Cell/Mobile Phone Basics for Travelers Part 2 - Why GSM?

If you read my first entry on mobile phone basics you may remember we left with tips on purchasing a mobile phone for international travel. They were as follows:

- ask for a GSM phone
- ask if the phone is locked. If so, how can it be unlocked?
- ask what frequency the phone uses (most countries use 900/1800 MHZ)

So, let's understand better why GSM technology is important for international travel and how it works. First, as I stated before, most of the world (over 200 countries) use GSM technology, so you will get greatest mobility with this choice. Secondly, a GSM phone is not tied to any particular service provider. In the U.S. most mobile phones are tied to a particular provider and will not work in areas the provider doesn't cover. With an unlocked GSM phone, you are able to purchase SIM cards (which stands for Subscriber Information Module) to allow you to access particular providers in the country you are visiting.

In other words, imagine I am taking a tour of 4 Mediterranean countries. I can purchase 4 pre-paid SIM cards for Italy, Greece, Spain, and France. As I move from country to country I change SIM cards and my GSM phone continues to work throughout the trip. SIM cards vary depending on the amount of minutes you are pre-purchasing. Expect $30-$60 US on average. These may come with features such as free incoming calls (including international incoming calls) or credits for outgoing minutes. Per minute rates with SIM cards should be significantly cheaper than global roaming rates.

Some people choose to purchase GSM phones from their U.S. mobile phone service and to request that the global roaming feature be activated. If you make this choice, be sure to find out what the cost per minute will be for calls from the countries you will be visiting. Costs can range up to $6.00 US per minute. Don't get slammed with a huge bill on your return. However, if you only want the ability to call out in case of emergency and don't plan on using your phone otherwise, this may be a good option.

Maybe you are convinced now that a GSM phone is essential to your voyage. Now there is another choice point. Should you rent or purchase? In my online search I found prices for unlocked international GSM phones to range from $100 to $700 US depending on features (take a look at Telestial). Rental rates average about $50 US per month with an average $20 US delivery charge (found at Cellular Express).

In terms of making the buy/rent decision you'll most likely want to consider:
1) How long will I be away?
2) How often do I travel?

Stay tuned for Part 3 of this series. I'll be discussing alternative phone communications!