Friday, May 18 2007 Top Ten International Cellular Roaming Questions

1. Will my current cellular telephone work overseas?

Well, that depends on a few things. Is your current USA wireless service on the GSM standard or do you use a TDMA or CDMA handset with Verizon or Sprint? If you currently have a Verizon or Sprint handset and you want to roam internationally a cellular telephone rental will be needed. TDMA and CDMA have frequencies and technologies that are unique to the United States only and this particular technology will seldom work overseas. Now, if your current USA service provider is T-Mobile or Cingular AND you have a Tri-Mode or Quad Band telephone then your phone might work if the following requirements are met. You must have the phone approved for international roaming services by your wireless carrier (usually an additional credit check). Also, you must make sure that your USA carrier has a reciprocal roaming agreement in your exact international destination. Finally, it is important to check your carriers rates for international roaming which usually range from $1.49/minute to $5.99/minute for ALL minutes incoming and outgoing. In the end you will find that an international phone rental from www.GlobalCellularRental.com will be far cheaper than using your own phone, always.

2. How will I charge my phone overseas since their plugs are so different from ours?

All of our cell phone rental kits contain every international adapter and converter needed to roam from country to country. If you are taking your own phone it would be prudent to buy some adapters for charging which are rated A, B, C, D and E depending upon your destination. Visit www.VoltageValet.com for a listing of what adapters work and where.

3. Can I use my current cellular phone number?

Yes, of course. With an international cellular rental from www.GlobalCellularRental.com you will have the option of getting a local US or Toll free number where your US number can be seamlessly forwarded to.

4. Is there voice mail and text messaging internationally?

Yes. All of the same wireless services you have here in the USA are available around the globe but, be careful. Checking your voice mail is a $5.00/minute proposition whilst in Albania and many other countries with T-Mobile.

5. What if my current cell phone does not work after I arrive in my international destination.

This is usually pretty bad sign and an indication that you should have rented a cellular telephone and received guaranteed coverage. If you were told by your carrier that your phone would work and it does not you must call there international support number. These numbers vary from whatever country you are currently in so it is best to note down all 15 support numbers from your carrier before you travel. With Global Cellular Rental you just call 800.931.9773 24/7 and we can troubleshoot you anywhere in the world.

6. Where can I get detailed coverage maps for every location on the planet?

Believe it or not you can visit www.gsmworld.com and get coverage maps for just about any international destination.

7. How do I dial locally and back to the states?

Read my earlier blog!

8. What is the easiest and cost effective way to keep in touch?

Well, you can say that I may be a bit biased on this one however, read on. By forwarding your current cellular telephone to one of our cell phone rentals we can provide you seamless global coverage with your number and our handset at rates 80% less than you can buy it or rent it anywhere else. Guaranteed!

9. Can I just buy an unlocked GSM phone and a pre-paid international card?

Oh boy, good luck with that. You will have NO technical support, no voice mail you can understand, no international adapters, no call details and limited coverage at best. In todays travel climate, now is not the time be stranded somewhere overseas with no phone service because you thought you were saving yourself a few bucks.

10. Ok, you have convinced me to rent. How do I do it?

Visit us at www.GlobalCellularRental.com to book your reservation online or call us at 800.931.9773 and we can answer any questions you have about cellular telephone rentals.

If you notice that your particular area has no wireless coverage then we can provide you with a hand held satellite telephone rental that can be used anywhere on the globe. Whatever communications option you choose just make sure that you DO choose. Do not travel overseas without at least a cellular phone for emergency use. It’s just smart!

Best,

David