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| *Travel Tips>>>Melbourne Travel Tips |
Best way for American to get cellphone in Australia? |
Travel Info Californian going to Australia later this month, what's best way to get cellphone that works in Australia for 1 month? Travel Tips If you already have a cellphone from the States (called mobile phones in Oz) you may be able to get international roaming and just pay the rates that your provider charges for it. If you want to buy a mobile from here, buy a prepaid one. They come with credit. You have a huge range to choose from - you can even get them from post offices. However, be aware that if you are going to be moving around outside of the cities, make sure you buy one that has the largest coverage around Australia as some do not work in some areas (Telstra and Optus come to mind. Others may do it too, but I don't know for sure) . It is best to buy the phone from the area that you are in the most, so that you know that it works in the area. You may need to provide ID (not sure - but be prepared) The phones may be cheap (depending on your point of view) but also be aware that if you buy a pre-paid mobile, most lock the phone with the provider for 6 months, so you cannot use it with another carrier until after that time. So even if you take the phone back to the States with you, you can't just change the SIM card to get it to work in your part of the world. Like someone else said you may be able to hock it, if you want to get some of your money back before you leave. Or you can keep it and wait until the locked period is over..... Source(s): experience with overseas travel, and buying prepaid mobiles in Oz. Other Travel Tips if you have Cingular/AT&T won't have any problem. (as long your phone has tri-band or quad-band) They use GMS. Call them up and sign up for international roaming. If not, you can rent a world phone at some electronics stores (not that cheap) Just buy any pre-paid cell phone from any store .. cost about $100 - usually comes with $10 credit - so just buy more credit to put on it. Once finish with the phone - take sim card out and throw phone away - they aren't worth anything. Just buy one. I have seen them for as cheap as $79 lately and they come with $10 free credit. You can always hock it when you leave...or give it to someone. Buying a pre-paid mobile phone, once you're here, would be the way to go. They are available at Telecommunication Shops, grocery stores, post offices nearly everywhere. Telstra or Optus (Telecommunication Companies) will give you the best coverage in the country areas. I know I live in the country. Many other companies, Vodaphone etc say they give good coverage (outside the cities) but it's not actually the truth. Have a great holiday. If your cellphone works with an Aussie SIM card - no problem. Buy one there and get yourself an Aussie number. If not - you'll have a problem. Ask any of these outlets. People can help you there. And oh, before I forget - Australians call it "mobile phones" as most countries do. Just the US call it "cellphones". |
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