Global Gab Guide

Prepaid SIM Cards

Depending on where you're traveling, using T-Mobile or AT&T for may not be the cheapest option, however, and you may want to use your current GSM phone with a SIM card for a prepaid plan.

San Diego–based company Telestial sells prepaid SIM cards for numerous countries, or you can purchase a SIM card once you reach your destination. You will get the best rate if you use a SIM card in the country in which you purchased it, as it typically includes free incoming calls. For example, if you purchase a card in Spain and cross into France, you will be charged for roaming.

The key to getting a SIM card—other than the one currently in your phone—to work is to get a SIM unlock code for your handset. While plenty of people on eBay are willing to sell you the unlock code for your phone, you don’t need them. T-Mobile will give you the unlock code for your phone if your account has been active for 90 days and if the return/exchange period on your phone has ended. Likewise, if your account is in good standing, AT&T will give you the unlock code after speaking with customer service.

Japan's Networks

Japan uses both a 2100-MHz band GSM network and W-CDMA technology for its 3G network. W-CDMA is similar to CDMA technology, except that it uses a greater amount of bandwidth to transmit data faster. CDMA phones, such as those offered by Sprint and Verizon Wireless, will not work on a W-CDMA network. W-CDMA is not widely available outside of Japan, so it’s necessary to rent a phone from your provider or to purchase a prepaid phone when you reach your destination.

The four major carriers all offer rental phones and international outlet adapters for travel to Japan. With AT&T and T-Mobile, you also have the option to rent a handset and use it with your current SIM card.

Renting or Buying Phones for Use Abroad

Another way to stay in touch abroad is by purchasing a prepaid phone when you arrive. However, this can get expensive, particularly if you require a full-featured phone. Unless you’re planning a long-term stay overseas, we wouldn’t recommend this option.

All four carriers also offer phone rental, although AT&T and T-Mobile offer it only in Japan, where the GSM band is 2100-MHz and thus not compatible with tri-band or quad-band phones. Depending on the length of your stay, this is not always the most cost-effective option. For example, renting a Japanese handset from T-Mobile that you can use with your own SIM card costs $14.99 a day or $249 for a month, plus a $225 authorization deposit. And this is all before you even make a phone call at the Japanese roaming rate (currently $1.99 per minute).

Voicemail

Bear in mind, regardless of carrier, you will most likely have to dial a phone number that’s different from your own in order to access your voicemail. Ask your carrier about the voicemail access number and make sure you know your voicemail PIN.

Assessing Your Needs

Ultimately, the way you choose to stay connected throughout your travels will depend on these four variables: your destination, your current phone’s capabilities, how connected you want to be, and how much you are willing to pay to keep connected.

If you’re a frequent international traveler, owning a GSM-capable phone is the easiest way to stay in touch due to its compatibility throughout the world; still, it’s not necessarily the most cost-effective method. If you travel infrequently, a prepaid SIM card is likely the most inexpensive option. Then again, you could always just turn off your phone and really get away from it all.