mobile phoneIt can be a great tool for keeping in touch while traveling.
Phone with payment in advance (prepaid use) Many companies are outside a certain large arearoamingThere will be a lot of costs. If the traveler encounters a huge post-paid mobile phone service, especially when using mobile data services. Streaming video downloads that cost hundreds of dollars on a smart phone in a roaming area may be cheaper on a local prepaid phone/SIM card, and even completely free at Wi-Fi hotspots. |
The main ways you can use your mobile phone when traveling overseas include:
- Take your own mobile phone and SIM card and roam on the external network.
- At destinationBuyLocal SIM card and put it in your mobile phone.
- Rent or buy international or local mobile phones and SIM cards before departure.
According to your travel time, buy localPrepaid mobile phone or local SIM card, Can be used on your existing mobile device.
- If in twoEuropean UnionRoaming between countries is very convenient, but if not under this condition, the cost may be prohibitive, and even the service may not be available.
- In most parts of Europe, prepaid SIM cards are usually very cheap (up to 10 euros and include some credit lines), although in some countries (such asItaly) Proof of identity and local tax laws may be required to purchase.
- In some countries, such as Mexico, roaming charges may be incurred even in the same country. If you buy a local SIM card, make sure you can use it in all places you want to visit without roaming.
- If inChina Mainland,existportAustraliatowerUse in other places will still be regarded as roaming-and the purchase of a local mobile phone number requires identification.
Bring your phone!
The beauty of the communication standard is that it has many options. Having a variety of mobile networks and mobile phones, not only the wavelengths are different, but also not speaking the same digital language.
Within the scope of their communication, most users will choose an operator, and then choose a mobile phone that can cooperate with that operator. If a traveler buys a lower-end prepaid mobile phone at the destination and writes it off at the end of the trip, it will be useful when traveling abroad.
The situation of bringing a mobile phone from your own country’s network to another country’s network may be a bit complicated, especially if you are interested in buying a local SIM card (insert a GSM or UMTS SIM card to provide the local number from the provider )destination.
There are various "generations" of mobile phones, containing multiple standards that are sometimes incompatible:
- 1GIs a simulated mobile phone service, such asNMTwithAMPS, Closed around 2008. It has now disappeared.
- 2GIt is the first batch of digital mobile phone services. There are at least two non-interoperable standards:
- GSMIt is the most widely used mobile phone standard in the world, which originated in Europe in 1991. In North America, it is operated by AT&T, T-Mobile and Rogers. Most GSM services have been eliminated by 3G and 4G services. Many telecommunications companies have closed, are in the process of closing or plan to close their GSM networks by 2020 at the latest.
- CDMAIt is the primary standard of several communication operators in the United States (including Verizon and Sprint). Major Canadian telecommunications companies have closed CDMA services. If your mobile phone type is CDMA, it is currently impossible toAmerica、JapanwithSouth KoreaRoaming outside.
- 3GIt is the standardized system after UMTS or its variants.W-CDMAIt is the original version of UMTS.HSPAwithHSPA It is an upgraded version of UMTS for faster Internet data download. As many operators gradually use 3GreplaceGSM or CDMA, so a mobile phone with 3G function is likely to only work in an environment where GSM signals exist.
- Thanks to mobile phonegenerationThe concept is largely defined by marketers, so some are referred to as "third generation", "3G" or "3x", with EVDO (faster CDMA) or EDGE (faster GSM) as advertisements. These standards are not equal to UMTS at all. The respective incompatibility issues of CDMA and GSM have been preserved in EVDO and EDGE.
- There are the same fuzzy boundaries between "generations" between HSPA (for example, it is faster than 3G, it is called 3.5G).
- 4GIs a faster data connection generation than 3G (usually this refers toLTE), available in major cities and supported by high-end Internet mobile phones. existChina Mainland(XinjiangExcept), 4G signal has completely covered the whole territory. Its frequency band is also different. As of 2014, all 4G providers or mobile phones will also support the 3G standard. If the network supports it, most mobile phones can also fall back to the GSM network.
- WiMax(Sprint USA, used in some Russian operators) and TD-LTE (in China) are 4G standards but not standard LTE standards.
