Using Cell Phones in Europe
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Using a Cell Phone in Europe is Possible
Ever try using a cell phone in Europe? Did it work correctly? Probably not. Most cell phones designed for use in the United States (or other countries) are probably not on the same sort of cell phone network, and will not work correctly - or at all - in a foreign country. But it certainly is possible, given the proper set up. How? Keep reading to find out.
Cell Phones Must Meet Specific Standards
In order for a cell phone originating in the United States to work in Europe, it must meet some specific standards. Some of those standards are:
- GSM: Global System for Mobile Technology, or "GSM," is the standard that "foreign" cell phones must meet in order to work in Europe. Some of the newest cell phones on the market do meet GSM standards, but most older models, even those that are just a year or two old probably are not compatible with GSM. GSM providers in North America include T-Mobile and Cingular.
- Bands: In order to use a cell phone in Europe, it must be a "tri-band" or "quad-band" phone. Different countries use different bands (850MHz, 900Mhz, 1800MHz, and 1900MHz are the most common), and only some phones are compatible with the bands in more than one country. The band used in the United States is different from the band used in Europe, so if a cell phone is only able to work on one of the specific bands, it won't work in any other country using a different band. However, "tri-band" (and "quad-band") phones have the capability of working on three (or four) different, yet specific, bands.
- Unlocked Phones: Many cell phone companies lock the cell phones in their system and do not allow them to be utilized overseas (or with any other carrier, for that matter) without prior authorization. "Unlocking" a cell phone frees the cell phone user to use another wireless service provider to make calls while traveling overseas. Unfortunately, most cellular phone companies will not allow customers to unlock their phones, because they do not want to lose any business to another provider. However, there are specific "unlocking companies" that may be able to unlock a person's phone via the internet with the help of some information from the phone and its SIM card. Just to note, unlocking a phone is perfectly legal.
Roaming Charges
Even if you're fortunate enough to have a cell phone that has all of the technology to be used in Europe, it may cost you a small fortune to do so. Most cell phone companies do have "unlimited long distance" contracts that customers can sign, but most do not include using a cell phone in Europe. In fact, using a cell phone in Europe will usually add "roaming charges" to a person's monthly cell phone bill. Rates for roaming charges, especially in Europe can be very high. So, anybody who is planning to use a cell phone that has a contract based in the United States while in Europe should remember: it's a good idea to call the cell phone company before the trip, so that roaming charges do not come as a huge surprise.
Pre-Paid Cell Phones
If using a cell phone in Europe is a necessity, be it for business or to keep in touch with family members back home, one of the easiest solutions to not having a European-compatible phone is to buy a pre-paid cell phone after arriving in Europe. This sort of phone can be used as little or as much as needed, and it is only a temporary phone that will be used while in Europe.
Rental as an Option
It's possible to rent a cell phone to use while in Europe. This option tends to be more costly than obtaining a pre-paid cell phone, but it can be an item of great convenience. Unlike a pre-paid cell phone that can run out of minutes at the most inopportune moment, a rented cell phone may be the optimal solution.
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