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how do you use a US cell phone abroad
04-06-2013, 07:13 PM
How do I use my smartphone (AT&T) abroad?
Can I purchase a pay as you go simcard for a week or so? I just need to check my emails and perhaps make a few phone calls.
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how do you use a US cell phone abroad
04-06-2013, 08:01 PM
You need to get it unlocked first, your carrier can usually do it. You should also google this kinda stuff before making a thread as there's plenty of info on this.
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how do you use a US cell phone abroad
04-07-2013, 11:00 AM
If you don't need service all the time, you can disable the voice and just use wi-fi to check email, make calls with skype, etc.
If you need/want service when you're out and about, then as Kdog said, you have to make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the cellular band (google GSM and CDMA, although I believe your phone should be GSM with AT&T).
I have a verizon iphone 5 which is dual-band and unlock for international use so I was able to pop in a local sim card in Europe and use it with no problem.
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how do you use a US cell phone abroad
04-07-2013, 01:01 PM
If you cant get it unlocked, get a cheap 10 dollar GSM phone and use it for calls. They sell cheap phones in indian/pakistani electronics stores in ethnic neighborhoods
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how do you use a US cell phone abroad
04-07-2013, 01:04 PM
My mother was able to use her AT&T cell while in Europe. I got hit with international roaming surcharge for the calls. Beware.
Like the others said. Unlock it and get a local sim from a phone shop.
Team Nachos
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how do you use a US cell phone abroad
04-07-2013, 01:19 PM
You'll want to use local unpaid SIMs, they will almost always no matter where you are be cheaper than their American equivalents. American consumers are keeping their rates high by buying into shitty subscription plans only to get the latest phone.
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how do you use a US cell phone abroad
04-07-2013, 01:22 PM
How do local sims work? Are they on a monthly basis? Is it the same idea as the pay-as-you-go phones in the US?