In addition, there are multiple frequencies. Mobile phones that lack local compatible frequencies or use incompatible standards will not be able to connect to the network.
removeAmericawithCanadaOther places:
- The frequency of 900MHz to 1800MHz is usually applied to the GSM network.
- The frequency of 900MHz to 2100MHz is usually used in 3G networks, especially UMTS.
- existAustralia, The frequency of GSM for 4G is 850MHz (Telstra) or 900MHz (Optus/Vodafone/Telstra) to 1800MHz.
In the U.S. and Canada:
- 850MHz to 1900MHz are usuallyGSMwithCDMAShared together, AT&T's 3G service (UMTS) and major Canadian operators (Bell, Rogers, Telus) are also in use.
- 1700MHz to 2100MHz is usually used in the 3G (UMTS) network signal of T-Mobile in the United States.
- 1700MHz is usually used in Canada's emerging communication operators (such as Wind, Mobility), regional carriers (Eastlink, Vidéotron) and 4G (LTE) services.
- Additional frequency bands (such as 2600MHz) are usually used in 4G LTE to carry high-speed data transmission.
If your phone meetsDestination country/regionAll frequencies at that time should be able to receive a good signal when roaming. If your phone only matches one of these frequencies, it may only work in certain places, or only use certain functions.
The unlocked 3G UMTS "quad-band" mobile phones (usually 850-1900 or 900-2100MHz) can work in most parts of the world, but please also read the instruction manual on the mobile phone-some mobile phonesOnly on GSMSupports North American frequencies, so mobile phones cannot work on all networks. miniEmerging OperatorFrequently deploy frequencies on other rarely used frequencies, which also limits the choice of compatible phones. Although there are 3G network "five-band" mobile phones (four bands of 850-1900 and 900-1800MHz quad-band GSM or 5 bands of UMTS 1700, 850-1900 and 900-2100MHz), these are very rare: Some mobile phones only add 2600MHz as the sixth frequency band on 4G LTE.
The last thing to check is the SIM card (user identification module), which is a special small card used to assign communication operators and phone numbers to mobile phones. There are two options for using existing mobile phones abroad:
- If you use the SIM card operating in your current country for international roaming, you usually rely onAgreement between your local operator and the operator of the destinationTo make a call using an existing mobile phone number.
- Usually the price is very expensive, because its billing system will pass two communication operators: any call must first go to the country where your phone number belongs, and then return to the international call location, so to further increase the communication cost .
- However, if international roaming is carried out between EU member states, the cost will be relatively cheaper, so this may be a viable option. But in other places, the price can be very expensive.
- Therefore, it is usually not allowed to conduct a flow plan based on prepaid cash.
- In some cases, even if you are in the same country, it may be regarded as "international roaming", please note. This is especially true in countries with weak regulations or in countries where the market is "monopolized" by one or several companies: regional operators' mobile phones may be "international roaming" when they are sent to domestic locations outside the current management area.
- Obtaining a local SIM card allows travelers to use localLower priceObtainLocal mobile phone numberwithLocal prepaid plan. If the phone has been locked to accept only one specific provider, it will not work, although programs to unlock many ordinary phones may be available for download or purchase from third-party websites.
Some phonesspecializedUsed by multiple communication providers. They are usually calledDual SIM, Because they have two card slots: but in fact, some of them may only be two lines of phones, and each virtual line can accept different numbers, different providers or different countries on it. The functions of these devices vary. Although some provide all the functions of two independent devices, some mobile phones only allow one of the two cards to be activated at a time, some may only be a GSM network on the second card, and some may be quad-band on GSM, but Lost the North American UMTS/3G frequency.
Be cautious when using mobile phones purchased from the Internet or by mail order. Since the manufacturer will produce multiple similarly named mobile phones on completely different standards, the description of the network may beIncorrect, Does not meet the specifications of the mobile phone being shipped or contradicts itself. The mobile phone looks promising on website sales, but if the mobile phone is manufactured for overseas markets, the box that arrives in the mailbox will also mark some frequencies of other countries on the packaging of the mobile phone.
Some low-end dual-card dual-standby phones only support GSM. In Canada, only one of the three major operators supports GSM, so inSept-Îles、Baie-Comeauwithevery NewfoundlandNone of the three exported mobile phones will accept GSM signals.
roaming
roamingRefers to using your mobile phone for normal communication outside your country/region. Prices vary based on your supplier and roaming location. Roaming is very convenient, but the charges may be very expensive, so thisNot too possibleInclude in any plans and ideas you are in.
