Thread: International Cell Phones

At the end of this summer I'll be leaving the country for a year and was curious if anyone had advice for an international cell phone. Tips? Should I just buy a prepaid phone when I arrive?

Also, I would like to leave my current Blackberry here in the states but I want to keep my current number. I've heard of people paying small monthly fees ($5 or so) to "reserve" their number until they come back and re-activate it. My carrier is Verizon and I went into one of their locations and their employees didnt know anything about that...What do you guys think?

Why not just get the world edition Blackberry and use that. you can use that here in the US and over seas!!!

The iPhone works in Europe, but if you are on a US contract, the data rates are ridiculous. You're probably better off just getting a new phone when you get over there.

you can get a GSM phone and unlock it or buy an unlocked phone and just buy your airtime over there. Though you will be very jealous of the phone selection in Europe.

Originally Posted by SuxBeingU

you can get a GSM phone and unlock it or buy an unlocked phone and just buy your airtime over there. Though you will be very jealous of the phone selection in Europe.

I'm actually going to be in Korea, anyone know anything about being able to "reserve" my current number in the states?

Originally Posted by kba4life2

I'm actually going to be in Korea, anyone know anything about being able to "reserve" my current number in the states?

I would call Verizon's customer services and ask them what they can do for you. I personally don't know what to say other than that.

most carriers will let you save the number though most care 90-180 days It would be hard to get it for a year maybe you can put the number on a friends acct as an add a line for 10 a month. For Overseas Verizon is your possibly your worse option of the big 3 as they don't use GSM, you will need to get a world phone from them, not cheap.
You will more than likely nee a quad band phone that has 900Mhz for use over there. Or just buy one there.they don't have contracts but a basic phone is about 100. a PDA will closer to 450

Change your account here to a pay as you go phone and keep your number. Have a family member or friend use your phone very occasionally while you away just to keep the account active. Get a new phone when you get to your destination.