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Cellphones in EuropeOne of the most frequently asked questions I get from those traveling to Europe is how do cellphones in Europe work? The truth is, cellphones are all almost exactly the same no matter where you travel. The only difference in between different countries is the GSM network that the country operates on. I would like to invitie to read below and see differnt cellphone options you may have if decide to travel to Europe.Cellphone UseUsing a cellphones in Europe is alot different than any other place. When traveling, most cellphone carriers charge a great deal for international rates. And most european countries charge fee's for connection of cellphone calls. When planning your travels, this is one of the most important steps in your process.
What you should know about GSMGlobal System for Mobile Communications or GSM is cell phone network that is used in Europe and many countries throughout the world. In Europe, T-Mobile and AT&T use GSM networks. You will need a GSM network phone while traveling through Europe. It is wise to have a cell phone on you during your travels in case of emergencies. Cells phones that are operated in Europe are operated on GSM 900 or 1800. This is different from the U.S. which works on GSM 850 or 1900.SIM CardsHave you ever heard of a SIM card? Well, when traveling to Europe, you will need a sim card in your phone in order for your phone to work. Sim Cards are a small micro chips that fit into your cell phone. This chip has your phone number and account info stored on it and goes directly into your phone. These cards do not cost much, around 15 euro in German and last for as long as you use it. These cards can be purchased in most countries in the world so you can have one for France, the U.S., and any other country you plan to travel. These cards can be purchased at any cell phone retailer location. On a final note, it is wise to purchase a SIM card from the country you plan to travel too. If you purchase, for instance, a cell phone from SIM card from France and plan to travel to Rome with that same SIM card in your phone, you will be charged a roaming fee which makes using your cellphones in europe more expensive.PrepaidThe best recommendation for cellphone use in Europe by far is pre-paid phones. These can be bought throughout Europe for as little as 20 Euro. This is a no contract deal that you pay as you go. Minute's are cheap running from 20 Euro for 15 mins to 120 minutes for 50 Euro. This is a cost effective means of saving money while enjoying the feeling of having minutes in case of emergencies.
Use Your CellphoneAnother thing you could do is use your own cellphone. You will need your cell phone unlocked. Most cell phone providers lock their cell phones . What does this mean to you? Well, you cannot change the SIM card that is stored in the phone. This is due in part because the cellphone companies do not want you to buy cellphone from them and get a SIM card from a different company. There are many ways to get your cell phone unlocked but keep in mind that policies differ for unlocking cell phones. One company may charge a little and most charge alot. There are ways to get your cell phone unlocked without having to deal with your cell phone provider. You could buy unlocked phones via the internet for fairly cheap or you could search for sites that offer instructions on how to unlock your cell phone. It is important to note that you need to make sure your phone is a quadband phone meaning it operates on all cell phone frequencies. This means no matter where you go in Europe your will have an connection. Most cell phone carriers offer plans in international destinations so it's wise to ask before doing this step. Cellphones in Europe come in a varitey of different sizes and uses. In the end, it's up to you what you want to use.Go From Cellphones in Europe to Budget Travel Europe |