Although this is not one of the normal practices of carriers in your country/region, you will still be charged higher phone charges. The phone number to your home country isInternational calls while roaming. Calls from countries/regions where you roam are still international calls made, so you will be charged a higher roaming fee. Therefore, it’s best to check the roaming charges of your carrier in advance, because you may inadvertently call from neighboring countries and the cost is as high asUSD 5/minuteEven higher phones.
Also please pay attentionVoicemailwithCall forwardingThese two functions. If these two services are enabled on your mobile phone, you may also be charged roaming charges to receive unanswered calls. Therefore, before traveling internationally, please make sure to adjust the relevant services-or close, or keep (suspend) .
useShort message(Short Message Service) Communication is also a feasible way to reduce communication costs. These text messages can be sent between mobile phones, and each message can have up to 160 characters or 70 Chinese characters (now messages may be longer, but they are still delivered and paid in such a block). Although SMS may be more expensive overseas (ranging from $0.30 to $1.00), but the cost will be cheaper than international calls, so it is very useful to reduce costs. Sometimes it's even free. In addition, you may also be charged a certain fee when returning text messages to your country.
Please confirm whether the communication carrier in your country/region has a sister carrier for the destination. For example, if you are a Vodafone user in the United Kingdom, please check whether your destination country also has Vodafone as one of its operators, because there will be more preferential policies for roaming in jointly owned networks.
Before going abroad, there are two things you must check to ensure that your mobile phone can roam normally:
- Can your mobile phone communicate normally according to the frequency of the external network?
- Does your communication carrier have a connection with the country you are visiting?Roaming agreement, Do you have plans to roam to another country?
your phone
When your existing carrier supports roaming, you do not need to change your own phone number. Your mobile phone must support the standard and frequency of the network of your communication carrier and the destination of the roaming agreement-if necessary, it may also Need to open other business.
There is no need to specifically unlock the phone or replace the SIM card, but if your frequency is inconsistent with the local or you bring a CDMA phone into a country where the provider only supports GSM, then you will not receive the signal normally. Your carrier should usually be able to tell which networks your phone and current roaming plan support.
Your communications carrier
Your operator must reach an agreement with the operator of the destination to allow you to use roaming services there. So please be sure to check whether the agreement is in place and whether the frequency used by the roaming operator matches the frequency acceptable to the mobile phone.
- GSM World——Detailed information about US and international roaming agreements.
- Official EU roaming information page——Roaming information related to the member states of the European Union.
Please check if your business allows international roaming. Because it may need to open related business in advance, this must be opened before you leave your country. Many prepaid plans do not allow any form of international roaming or restrictNetworks you can roamorRestrict enabled services(For example, only use SMS service).
Most mobile phones will automatically select roaming network settings by default. When you are in an area near the border of your home country, you may need to manually switch back to your carrier's communication network until you lose your signal or go out of range. The farther away you are from the border, the weaker the coverage signal of your local operator will be. According to the terrain, you may not be more than 8 kilometers away from your border, and you will not receive the signal from your mobile phone.
In fact, it is possible that foreign mobile phone signals have not crossed the border, especially when used in mountainous areas, domestic signals areVeryUnreliable, the signal channel from there to foreign signal towers can directly cross the water surface, because there are no obstacles on the ground, especially in the countryside, and there are no signal towers of domestic communication operators nearby. for exampleNiagara Falls,Windsor DetroitorKuril IslandsMobile users in border areas often prohibit roaming from the phone menu, so as not to randomlyWithout leaving the country's territoryHigh roaming fees are charged when using mobile phones.
Off the network
If you put your ownautomaticNetwork selection is set to automaticThe internetChoice, then localized nano-networks (especiallyEurope) Will increase in number, so you may not know how to "capture" mobile devices. For example, if you areScotlandwithNorthern IrelandFor a few miles of Stena line ferry travel, the strongest signal may only be the network of your mobile phone, and the roaming cost exceeds €1.50/minute, instead of the normal €0.05/minute. If you are still using the EU-provided Internet, then the call will be restricted or even prohibited. For example, in major movie theaters, measures have been taken to prevent calls fromWhen the movie is actingWas sounded.
