International Cell Phones

 Single Country and Multi-national SIM Cards

Hello and welcome to the eBay page for Communication HQ(communicationhq).  Communication HQ sells international SIM cards that work in unlocked GSM phones operating on the 900/1800 and 850/1900(N. America) MHz GSM frequencies.

The Best International Cell Phones Rates – Local Rates

Using a pre-paid SIM card in an unlocked GSM cell phone gives you service from the local phone company in the countries you visit.  And since most cell phone users internationally receive free incoming calls and use their phone on a pay-as-you-go basis, it is the perfect arrangement for the short-term visitor needing a cell phone for England, Italy, China and about 200 other countries using GSM service.

If GSM phones and prepaid SIM cards are new to you, read below for a quick introduction on how to get the best cell phone rates overseas by using the local phone company. 

For SIM-savvy travelers, read on to learn about other great international communication products such as Follow Me 800 numbers, laptop “soft phones” and worldwide calling cards and internet access.  Most of these products are also pay-as-you-go with no ongoing charges or commitments when the service isn’t being used.

Follow Me 800 Numbers – Toll Free to You Overseas

Follow-me 800 numbers can be redirected at will to ring any number you program.  You pay for the calls and clients and family have one toll-free number to reach you without needing to call internationally or memorize your itinerary.

Soft Phones – A US Number Worldwide via Broadband

If you travel with a laptop and have access to broadband, you can use your US number through your laptop with a “soft phone” account and a telephone headset.  Soft Phones are like Vonage on the go.  They give you a VoIP phone account with a US number, (your choice of area code) and software for a virtual “phone”.  Purchase a telephone headset compatible with your laptop to speak through. Callers dial your US number and you are also not charged for incoming calls – it’s a free-free international call!

Overseas-Origin, Toll Free Access Numbers

FlexTelOne has several international calling products under one roof.  Their overseas-origin cards offer toll free access numbers in most countries.  They also have virtual calling cards for calling overseas from the US from any phone, even cell phones, at great rates.

Their system makes your PIN easy to remember during whirlwind trips.

Cell Phones for Europe and Beyond

Intro to GSM and Prepaid SIMs

Local Rates, No Bills, No Contracts

With the pay-as-you-go system, your SIM starts with a few Euros of initial call credit and outgoing calls are deducted from that balance at local or international rates.  When the credit is low, you purchase a scratch-off voucher at newsstands and corner shops displaying the cell phone company logo.  They’re sold everywhere because it’s how the locals keep their cell phones running.  You check the balance with a free call and add more when low; like keeping gas in your car.

Owning an unlocked GSM phone that works on the overseas 900/1800 MHz frequencies costs about as much as two cell phone rentals.  An unlocked, international GSM phone can be used for many years to come in Mexico, Jamaica, on a study abroad program or occasional business trip.  There are only charges when you buy a SIM are purchase airtime vouchers.

How to Use a GSM Phone and Pre-Paid SIM Card

SIM cards are small plastic chips that fit in the back of GSM cell phones and allow the phone to connect to a carrier’s network.  SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module.  It comes from the phone company and determines the carrier, the phone number, the rates charged and all other customer and account details.

GSM Frequencies or “Bands”

In the US, Cingular and T Mobile use GSM phones and SIM cards.  However, the GSM frequencies in the US are different from those used overseas, that is why it is necessary to have phone that works on the 900/1800 MHz frequencies for use outside the US.  Frequencies 850 and 1900 MHz are used in North America, parts of the Caribbean and some South American Countries.   A quad GSM phone has all four frequencies and can function on any GSM network.  Check GSM World dot com under “Roaming” for a list of carriers and frequencies around then world.

What is an “Unlocked” phone?

Most GSM phones purchased directly from a wireless carrier are electronically configured to only work with that carrier’s SIM card.  It’s a trade off, customers get subsidized prices on new model cell phones, but the carrier’s make it so you can’t jump to a competitor.  Some carriers will unlock phones and some people on eBay offer to do it.  Before worrying about whether a phone is locked, make sure it works on the correct GSM frequencies for the country and carrier where it will be used