How to Travel with Your Unlocked GSM Cell Phone
- 1). Read the manuals to your GSM cell phone. Understand the basic features such voice-mail retrieval and storing phone numbers. Carry important numbers with you in writing as well as stored in your phone.
- 2). Read the instructions to your SIM card. Register and activate the card. Make sure you understand the fees for outgoing and incoming calls, text messages, voice-mail retrieval and whether you need a special data plan.
- 3). Take the international calling instructions for your SIM card with you in written form. International calling codes vary from country to country, and this may be complicated if your SIM card is from another country altogether. If the carrier to your SIM card has a customer service number, write it and the PIN to your SIM down in a safe place. If you have problems using your SIM card, you will need to call the carrier from a land line to straighten it out.
- 4). Do a test call on your GSM phone for outgoing and incoming calls. If your phone is not set up to work in your home country, do one as soon as possible.
- 5). Turn your travel cell phone off and on again when entering a new country. If it still does not work, turn off, take out the battery for a few minutes, and then restart. Sometimes the cell phone has trouble locating coverage when crossing borders, turning the phone off and on helps it re-set.
- 6). Bring the phone charger and plug adapter for your GSM phone. A voltage converter is probably not necessary in major European hotels, but when in doubt follow the instructions on the phone and adapter.