At sea, there is very little contact with the signals of normal communication operators. Ships connected by satellites-the local network may really provide services for those who need it, but for those who can not, or when based on the ground For those who switch automatically, the price may also be unreliable, although the network still exists (even if you are only at the port).
Local and international SIM cards
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/SIMmobilephone.jpg/220px-SIMmobilephone.jpg)
Using a local prepaid SIM card is usually a better alternative to high roaming charges.
A SIM card is a card that is inserted into a UMTS or GSM mobile phone (usually it is necessary to remove the battery, but more mobile phones do not need this operation anymore). This is required to be inserted on a GSM mobile phone, and it provides the identity of the mobile phone that can be seen by the network. In CDMA mobile phones, the functions of the card will be integrated, but most mobile phones now accept the insertion of a SIM card (or R-UIM or CSIM brand).
These cards provide a certain amount of storage space for the phone. For example: your contacts and text messages may be stored in the phone itself or in the memory of the SIM card. If you change the SIM card, the data on the card will be replaced accordingly. If possible, please copy the relevant information to your phone or write it down on paper.
With a local SIM card, the phone-unless locked to the original carrier-will be treated as a domestic phone number. Usually the cost of a prepaid card is 10-50 US dollars, it depends on the communication carrier you choose. Some will include a small amount of prepaid airtime.
Under normal circumstances, these do not need to be setaccount number、credit card numberorBank account. In some countries, you may need to provide a passport or ID (to reduce the use of phones by criminals). If you are not a local resident, you will usually be restricted from purchasing mobile phone numbers.
In order to increase the balance of these SIM cards, you can choose to buy oneRecharge card. Some providers may allow the use of ATM machines or credit cards to recharge. In some countries/regions, specific communication operators can send designated short messages to the provider to transfer balances between users on the same network at any time, but a fee may be charged in the middle.
In some large international airports, mobile phone shops will provide prepaid SIM cards without leaving the airport. Some vendors also provide SIM cards specifically for visitors.
As a prepaid product, both the SIM card itself and the credit card have a limited lifespan. Unless recharged regularly, the SIM card and local phone number will expire (inChina MainlandThe validity period has been cancelled). As a rule, lower recharge denominations tend to expire sooner.
The SIM card itself is a plastic part the size of a debit card. A smaller chip card can be separated from the three sizes (Mini-SIM card, Micro-SIM card or Nano-SIM card), and their chips are all identical. Newer mobile phones use fewer SIM card frames, or even none at all. You can go to the operator to help you cut the card.
Using a local SIM card means that you need to send your phone number to your contacts. If you plan to visit many countries, it may be easier to get a service that can be forwarded through calls (such as an IP voice provider), distribute the number to your contacts, and forward their calls to a local mobile phone/SIM card.
SIM cards for the US network are provided and sold by a number of suppliers in Canada. Roaming Mobile issues a T-Mobile prepaid SIM card, which must be used every six months. Telgo.ca issues similar AT&T prepaid SIM cards. These SIM cards usually cost 3-5 USD/day, depending on whether you want mobile data or just voice calls.
Another option isInternational Card, It usually allows to reduce or cancel the corresponding roaming charges in many countries, and provide relatively cheap incoming calls through automatic calling services. Their phone number is usually located atU.KorEstonia. Please note that the cards sold at the airportMay not be the cheapest。
SIM card unlock
If you want to use your mobile phone abroad, you must confirm that the mobile phone (see above) can be used normally at your destination, has matched the local type and communication frequency, and unlocked it (the technical name is: Lift the SIM card restrictions).
In some countries/regions, providers may need to provide users with unlock codes for the devices they own for a period of time, which usually requires payment. For many (but not all) phones, the "unlock" code can be purchased cheaper from various other channels (usually only $10-20), and only a few phones need to be brought to a dedicated supply To unlock.
Unlock phone(Allow access to competing mobile operators) andJailbreak (allowing access to non-Apple software downloads on Apple devices)orROOT (Provide "Run as Administrator" permission for Android system)They are all different ways of unlocking. Some phones are easier to unlock than others. Old Nokia phones can be unlocked at home with a simple code, while Motorola or Sony Ericsson phones need to be unlocked if they need to use additional equipment and help from other people. Some mobile phones (mainly mobile phones in the Japanese domestic market) may use a SIM card-based method that is different from the SIM card to allow your mobile phone to lift the restrictions.
