Suggestions for international SIM cards

[deepakvrao]

Hi Guys,

We have been using Matrix for our last few trips but in Feb when we went to Italy they looted us, billed us for calls that we never mage, GPRS that we did not use etc.

Now we are planning a Scotland trip in Sep and were looking for alternatives. I saw some ads for Sim cards which will retain the same number in a number of countries, with free incoming etc. Any suggestions/experiences with any company other than Matrix?

[NetfreakBombay]

For Scotland, buying a local T-Mobile prepaid SIM might be cheaper. Last time I used it, cost was 5 pounds and came with some talktime as well. Unlike US, incoming is free in UK.

But their roaming rates are atrocious, so useless if you are planning to use same SIM out of UK.

T-Mobile Sim Card on eBay, also, T Mobile UK, Sim Cards, Mobile Home Phones (end time 24-Jul-08 20:34:37 BST)

[iraghava]

The cheapest & easiest method that I've found is to use a local sim card of the country you're in. With Matrix billing issues exist as I discovered in 2003 (When I first took one to the US) and after I'd returned it & cleared my dues they called me a month later saying there was an outstanding of Rs 45,000/- against my account for usage on dates when I didn't even have the phone!

Never used them again.

[mmmjgm]

Best is to use the local prepaid sims, they are pretty good try out various schemes they have, you can get vodafone and others (not aware of others in the UK) but study them and use the prepaid cards.

For a states trip I landed and went to an AT&T shop got a US$ 30 prepaid card, was good. Whatever the call charges may be ask for a roll over card (the ones where your balance does not expire ) as normally we do not make a lot of calls overseas, i generally used a calling card to call home to India and the outgoing was toll free on the sim to such numbers.

Cheers and have a safe trip.

MMM

[Sahil]

Reliance Passport is suppose to be good, i haven't used it myself tho.

But getting a local pre-paid sim card is far cheaper always.

[GTO]

Matrix international SIMs are outrageously expensive; too many bad stories around. Do what I do: Before boarding the plane, transfer all calls to voicemail. This way, your phone can stay powered on over the entire trip (without the ringer going off at weird hours), and you can communicate with friends & family via SMS. Once a day, make a 1 - 2 minute call to quickly check your voicemail for any urgent issues.

[phamilyman]

I go with ishan. Local SIMs work fine.

That said, Malysia is CHEAP for calling india. While Thailand is frightfully expensive. Make sure you buy from chota markets so you get calling cards for India as well.