I'm taking my T-Mobile Vario II from the UK to the US next month and I was wondering if I can simply buy a PAYG SIM card in the States and use this on my phone while I'm there?
I know that the phone is locked so can I buy a T-Mobile SIM and use that?
Cheers.
Out of interest is there any reason why you do not unlock your phone first?
Sure, Cingular and T-mobile both sell prepaid sim cards (though you may be better off trying to get one on ebay first).
A T-mobile UK phone will NOT accept a T-mobile US sim without unlocking it, they are considered different networks and a phone locks itself to the network code.
Keep in mind though that in the US we don't have prepaid data like in the UK. PAYG in the US lacks many other things like roaming and cheap calls abroad.
Wam7 said:
Out of interest is there any reason why you do not unlock your phone first?
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To be honest, I don't know how to! I have a T-Mobile Vario II with the standard ROM.
Are PAYG SIMS available in Canada?
Is Canada considered 'abroad' with regard to a US SIM? And vice versa?
I'm going to both Canada and the US this year and want to know the score.
Thanks
mindracing said:
Is Canada considered 'abroad' with regard to a US SIM? And vice versa?
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When I was in Canada in July, Tmobile2Go SIM would *NOT* register. Note that in late '06 Tmo said 2Go SIMs would get roaming - dunno if that applies to Canada or not though. I just looked online and I'm still not sure You can easily pick up a Nokia 6030 here with a Tmo2Go SIM for ~$40. If you unlock and sell the 6030 it's cheaper than buying a SIM alone from Tmobile.
If your Vario II is a Hermes (I don't know T-mobile model names), you should have little trouble unlocking it using the Wiki instructions here.
PM me if you need help acquiring a US SIM card.
HTH,
Richard
Only Rogers pay as you go sim card has US roaming, but that's really expensive!
Related
Okay, call me a newb or whatever, but I cannot find this information. I was with T-Mobile using my MDA, and everything worked fine. Now, I have moved to Uijeongbu, Korea and I can't seem to locate a place that sells SIM cards for my MDA. All the retailers i have contacted sell phones that do not use SIM cards (possibly CDMA?) I saw a link somewhere (possibly on this site) that had a list of worldwide carriers and a map of their service types. Can anyone recommend a carrier in Korea where I can get service and a SIM for my MDA? Thanks!
snootch said:
Okay, call me a newb or whatever, but I cannot find this information. I was with T-Mobile using my MDA, and everything worked fine. Now, I have moved to Uijeongbu, Korea and I can't seem to locate a place that sells SIM cards for my MDA. All the retailers i have contacted sell phones that do not use SIM cards (possibly CDMA?) I saw a link somewhere (possibly on this site) that had a list of worldwide carriers and a map of their service types. Can anyone recommend a carrier in Korea where I can get service and a SIM for my MDA? Thanks!
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I don't believe that you will find one.
This is because the Koreans use CDMA and not GSM/GPRS - completely incompatible systems.
My Korean colleagues are somewhat jealous of my XDA Mini S because there is nothing similar available in Korea or that works on their CDMA network, although there are a few basic PDA phones appearing on the market.
What you can do (and it does not help you) is rent a phone at Incheon Airport that accepts the GSM SIM card and allows you to keep you mobile phone number on a Korean CDMA phone.
well, what u could do is purchase a CDMA phone (yes i know thats not what ur asking) but just match the frequencys up.. maybe some sprint or alltel phones will work.. UT starcom's xv6700 maybe.. its the cloest thing to a mda in CDMA format i do believe.
or.. u could do as parbrook said :| those damn koreans!
oh wait.. verizon sells a world phone that accepts GSM/CDMA.. maybe look into that.
That is what I thought after some more research. That sucks. The whole point of the MDA/Wizard is to converge devices. Dammit. Now i'll have to carry two phones.
I live in the US and I have a trip planned to London, Paris and Rome in May. I own a T-mobile G1 and was wondering what my best option was for using my G1 in those cities. I know there are a lot of European users here on XDA so I was hoping somebody could give me some advise from experience. I do realize that the 3G won't work over there no matter what I do.
Thanks for any and all help!
NickPDX said:
I live in the US and I have a trip planned to London, Paris and Rome in May. I own a T-mobile G1 and was wondering what my best option was for using my G1 in those cities. I know there are a lot of European users here on XDA so I was hoping somebody could give me some advise from experience. I do realize that the 3G won't work over there no matter what I do.
Thanks for any and all help!
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3G should work fine. When you get there, buy a local prepaid simcard.
You need to unlock it first, call T-Mo and tell them what you just posted and they will give you the unlock code.
Your best bet for London (once you've got the phone unlocked) is a "pay as you go" sim from three. Just put £10 credit on it and you'll get a 150mb, 90day internet allowance. If you need to top it up again you get that allowance renewed every time.