If you want to go online to unlock methods, the unlock methods obtained from Asia and Europe are relatively cheaper than those in North America.
Another way is to buy a fully unlocked phone. For example inChina Mainland, The mobile phone has no restrictions set by the communication operator. Various websites and some stores in Western countries may also sell unlocked mobile phones, but usually the price is higher than throughSign a service contractwithBuyThe price of the locked phone. Travel-specific functions such as quad-band, dual card dual standby or travel charger are designed to keep the phone working with multiple operators in multiple countries/regions, and it is more likely to be used on unlocked phones from third-party electronics manufacturers' factories. According to the brand name and function, buying a 3G (UMTS or WCDMA) dual-card Android phone, if you do not specify the brand, if you want to buy from the Internet, the price is usually at least 150-500 US dollars.
Once you install the SIM card and the phone is turned on and can receive the signal, the voice call should be able to work normally, and the data usually needs to be configured with various settings so that the phone can find the corresponding Internet gateway. Sometimes the phone will automatically use the data on the SIM card, but usually it must be done manually. For example, if you send MMS under China Mobile's network, you can use the following APN information:
- APN: cmwap
- MMSC:http://mmsc.monternet.com
- MMS agent: 10.0.0.172
- MMS port: 80
- APN type: default
- APN protocol: IPv4
- APN roaming agreement: IPv4
The list of related settings is usually posted onYour communications operator’s websiteIf you can’t access it, it may be because you have not set up your mobile data correctly. Some providers may also provide usernames and passwords for mobile data. Carrier technical support is usually limited to the list of settings it provides, and it is recommended that you ask your phone manufacturer. Although MMS may only require a few specific applications (usually sending photos via SMS), if you omit the access point name (APN) segment, you cannot use mobile data. A mobile phone purchased from a communications provider usually preloads the settings of that provider, but if you bring your own unlocked mobile phone, you need to add the local SIM provider to the data connection list. There may also be a setting to point the mobile browser to the new connection in the list instead ofThe gateway of your communication carrier。
If your phone can access the voice mailbox with one key, a number will be displayed (listed in the configuration menu), which will be automatically dialed by this function. This number is usually read from the local SIM card, but it is better to verify it. The "message waiting" indicator displayed on any screen can only be used for the currently installed SIM card, even if the message is waiting on your communication provider (original SIM card) and local provider (local SIM card). Some mobile phones also use the storage space on the SIM to store phone book entries or Wi-Fi passwords. If the SIM card is replaced, you may need to copy or re-enter this data.
Due to the upgrade of the communication system, many passengers keep their old mobile phones, and these mobile phones can still operate normally. If these phones have a communication frequency supported by the local area, then you can choose to carry them. Therefore, please ensure that your mobile phone number in your home country can perform communication services normally, and then use another mobile phone to reduce costs by using a local SIM card. If you call your main number, please call back from the local SIM card with your local phone, or set up call forwarding, otherwise you will pay a higher roaming fee.
Call via internet
Smartphones can use a WLAN hotspot (or use the correct software and connect to any substantial Internet connection) to make voice over IP calls by installing a third-party phone application and registering with a VoIP provider. This is a relatively cheap way to call (unless your mobile data charges when roaming internationally is very high) and has nothing to do with your local cellular phone network, but it is limited by the availability of the Internet connection and sometimes blocked by the Internet firewall.
Through some third-party software, such as QQ, WeChat, etc., you can also make a call, whether it is a voice call or a video call, they usually consume only the related mobile data costs.
Rent or buy a mobile phone abroad
Under certain circumstances, for greater and more flexible communication needs, it may make sense to purchase or rent an unlocked mobile phone and purchase a prepaid SIM card in advance at the destination or before departure. If you use a local SIM card, you can get the same bill as the locals use, as well as a local phone or mobile phone specifically for overseas travelers, and you are unlikely to have compatibility issues with the SIM card and local operators.
You can often rent a local cell phone, even when you are still at the airport. However, it is more cost-effective to buy cheap mobile phones and prepaid SIMs in many countries (even if it only takes a week), because airport rental companies usually charge more per minute than local prepaid fees. Car rental kiosks at the airport may be closed for late-night flights for arriving passengers, and are known as running out of mobile phones during a popular activity during peak tourist seasons.
