Hi, I'm using a t-mobile phone that is no longer on a plan but still has the original sim card in it. I'd imagine that it in not unlocked. Do you think I'll be able to use a low cost calling card
Thanks for all your help,
Ben
Posted by
OP
Westchester
4 posts
Just to let you guys know, using a calling card still incurs charges from T-mobile international roaming.
Posted by
Spokane, Washington, US
50 posts
Ben
My husband and I purchased an international calling card to use in conjuction with our cell phone while we were in Europe to call ahead and confirm our reservations. AT&T is our carrier and before we left I confirmed that I could use the calling card with our cell phones and well once we got over there it didn't work. For some reason I could not call the international number on the calling card with our cell phones. It worked on certain payphones throughout Europe but that was about it.
In the end we ended up using pay phones and our cell phones to call ahead. I was worried about the international charges that would be showing up on our bill, but when I got home it was less than $10. I just made sure though before we left that I had international calling/roaming on our cell plan.
In the end, I should have just bought calling card once we arrived to make everything easier.
Posted by
York, PA
300 posts
To repeat what Ben said - if you use your cellphone with a US SIM in Europe, you'll pay for international roaming even if you're using it to call a number associated with a calling card. Essentially you'd be paying twice to make the call.
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
Ben,
If you are not on the plan anymore, that SIM card won't work anymore, no where in the world.I believe you are only able to dial 911 from that phone.
You will need to unlock the phone and buy a SIM card in Europe.
Posted by
Tuscaloosa, AL
1152 posts
The phone might not have the right frequencies to work in Europe even if it was unlocked. You can buy a pay as you go phone and SIM for very little in many countries. You could then use that to call a local number to use the calling card.
As an alternative, set up a Skype account and get a Skype To Go number for the countries you'll be in (it tells you how on the website once you've set up your account). That has worked well for me. I also have an incoming Skype number in the U.S. that I have set up online so that calls to it will forward to my overseas SIM number. Incoming calls are free; the cost of a Skype call will be charged against my Skype balance. This lets others call a local number to easily contact me overseas.