International Phone or PDA

[Mr T]

I am technologically challenged so when I search for information on the following topic I don't really understand what I am reading.

I recently relocated to the EU but make frequent trips back to the US. I use a phone primarily for email and have always appreciated and used Blackberry because of this. So I prefer BB but am not really sure what attributes I need. I am willing to try non-BB phones as well.

I want a phone that works in both regions without having to change anything or get charged huge roaming fees.

Thanks - I don't trust the hacks at the phone stores to give me an honest answer.

 

[holymadness]

Simple answer: You have only two options: a blackberry or an iPhone. In order to not get dinged for roaming when abroad, you'll have to buy sim cards for both your home country and the US and swap them when you travel. Technical answer: In order to use voice services internationally, you need a phone with the following specification: GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) In order to use data services internationally, you need: UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz)

 

[globetrotter]

the best option is blackberry for roaming data. unless you only use a little data, then everything else will be more expensive. what you want is a quad band blackberry, that will give you options if you find yourself outside of the US and Europe, and it isn't that much more expensive.

 

[Mr T]

Thanks. So I get a quad band BB from a provider in Europe (where I actually live) and then get a SIM card from a US provider too. Do I just go to a local provider's store next time I am in the US and ask for a SIM card?

Does that mean I also need two calling plans and will have two phone numbers?

Did I mention I am technologically challenged?

 

[holymadness]

Originally Posted by Mr T

Thanks. So I get a quad band BB from a provider in Europe (where I actually live) and then get a SIM card from a US provider too.
Yes

Do I just go to a local provider's store next time I am in the US and ask for a SIM card?

Yes.

Does that mean I also need two calling plans and will have two phone numbers?

Yes.