you try to do something that isn't covered or that you haven't deposited money for, it just won't work. If you're on postpaid T-Mobile, they'll start tacking things onto your bill.

 

[Superorb]

Ah, gotcha. Well, T-Mobile would be easiest; no swapping SIMs out. You'd have to make sure that all the countries you're going to be in are on their list of countries covered under their free roaming, though. And remember that the free data is only 2G and calls aren't free, just the data and texting. SInce it sounds like your usage is going to be very limited it could work out to be a good option for you, just be sure you know the fine print. The main beauty of going prepaid international SIM is that you can't screw up: if you try to do something that isn't covered or that you haven't deposited money for, it just won't work. If you're on postpaid T-Mobile, they'll start tacking things onto your bill.

We're on Virgin Mobile now, and two years ago when I grabbed a prepaid Tmo phone there was no service (voice or data) so I canceled that. If things have gotten better I might consider sticking with it, but I figure it will be a PITA dealing with Tmo and canceling a non-prepaid plan even though they do the no-contract deals now.

Only thing about Int'l SIM is I worry I'll suck down data quick and they charge anywhere from $0.29 per MB which can add up quickly.

 

[zorak950]

We're on Virgin Mobile now, and two years ago when I grabbed a prepaid Tmo phone there was no service (voice or data) so I canceled that. If things have gotten better I might consider sticking with it, but I figure it will be a PITA dealing with Tmo and canceling a non-prepaid plan even though they do the no-contract deals now.

Only thing about Int'l SIM is I worry I'll suck down data quick and they charge anywhere from $0.29 per MB which can add up quickly.

If that's your primary concern, I suggest just turning off mobile data in your device settings while you're on vacation. If you get into a situation where you need it, switch it on to get what you need and then off again. Slightly inconvenient, perhaps, but much easier than trying to make sure every app on your phone is set not to sync or turning your whole phone off. In a perfect world, you'll just use WiFi hotspots and never need to use any mobile data at all.

 

[Superorb]

If that's your primary concern, I suggest just turning off mobile data in your device settings while you're on vacation. If you get into a situation where you need it, switch it on to get what you need and then off again. Slightly inconvenient, perhaps, but much easier than trying to make sure every app on your phone is set not to sync or turning your whole phone off. In a perfect world, you'll just use WiFi hotspots and never need to use any mobile data at all.

Good point, thanks.