Unless I am mistaking, the phone is rooted and is running a non stock rom, thus it is unlocked. I will look into the prepaid sim cards. Will I have to get a different one for each of the countries/cities?
@lbcoder: are you sure about the 3G? since this is a t-mobile phone I was under the impression that the bands it uses for 3G are only the N. American Bands and would only work over here.
Not unlocked for other networks, you need to get it unlocked to use other networks.
NickPDX said:
Unless I am mistaking, the phone is rooted and is running a non stock rom, thus it is unlocked.
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Sim unlock isn't the same thing as root.. You need a code from t-mobile for that. They'll give you one if you tell them what you've told us.
NickPDX said:
I will look into the prepaid sim cards. Will I have to get a different one for each of the countries/cities?
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That's going to be the cheapest way to do it.. You'll get brutally raped for roaming charges otherwise. In the UK the cards are usually free, you just have to buy the calling credit.
TMO will give you your SIM unlock code for free if your account has been paid up for 90 days or longer. They take up to 7 days. I had to get this from TMO via my American friend when I bought my G1 off him. There are places online where you can pay $25 or so and get an unlock code within hours. SIM unlock is not the same thing as root.
I'm also just about to go to Europe! Vodafone turned on global roaming for free (I just pay for calls) and they sells packs of roaming data, I got 25Mb for $50, which is way cheaper than their usual rate of $10 per 1Mb! For me this is easier than stuffing round with pre-paid SIM cards, changing number and whatever, I also don't know if a pre-paid SIM gives mobile data access? Give TMO a call and see what they offer.
I will turn off Sync and use DroidWall to make sure stuff doesn't update in the background and use all my allowance. It's really only to update Facebook to let people know I am still alive
Your G1 will most definitely work and use 3G in London. You can grab a T-Mo prepaid SIM from the multiple vending machines in the airport when you arrive in London, and swap it in and start using it immediately. I did exactly this at both Gatwick and Heathrow. Do like the other posters said and call T-Mobile in the US and get the unlock code before you fly. It's free that way. I did that too, and they are cool about it. It took about 24 hours after my request and it was emailed to me. The one thing that confused me at first was my G1 kept asking for a "SIM unlock code" or something like that after I had unlocked it using the T-Mobile code. Turns out it was a security setting that I could disable, to prevent someone from using the phone if they stole it. Two totally different "SIM unlocks". Now I know.
I've done a bunch of searching on this and can't find a thing; I know there are certain restrictions on the sims (locked) but that's as far as it goes.
I may be going to Greece (from US) for 2-3 months and am about to buy a Streak here in the US.
Can I use the phone there without having to go through AT&T's "overseas plan"? Can I, for example, use a Vodaphone sim or any other for that matter while I'm away?
Thanks for the help.
EDIT: Almost forgot to ask, what type of speed do I expect compared to ATT's 3G?
Short answer: no, you can't. When the phone is sim-locked, you can't use any other sim cards than att-sims.
Slightly longer answer: you may call att once you get the phone and tell them you will be staying with att, but you're going to greece for 2-3 months. they may send you an unlock code (see the other recently updated unlocking thread). i think you also have to buy the full priced version from dell, not the one with an att subscription. i just sent them a fax with a proof of purchase, because they needed to know the price i paid for the device... good luck!
olemartinorg said:
Short answer: no, you can't. When the phone is sim-locked, you can't use any other sim cards than att-sims.
Slightly longer answer: you may call att once you get the phone and tell them you will be staying with att, but you're going to greece for 2-3 months. they may send you an unlock code (see the other recently updated unlocking thread). i think you also have to buy the full priced version from dell, not the one with an att subscription. i just sent them a fax with a proof of purchase, because they needed to know the price i paid for the device... good luck!
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Seems like you have personal experience with this sort of thing.
So basically, buy a phone at full price and then maybe att will give me an unlock code?
tr8rjohnk said:
Seems like you have personal experience with this sort of thing.
So basically, buy a phone at full price and then maybe att will give me an unlock code?
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Not true.
I've had att provide me with the unlock code for many devices that I paid the subsidized price for.
What you have to do is call them and request it, have your devices imei # available. once they tell you that they can't access the unlock code or whatever the issue ask them what your options are and if they don't suggest to open a case then request to open one. They'll take your email from you and you should get the code within 2 weeks.
Remember to be polite and when they offer you the international roaming package, just kindly deny it and say your more comfortable with using a local sim card. Also good to say that your going overseas for business so they take you nour seriously.
As for the data speeds, find what frequency the network in greece uses then compare that to the streaks
Good luck.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Why don't you just buy a rebel ii sim card?
fone_fanatic said:
Not true.
I've had att provide me with the unlock code for many devices that I paid the subsidized price for.