In some areas, sellers will provide relatively cheap prepaid phones (for example, in the United States, "AT&T GoPhone" phones start at US$20, but the SIM card is only US$10), but the phones are very cheap and they charge a lot. Communication costs. Unless the phone can be unlocked, the SIM card of another carrier cannot be used when returning the product, so please treat it as a single-use item.
Especially in low-income countries or regions, criminal acts such as theft are usually cheapOne timeThe main advantage of prepaid phones is that even if your phone is stolen, you will only lose (relatively low value) your phone instead of a new smart phone that costs you a few hundred dollars.
Having said that, if you plan toUse local phoneAnd make a local phone call, you may need to be familiar with the local system and tariff standards. In some countries, these are not self-explanatory, but you may not find any major company in just a few days, especially in countries where local government control is weak or there is no government regulation banning anyone or other situations.
Rent or buy a phone before departure
Before you use your new mobile phone and SIM card, you'd better tell your family, friends, and colleagues your new phone number-so that you can get in touch in an emergency. Once you arrive at your destination, then the phone you get can be used. Usually your phone will be accompanied by complete operating instructions in English (or even other languages), including how toCheck the balance of the call charge、How to recharge、How to contact customer serviceas well asHow to make and receive international callsInformation.
Buy a USB charger
In response to EU pressure, mobile device manufacturers have chosen 5V USB interfaceAs a standard for mobile phone charging. Find the localElectrical SystemA compatible USB charger or charging from a computer should be easier. You still need to connect your phone to the USB port on the charger (but these are not fully standardized: for example, most Android smartphones use microUSB, and most Apple devices use a proprietary connector, and recently updated phones will use USB- C, its connector is not compatible with the early USB iteration).
Information for each country
For information about a country-specific communication, please refer to the "Contact" section of the destination country article.
North America
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/International_Telecommunication_Union_region.svg/220px-International_Telecommunication_Union_region.svg.png)
GSM (from the major North American operators that provide it) is at 850 MHz. It runs most frequently at 1900 MHz. The 3G (UMTS/WCDMA) networks of AT&T and the three major Canadian operators (Bell, Telus, Rogers) use frequencies between 850 MHz and 1900 MHz. These are not the standard frequencies of other continents. Newly added regional operators or high-speed mobile data services use other frequencies.
AT&T and T-Mobile (USA) use FDD-LTE, as does Rogers (Canada). If European mobile phones support local frequencies and local operators allow them, then European mobile phones may be allowed to roam to these operators (the price is usually quite steep).
Mobile users in the United States and Canada must pay communication fees for international roaming (except in some Caribbean countries). Where these mobile phones are allocated, geographic digital signals can be switched from wired to wireless services and maintain the same number. Therefore, the cost of calling a mobile phone is the same as calling a fixed phone. The mobile phone taken out of the local home area will incur long-distance charges when the call comes in: this is not a big problem for the unified tariff plan. Since users must choose a city (does not need to be their place of residence) to obtain a local entry number, prepaid SIM cards will not be able to be “activated” online by phone or (with some providers).
AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile (US) and Bell/Telus, Rogers (in Canada) operate networks, so roaming in the same country is usually not a problem. Bringing Canadian mobile phones into the United States (or vice versa) can be an expensive ($1.50/minute) unfortunate event, unlike the European Union, where there are legal restrictions on providers that can charge for roaming. Downloading large amounts of data abroad has caused some users to waste hundreds of dollars or worse.
There are several small regional airlines that will have these roaming charges in areas outside their home country, and the prepaid recharge card may not be in stores outside the family residential area.
North American suppliers are notorious for flooding the market with prepaid and postpaid services in a branded mobile phone locked to an operator’s SIM card. A common strategy is to promote cheap (or even "free") mobile phones in large-format printing, while fine printing requires users to apply for an expensive post-paid mobile subscription credit application, which can take years to pay off. Prepaid mobile phones can be obtained in large quantities at a reasonable initial price, but usually carry higher rates per minute and up to the price of mobile data (low-end Canadian prepaid mobile phones have very high mobile data costs). Most cash advance plans generally do not allow roaming.
