International Adventure Travel with your Mobile Phone

If you want to use your mobile phone while traveling overseas, you'll need a cell phone that is GSM compatible and SIM unlocked. GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications and it means that it operates on the 900, 1800 and 1900 frequencies.

The most economical way to use your mobile phone overseas is to ensure that your phone is unlocked so that you can purchase prepaid SIM cards in each country your visiting. SIM cards are are small rectangular cards that are stored inside GSM mobile phones. This card contains a telephone number and is able to store contacts and information. If the card is removed from the mobile device, the phone won't work any longer. It is as important as the battery.

Most mobile carriers that work on the GSM frequency sell locked phones because they don't want you to find more economical options. If your mobile is locked, you won't be able to purchase a SIM card from the destination you're traveling in, which means that your cellular bills back home can skyrocket faster than you think. Before leaving home, ensure to get your phone unlocked.

Unlocking your phone means that it is not locked to one carrier only, your phone company back home, i.e. Rogers, Bell, Telus, T-Mobile, etc). With an unlocked phone you can purchase prepaid SIM cards in every country you visit and you'll always have a a local number for each destination. SIM card costs will vary between countries but they are not usually too expensive, $20 US is pretty average. When you get back home, you merely need to swap your original SIM card back into your phone and you'll have your old phone number back.

It's definitely a more economical way to stay in touch with family and friends back home.

Cheerio,
Trish Sare