International Cell Phone Plan Information - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

ziggysun · 08-12-2008, 05:50 AM

Links to International Cell Phone Plans:

US Providers:

TMobile International wireless roaming: international cellular calling coverage

Verizon International Roaming

AT&T Wireless International Rates | Wireless from AT&T, formerly Cingular

International Providers:

Mobal $49 Mobal World Phone | International Cell Phone

I'm sure there's more out there....please feel free to add to the list.

onepern · 08-28-2008, 03:28 PM

Most US cell phones wont work in europe but if you are Verizon customer the have a program were they rent you a phone for like $10.00 a month and 1.99 a minute

ziggysun · 08-28-2008, 03:37 PM

onepern, if you have a quad band phone (4 different frequencies) they will work in Europe.

onepern · 08-28-2008, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ziggysun

onepern, if you have a quad band phone (4 different frequencies) they will work in Europe.

Yes they will but as we found out when we checked with Verizon most of there phones won't and then only if you have the right plan. The rent a phone deal is way cheaper than buying a new phone going to a more expensive phone plan.
The only reason we are bothering with it at all is because we are going to be in Rome a few days before the cruise other wise on board the ship any cell phone works

ziggysun · 08-28-2008, 04:40 PM

I agree if you'd have to buy a new phone and you're with Verizon, that it's cheaper to rent their phones.

I'm with TMobile and DH is with AT&T and we both have quad-bands.

TMobile's Internationl Plan is free to add to your plan and you only get charged if you use the phone Internationally.

AT&T charges a monthly fee to add the International Roaming plan to your existing plan.

With TMobile though, I'm planning not to use while onboard the ship, it's $4.99/minute

zydecocruiser · 09-01-2008, 10:00 PM

Often you can buy a pay as you go SIM for whatever country you are visiting and add whatever minutes you want.

Caveat - there are a number of companies selling foreign SIM cards that come with a Catch-22. You can't use the cards until you put some time on them and you usually can't add time to them until you get to the particular country. Some say you can refill over the Internet, which is true for some, BUT you usually need a credit card with a local mailing address.

I purchased an unlocked razr and it worked fine with a Mobal SIM and also with a Tmobile UK SIM. I even used the TMobile SIM in a laptop connect card for 4 pound/day unlimited Internet in England. Wasn't always speedy, but beat the heck out of paying the cruise ship 40 cents/minute.