For travelers and users who roam infrequently, prepayment may be the only viable option. There is a confusing brand name: some are major operators, others are "mobile virtual network operators" (re-sell bandwidth on major operators’ networks at lower prices), and some are simply renamed under another name Professional in order to provide the illusion of competition. Even if they use the same underlying operator, the prepaid minutes of one brand will not be used in conjunction with other brands.
U.S. supplements (Canada) or resets (Canada) in prepaid cards are usually available at convenience stores, gas stations, large retailers, pharmacies, and Canada Post. You can usually fill in credit card information online. Virtual operators of some store brands (such as Loblaws or Petro-Canada) sell through their own stores (selected locations) or only online. Basic low-end prepaid plans are expensive for long distances (US$0.25/minute of talk time. US$0.25/minute or more trunk calls are typical Canadian base "prepaid" plans, while Internet calls will cost a penny or 2) Using a prepaid long-distance card may be cheaper than one or more cities. Some higher plans, especially in the United States, include unmetered domestic long distances that do not increase the cost per minute or unmetered mobile airtime (usually during off-peak hours). There are additional cost plans to expand the meager data distribution on prepaid phones. Direct dialing overseas (or to the Caribbean at 1 1809) is expensive on prepaid plans and is best avoided.
The call usually starts when the call is made, rather than when the call is actually answered, and the provider can also dial the length of the call within the next full time.
Directory assistance is available in 4-1-1 or 1 area code 555-1212, but it is expensive, and ad-supported competitors 1-800-Free411 or sites like 411.ca, 411.info or canada411.com are cheap replacement of. CAA. AAA Auto Club members can get mobile roadside assistance by dialing *222 (*CAA or *AAA). Some specific services such as #TAXI (#8294) will get the next available taxi in most parts of Canada or the United States, and the cost is 1.25-$2 USD.
In the United States, few retailers sell second-hand mobile phones. Independent phone shops that can unlock phones are rare outside of immigrant communities in big cities. Factory unlocked mobile phones, using mobile phones and codes to unlock existing mobile phones may be purchased online.
Prepaid GSM SIM cards are more difficult to find in retailers in the United States. T-mobile offers one in its own store or online ($10), AT&T’s GoPhone SIM can be ordered via mail on its website (only for US addresses). Another option is to buy the cheapest prepaid phone. If you plan to move the SIM card to your unlocked phone, please do not insert the SIM card into the phone (AT&T "GoPhone"), and lock the SIM card into the phone.
Some online services will ship prepaid SIM cards overseas, or ship special "travel SIM cards" to North American addresses, but it is usually too high (such as Telestial or Cellal Abroad).
Asia
- China MainlandOf communication operators will use FDD-LTE or TD-LTE as the communication standard. These standards are common in other countries.
- JapanwithSouth KoreaThere is no GSM signal coverage, but FDD-LTE signal (4G) coverage, and most modern mobile phones with 4G capabilities on the local frequency should be able to roam there.
- JapanNot allowedpass throughVisa exemptionorShort-term visaSelling SIM cards to foreigners, generally speaking, you can only choose to roam (using compatible 3G GSM mobile phones) or rent a mobile phone. This can be done at major airports (Narita, Kansai, etc.). The cost is estimated to be 1-2 US dollars per day, plus a fairly high rate per call/minute.
- South Korea will only sell SIM cards to local residents. Short-term visitors will have to use roaming services or phone rentals from the airport. Please note that Korean residents are allowed to register some SIM cards, so you can ask your Korean friends to apply for a SIM card for you.
- existThailand,BangkokThe 4th floor of MBK shopping mall is the best place to buy mobile phones. More than half of the place (almost a complete city block) is a gathering place for small mobile phone manufacturers (most of which sell mixed use and new ones), they can help you unlock them so that you don’t have to pay high unpleasant fees . You can try to bargain!
- SingaporeTourists can purchase SIM cards from currency exchange offices, TelCo provider service centers or 7-11 convenience stores. However, they need the passport given to them at the point of sale to use it. A person can only apply for a maximum of 3 mobile phone numbers in Singapore.
Africa
- EgyptTourists will also not be allowed to buy SIM cards, because they will be abandoned after a short period of time. Therefore, you must prove that you are an Egyptian citizen to allow the purchase. But there are ways to rent a card, but this is a very arduous process, involving the Egyptian telephone company contacting before the trip, so it may not be worth it.