What you have to do is call them and request it, have your devices imei # available. once they tell you that they can't access the unlock code or whatever the issue ask them what your options are and if they don't suggest to open a case then request to open one. They'll take your email from you and you should get the code within 2 weeks.
Remember to be polite and when they offer you the international roaming package, just kindly deny it and say your more comfortable with using a local sim card. Also good to say that your going overseas for business so they take you nour seriously.
As for the data speeds, find what frequency the network in greece uses then compare that to the streaks
Good luck.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
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Well, i bought the full priced device - i can't use att when i don't live in the us..
checkbox111 said:
Why don't you just buy a rebel ii sim card?
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1. calling att is cheaper?
2. changing sim cards often when using rebel sim ii is a hassle
3. rebel sim is not a true unlock, and it complicates everything..
but, tr8rjohnk, if att won't give you the unlock code, go ahead and buy a rebel sim ii..
olemartinorg said:
1. calling att is cheaper?
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Well if you're within a geographical location that allows you to use att i would imagine you would use your att sim
olemartinorg said:
2. changing sim cards often when using rebel sim ii is a hassle
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Click to collapse
Yeah! shutting the phone down, removing the back, taking out the battery, taking out the sim, sliding in the new sim, replacing the battery, putting the cover back on taking all of 5 valuable minutes at the start and the end of your three month tenure could really bring a man down
olemartinorg said:
3. rebel sim is not a true unlock, and it complicates everything..
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Can you, or can you not, use any sim anywhere within the developed world whilst using a rebel ii sim? Yes! so why is it different from any other unlocking technique
Good info, everyone, thanks for the input. I'll be looking into the rebel sim ii and also speaking with att.
checkbox111 said:
Well if you're within a geographical location that allows you to use att i would imagine you would use your att sim
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well, me and att are on opposite sides of the atlantic - and calling att for 10 minutes is still much cheaper than ordering (and shipping) the rebel sim..
checkbox111 said:
Yeah! shutting the phone down, removing the back, taking out the battery, taking out the sim, sliding in the new sim, replacing the battery, putting the cover back on taking all of 5 valuable minutes at the start and the end of your three month tenure could really bring a man down
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and cutting your sim? i haven't tried the rebel sim yet, (because i just unlocked my att streak with the unlock code i received) but i've heard it's more than just 'sliding in another sim'.
checkbox111 said:
Can you, or can you not, use any sim anywhere within the developed world whilst using a rebel ii sim? Yes! so why is it different from any other unlocking technique
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well, it's different in that you phone is still locked to a provider.. have you read any other threads about rebel sim? until rebel sim released the new firmware for their sims, 3g did't work properly.. as i said, it complicates things... i just punched in my 8 digit code i got from att (called them on friday), and the streak works like a charm with my (uncut) norwegian sim card..
guys, calling Att is for the US sold ATT devices. I'm pretty sure, but not 100%, that they can tell from the imei if it was sold via dell.com in the US or not. If not i don't think they'll issue you the unlock code, unless the unlock code generator that LBK Tech for At&t has doesn't distinguish the imeis
Hello All,
Just recently came across a T8282 for sale, At a local thrift store of all places (lol).
Aside from some screen scratches (I assume these did not come with a factory protector/layer I can just peel off?) and missing the stylus + SIM card, But It works perfectly.
Anyway,
This is my first "Real" cell phone or "Modern" I guess you would say.
I've always used Prepaid service and Phones provided by the Prepaid Carrier, As has my family.
We all use Virgin Mobile, And I already have an established account with funds on it for them.
Also, They just added a very reasonable monthly Data Package Plan that seems to be the best deal around in prepaid.
Would there be any possible way to use Virgin Mobile Service with my new T8282?
I'm aware Virgin does not ussualy use SIM cards (or at all) in there phones, But, I've seen some Virgin Sim cards up for sale on auctions sites that appear to be available from outside the US.
Would I be able to make one of these "Foreign" SIM Cards work properly inside the US?
And if not~
What is a good Prepaid Service Provider that uses SIM cards I could switch over to?
I'm aware prepaid is not really the way to go with a phone like this, But I'm not really a hardcore user, And Non-Contract has always got me through just fine.
Sorry if this is in the wrong area.
Oh, And does this phone come already unlocked? Or will I need to do that also?
Bad news I'm afraid
The T8282 is a European GSM/UMTS handset and as such won't work on Virgin Mobile in the US (which uses the Sprint CDMA network)
You'll need to switch to a US carrier which uses GSM - AT&T and T-Mobile are the two big networks which do. In addition, you'll only get voice and GPRS data as the phone can't use the 3G frequences used in the US (the T8285 was the version with US bands)
Virgin Mobile is a global brand, but each country runs its network seperatly. You won't be able to pick up a SIM card and expect it to work on the US Virgin network.
