I am interested in getting a cellphone that will work in most parts of the world, but just buying a sim card or such. Tri-band seems to be the answer. I wonder if it is better to buy one in Argentina when I go next week, or pick up one on Ebay or such.
Countries I am going to, or will be going to: Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica (Doubt it will work there), Indonesia, Thailand, Peru, Colombia, etc.
Was in Bs As last week and took my Pocket PC (PPC) with Quad-band phone. Fortunately, the phone comes unlocked. I purchased a chip from CTI Movil for p$10 and later paid p$50 for additional minutes. Once I got the miniature card-printed Spanish translated to English, I was able to use the card without a hitch. Unfortunately, by the time I learned the instructions, I lost out on some sweet non pro-action. Another problem, I had initially, was that all voice instructions were in Spanish, without the English option. My recommendation would be to take Jackson up on the rental phone, if nothing more than the instructions, which are probably in English.
[b]BTW, I want to take this opportunity to thank Jackson and MD for their maps.[/b] I downloaded their various maps to my PPC and was easily able to navigate the entire city -- like a "regular". When the Taxis were in doubt, I would simply use the drill down (zoom) function to "blow-up" the actual street name and numbers from the maps. I can not begin to describe the benefit of having those maps on my phone. Thanks guys!!!
I also downloaded pictures of targeted chicas from various Websites (w/numbers) so that I would have their picture, for reference. That was interesting beyond belief. Moreover, I downloaded threads on each of the locations that I planned on visiting. This, too, was invaluable in keeping me informed on location characteristics. Just before getting inside, I would pull out my phone and quickly scan the reviews - privately.
I have a GSM phone which I use in Asia. It is not locked. I have bought SIM cards in Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, the phone works great.
Does anyone know if the same phone which works in Asia will work in Argentina (with the right SIM card of course)?
Information appreciated.
If you want to learn about GSM cell phones, SIM cards, prices, and other
facts on what works where, check out this excellent web site:
[url]www.telestial.com[/url]
Does any one have a BA source for cheap unlocked cell phones and sim
cards?
Please advise
Roger,
some info, I hope not to be boring:
GSM phones work in 3 different frequency ranges, near 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz. 900 was the original European frequency, when GSM started, and 1800 came a bit later after the first band got congested. Most countries, like all of Europe, Asia and many others, when they introduced GSM service, just used this European standard.
Unfortunately, these frequencies have already been in use for other services in the U.S., so when the States started GSM, another frequency had to be used: 1900 MHz. Argentina is also using 1900, Brazil and Chile 900/1800.
So, if you just buy a "GSM cellphone" in any country, you will get one according to the local standard. The "Tri Band" units cover it all. A cellphone working in Asia will most likely be a 900/1800 MHz phone. If it also works in the U.S. it's a "Tri Band", and will work in Argentina.
Hope that helps,
El Alemán
Thanks for the information.
My phone is a Nokia 3315 dual band 900-1800 MHz phone, which I purchased in Thailand.
According to my understanding of your message, it will work with a local SIM card in Brazil, but not in Argentina. Right?
Thanks, looks like I'll be having to rent or purchase yet another phone (my US cell phone is Sprint, which isn't even GSM).
[QUOTE=El Aleman]Roger,
some info, I hope not to be boring:
GSM phones work in 3 different frequency ranges, near 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz. 900 was the original European frequency, when GSM started, and 1800 came a bit later after the first band got congested. Most countries, like all of Europe, Asia and many others, when they introduced GSM service, just used this European standard.
Unfortunately, these frequencies have already been in use for other services in the U.S., so when the States started GSM, another frequency had to be used: 1900 MHz. Argentina is also using 1900, Brazil and Chile 900/1800.
So, if you just buy a "GSM cellphone" in any country, you will get one according to the local standard. The "Tri Band" units cover it all. A cellphone working in Asia will most likely be a 900/1800 MHz phone. If it also works in the U.S. it's a "Tri Band", and will work in Argentina.
Hope that helps,
El Alemán[/QUOTE]
Roger:
Exactly. Of course, it depends on how often you will be in Argentina. If if you will be there frequently, buy one in Argentina.
I bought me a Nokia from CTI Movil in March 2004, I think it was A$R 149,- and had 100 pesos airtime on it, so the phone itself was less than 20 U$S - worth it. The only thing is, You need a residential address in BA where they send you some papers after the purchase, but I think that might be arranged with Jackson or Capt. Dave.
This way, I have my "fuckphone" in BA and am still reachable by my office on my german (triband) phone, which works, however expensive due to intl. roaming, in Argentina.
Have fun,
El Alemán
Hey everyone,
Can anyone tell me what the first few numbers that I would need to dial for calling a cell phone in BsAs? The number I am trying to call starts out like this (011) 1559XX-XXXX. This has to be missing some numbers, but that's how it was written down.
I never had any problems calling my hotel from the US by dialing 011 (54 11) 4321-0000 Shouldn't calling a cell phone in BsAs start out similar to that?
Thanks in advance,
Y & R
Y & R
To dial a Argentine cell phone from the U.S. ( the 15 prefix is for cell phones in BsAs) dial 011-54-911- the last 8 digits of your number, you omit the 15. Hope this helps.
Jackpot,
I have bought sim cards at Personal, the one on Cordoba. You can get a line to use with prepaid phone cards (Personal lite). As far as buying phones, I have found using Ebay is the best bet for unlocked phones.
Well, after a lot of clicking and cursing and refreshing and clicking again, I have been able to redeem my frequent flyer miles, and will be arriving in Buenos Aires on the wings of desire (er..make that United Airlines!) in the morning of March 25th. I know it is a long way off, but I am a nerd, and like to do things well in advance.
Now, I have a quad-band unlocked GSM phone (NEC 515), which a friend of mine used in Poland on the 900 band. Being a quad, getting on the correct frequency should be no problem. My question is: can ANYONE get service in Argentina? In Colombia I had to ask an amiga to go with me, because they required a Colombian cedula. A lengthy form with a photo had to be filled out.
I do not believe this has been covered in this esteemed forum. Info would be much appreciated.
Tbird:
It is about the same.
When I bought my cellphone, I had to fill out some forms, and to provide them with an Argentinean residential address. This, however, was a friend's , and no problems so far.
It depends, how long you want to stay in BA. If it is only for a few days, think about maybe renting one from Jackson. buying your own (phone or SIM card) only makes sense if you will be in the country repeatedly.
have fun, and survive the next 10 months...
El Alemán
[QUOTE=Tbird]
Now, I have a quad-band unlocked GSM phone (NEC 515), which a friend of mine used in Poland on the 900 band. Being a quad, getting on the correct frequency should be no problem. My question is: can ANYONE get service in Argentina? In Colombia I had to ask an amiga to go with me, because they required a Colombian cedula. A lengthy form with a photo had to be filled out.
I do not believe this has been covered in this esteemed forum. Info would be much appreciated.[/QUOTE]
I have taken my old domestic US Nextel Motorola i2000 phone, and my current T-mobile V180, they work in Argentina fine - but only for incoming calls from the US/Europe. Calling domestically is expensive on the order of US2 a minute.
Just FYI.
[url]http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_ar.shtml[/url]
I have a nokia 3022, nokia just came out with it, quad band it works everywhere. I am currently in Neuquen (the middle of nowhere). It works great.