I'm confused about what to do about a cell phone while in The Netherlands for a month. I've researched buying unlocked quad band phones in the US plus adding an internet purchased SIM card as well as buying a pay as you go phone in The Netherlands. My question is...who assigns the phone number? I can't seem to figure this out, so sign me...
Confused in Florida
Thanks for any and all help.
Number comes with the 'sim' card.
I was confused about all the choices and SIM cards and having to get a new one in each country -too much hassle for me- Then someone told me about MOBAL. I bought a cell phone from MOBAL. It's a Motorola and good everywhere in Europe. They supplied me with a European phone number (UK number I beleive) You pay by the minutes - it's charged to your credit card every 15 days I bought the $100 phone - it came with a $40 credit. I used it only for a few local calls there and one call back to the States. I barely exceeded my $40 credit. AND I got a free set of adapter plugs too with the package. Go check it out at their website Mobal.com. I'll be using the phone again on my next trip - it was just so easy and less expensive than any other option I could find.
The SIM card is what connects your phone to the network (sort of) and has the number on it. If you are in one country buy a country specific SIM card. I got a phone and ten pounds credit at Vodafone in the UK for twennty-five pounds. I'm sure you can get an equivalent deal in euros from another carrier. The price for the MOBAL thing seems extremely expensive, especially when I can buy a phone on ebay for a lot less. If you're traveling a lot I can see the value in that but if you're just in one country then get a country specific SIM.
It is correct that the phone number goes with the SIM card, not the phone. If you buy a different SIM card in different countries, you will have different phone numbers. For example, I bought an unlocked quad band phone from Amazon. Then I got a pay-as-you-go SIM card from T-Mobile. It has its own phone number. When I go to the UK, I will buy a SIM card to use there for lower rates. It will also have a unique phone number that is different from my T-Mobile number, so if someone wants to call me, they will have to call the number that SIM card has. When I switch back to my T-Mobile SIM card, my phone will have the T-Mobile number again. The number goes with the SIM card, not the phone. I hope that makes sense.
You can buy an inexpensive prepaid phone in the Netherlands (phones and plans tend to be cheaper in Europe, especially for international calls). If you have an unlocked GSM phone from the US, you can just buy a SIM card in the Netherlands for your phone. I would suggest buying a SIM card there if you already have a phone rather than ordering one in the US over the internet, as you are likely to get a better deal if you buy in the Netherlands.
If you want to have a phone and a number before you leave, though, you might try Telestial. They have cheaper plans and more options than Mobal. They have phones, but they also give you the option of buying a SIM card only, and you can still purchase a SIM card in the Netherlands and swap it out with the international one you bought in the US from Telestial.
For any of these options, a call or text to someone you want to have the phone number should give them the number so they can call or text you back.
If that explanation didn't help, please feel free to message me.
Mary, I understand your frustration. After trying to figure out all of the options, I just decided to get a Skype account will call home from a computer or my iPod Touch.
I knew I could count on Rick Steves' travelers! Thanks for all your comments...I finally understand enough to make a decision. I think I'll get an unlocked quad band phone here before I go and a SIM card in The Netherlands.
If you're lucky you might find one like I found on eBay. It is a brand new quad band phone that actually holds two SIMs. I will keep my Mobal SIM because that is my permanent "emergency" number, but also buy a local SIM, if the situation warrants it, for local calls.
I used my own cell phone in Spain after having the same questions as you have. I checked with my regular provider and made sure that it would work there, only sent text messages and came home to not that much extra on my monthly bill. Also, all our contacts and other info were with us at all times.