As ther T8282 wasn't sold officially in the US, it will already have been unlocked if it has been used with a US network.
There's other people here which have used a T8282 in the US, it's worth searching the forums.
*Facedesk*
Thanks for all the info handsomedog.
I kinda figured Virgin wouldnt work out, But had to ask.
I dont mind switching Carriers as long as its a prepaid service, But did not count on the phone not being able to "Fully" function... That really sucks.
Hi guys. I have a Galaxy Grand 2 (G7109), China Telecom model.
It has two SIM card slot, one for CDMA(Slot 1) and the other for GSM(Slot 2) network.
Slot 2 is originally unlocked. But Slot 1 is locked for China Telecom.
Are there any ways to unlock Slot 1 so that I can use other SIM cards for 3G connection or for use abroad?
My phone is rooted. Thanks in advance!
takapitan said:
Hi guys. I have a Galaxy Grand 2 (G7109), China Telecom model.
It has two SIM card slot, one for CDMA(Slot 1) and the other for GSM(Slot 2) network.
Slot 2 is originally unlocked. But Slot 1 is locked for China Telecom.
Are there any ways to unlock Slot 1 so that I can use other SIM cards for 3G connection or for use abroad?
My phone is rooted. Thanks in advance!
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First, thanks for using proper English.
Your operator will unlock the SIM slot if you pay a contract termination fee.
Tried with American operators.
WaseemAlkurdi said:
First, thanks for using proper English.
Your operator will unlock the SIM slot if you pay a contract termination fee.
Tried with American operators.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for your kind reply and the useful info. I will go to the carrier shop and ask if they do the same in my country.
Would there still be other ways to unlock it? I am not going to terminate my contract for the moment but I have a plan to go to another country for a few weeks.
takapitan said:
Thank you for your kind reply and the useful info. I will go to the carrier shop and ask if they do the same in my country.
Would there still be other ways to unlock it? I am not going to terminate my contract for the moment but I have a plan to go to another country for a few weeks.
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You still have to pay some fee if you purchased the device ON CONTRACT WITH YOUR PHONE LINE (SIM CARD).
Your operator knows better.
WaseemAlkurdi said:
You still have to pay some fee if you purchased the device ON CONTRACT WITH YOUR PHONE LINE (SIM CARD).
Your operator knows better.
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Click to collapse
I went to the China Telecom shop a few days ago and asked the staff if they can unlock the phone. He said, "The phone is not locked. Some people from other countries told me that they were able to use the phone in their country. Just try using it." So I am here in Japan and tried to use it. But unfortunately it IS locked and Japanese SIM doesn't work. Any solution??
takapitan said:
I went to the China Telecom shop a few days ago and asked the staff if they can unlock the phone. He said, "The phone is not locked. Some people from other countries told me that they were able to use the phone in their country. Just try using it." So I am here in Japan and tried to use it. But unfortunately it IS locked and Japanese SIM doesn't work. Any solution??
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Click to collapse
It may be a compatible band range issue.
Operators in Asian countries operate very strange bands (especially China, for political reasons, and Korea).
As I have heard, you cannot travel and bring a smartphone from outside China as the airport cops will confiscate it AND because it won't work.
Operators are the worst liars ever. Rogers, a Canadian operator, repeatedly told me that its Nexus 5 was locked. They lied. Again. And again. Over different shops. But a quick Google search revealed that North American Nexus devices are ALL unlocked. Don't trust your operator.
I'm quite sure it is the bandwidth. Ask your (destination) operator if it operates your device's bands. It also happened with me. Almost tricked by an operator called Vidèotron into buying a SIM card, but it turned out that they don't operate the bands my dad's Note II (Saudi Arabian unit). Checked with other operators and, luckily, some did operate them. Just try different operators.
WaseemAlkurdi said:
It may be a compatible band range issue.
Operators in Asian countries operate very strange bands (especially China, for political reasons, and Korea).
As I have heard, you cannot travel and bring a smartphone from outside China as the airport cops will confiscate it AND because it won't work.
Operators are the worst liars ever. Rogers, a Canadian operator, repeatedly told me that its Nexus 5 was locked. They lied. Again. And again. Over different shops. But a quick Google search revealed that North American Nexus devices are ALL unlocked. Don't trust your operator.
I'm quite sure it is the bandwidth. Ask your (destination) operator if it operates your device's bands. It also happened with me. Almost tricked by an operator called Vidèotron into buying a SIM card, but it turned out that they don't operate the bands my dad's Note II (Saudi Arabian unit). Checked with other operators and, luckily, some did operate them. Just try different operators.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the message. Yes, I also think it is a problem of bandwidth. I guess China Telecom version of Galaxy Grand 2 doesn't work with UMITS 2100MHz, which is a common bandwidth in Japan. I was just able to use it in China, Macau & Hong Kong. It's a good device but useless in Japan...