Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Cell phone to use in Europe

Oct 8, 2004 1:45AM PDT

I will be traveling to Europe over the next year and I am looking to purchase a phone that works in all countries. However, I don't want a US carrier charging very high per minute charges, so I guess I would need an unlocked GSM phone, this way I could buy a SIM card in different countries and pay local rates. Question is, where do I get such a phone and which phone do you recommend? I will be visiting UK, Spain, Italy and possibly France. I will also travel to Brazil.
Thanks

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re: Cell phone to use in Europe
Oct 8, 2004 3:09AM PDT

There are many web sites that sell 'unlocked' GSM phones at (almost) reasonable prices. You'll be best served by at least a 'tri-band' phone supporting 900/1800/1900 service; and if it supports the 850 band (quad band), all the better. Here are a couple starting points (google 'quad band gsm phones'): http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/phonesunlocked.asp
and http://www.ustronics.com/noname144.html. I purchased an unlocked Nokia 6100 from USTRONICS for international travel, and have been pleased with the phone. It all comes down to a matter of features, and how much you want to pay. I like the new Motorola phones that I'm seeing, V400 and up; these models are starting to appear on the US market, but of course are usually 'locked' to providers (AT&T, Cingular, T-Mobile) so not the best choice for overseas use with another SIM. Just as an FYI, I've found that t-mobile seems to offer the best international rates if you buy a quad-band from them and use it in your travels. Maybe that's due to their lineage (Deutsche Telekom).

- Collapse -
Re: Cell phone to use in Europe - to: msknutson
Oct 9, 2004 12:55AM PDT

Thanks for replying to my inquiry. I have found the web sites that you have given a link to.
I have another question please. If I were to purchase an unlocked GSM phone, and if I also wanted to use it here in the USA, would I be able to go with one of the ATT or T-Mobile plans without comitting to a contract, would I be able to go month by month, or would I have to purchase a SIM card and use the phone that way (pay as you go)?
Thanks for taking the time to answer.