Nina wrote:
> I saw some discussion here about traveling abroad and having an
> unlocked phone so one could switch the sim card etc. to get cheaper
> calling rates.
>
> I am a total babe in the woods on that. I am about to go to South
> Africa for a 10-12 weeks period and would love to learn what I could
> do to avoid paying ATT's $1.29 (at least) for every outgoing and
> incoming minute.
>
> I am swapping my Nokia 3620 for a 3650 (the one with the weird keypad)
> because it has the two frequencies used in South Africa. How can I
> unlock that phone, and after that, what do I do, where do I "go" to
> get cheaper rates/ a different SIM etc.?
>
> I would really appreciate any help on this!

Hi Nina,

The 3650 does indeed work in S.A.

You can get a PAYG (Pay-As-You-Go) SIM in S.A. That way you don't pay a
part of the roaming fee when receiving calls. (If you were to use your
current SIM).

We have 3 CSP's (Cellular Service Providers) to choose from:

1) Vodacom: 60% share of cell users, cheapest PAYG tariffs (incl.
international), most expensive PAYG starter pack

2) MTN: First CSP in SA, tariffs slightly more expensive than Vodacom

3) Cell C: Youngest & smallest of the 3 CSP's, aimed at the "hip" young
market. Cheapest PAYG Starter packs, most expensive PAYG tariffs

I would suggest Vodacom seeing you would probably spend more money on
calls in 10-12 weeks than what you pay for a PAYG starter pack.

Another thing - sell your PAYG SIM to someone in S.A. before you return
to the U.S.

Hope this helps you.
Enjoy your stay in sunny South Africa


› See More: going from US to South Africa, help with unlocking and rates,