Australia
- In Australia, 3G networks usually run on 900/2100MHz (Telstra is 850/2100), and 4G runs on 1800MHz. European mobile phones can work seamlessly in 3G or 4G mode.
Europe
- existFranceWhen buying a prepaid SIM card, you need to turn it on. However, the retailer does not need to check a copy of the user's passport. Instead, users will have to follow the instructions that come with the French SIM card, instructing users to log on to the provider’s website or contact the hotline. These can be purchased at retailers.
- accessItalyPeople must show their passports when purchasing a SIM card to activate the service. In some cases, a passport copy may be sufficient-but this is at the discretion of the merchant/retailer. You can choose to buy prepaid SIM cards at foreign currency booths and mobile phone vendors' shops.
- You canU.KHeathrow AirportBefore claiming your baggage, buy it on the vending machineU.KPrepaid (referred to here as "paid") SIM card. Supermarkets and non-licensed stores also sell SIM cards and recharge vouchers. Communication providers such as Lebara, Vectone and Lycamobile will offer more favorable prices for overseas calls. In special events and public festivals, representatives of mobile phone providers can provide SIM cards for free, but these require additional recharge. Vendors such as GiffGaff can only operate online, but occasionally SIM cards are found in certain events.
- GivenCrimeaThe peninsula is currentlyRussiaActually control the peninsula, so most non-Russian SIM cards will not receive signals.
satellite telephone
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Satellite_phone.jpg/220px-Satellite_phone.jpg)
In remote areas, because there is no cell phone coverage, satellite phones may be your only choice. Satellite phones are usually not a substitute for mobile phones, because you have to use satellites outdoors and have a good line of sight to make calls, and they are expensive. This service is often used for shipping, including yachts, and expedition teams with remote data and voice needs. Your local telephone service provider should be able to provide more information about connecting to the service.
useThurayaThe mobile phone can roam from GSM to satellite based on network availability (check if it agrees with your local network). Some networks (for example: Vodafone UK) charge a very high fee for incoming calls (£6.00/minute). If you want to make a lot of satellite calls, please consider purchasing a special SIM card from a satellite phone provider. The call cost of the Thuraya system From $0.50-$1.30/minute, Thuraya network covers Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Please check the coverage of the area you are traveling. You may need to position the antenna of your device towards the satellite to get the best signal.
Another one used for commercial satellite phone networks isGlobalStar. Its theoretical system should be able to cover the world, but there are gaps in some remote areas (such as the South Pacific and polar regions) where there are no key stations to connect terrestrial phones to satellites. The cost is usually $1-1.5 per month plus a monthly rental fee. In most countries, the phone numbers issued by Globalstar appear to be domestic (so Canadians may getCalgaryorSmith FallsGeographic number), its subscribers are required to pay to answer the call.
For true global roaming, Iridium phones (usually not made of any amount of similar platinum group metals) can be used anywhere, including all land and sea, and even poles. Iridium uses a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation. Nominally, they are like the nucleus of the electron orbit of the iridium atom like the earth's orbit, unlike the Thuraya (or any system with a geostationary satellite that stops at the equator, because the poles cannot be seen). It is expected to pay about 1.50-2.00 USD/min for outgoing calls, and only need to lower an Iridium phone slightly. Iridium phones are not sold directly, but mobile phones can also be sold through dealers who can also rent units.
For fixed installations in off-grid locations, satellite Internet may be sufficient to allow Internet calls. Because there is no local infrastructure, an enterprise that provides a Wi-Fi hotspot directly provides it to a dish.
existSaudi Arabia、China、India、Myanmar、Cuba、Iran、Libya、North Korea、Sri LankawithSyriaIn other countries, satellite phones may not be available for purchase or illegal, or even if they are available, they will be extremely expensive and require special permission to use them. Technically, they can still play a role in these areas. Some countries require special permits to use satellite phones within their borders.
on the contrary,NewfoundlandThe government willLabradorPassengers on the Labrador Highway in the countryside have very limited satellite telephones, which is the only feasible way.
Instructions
Most mobile phones are equipped with a camera function that can be usedTravel photographywithVideo。