Cell Phone
International phones are set up using different systems and methods of communication than phones in the United States. For land lines, it is necessary to be very specific when dialing numbers and enter not only the province or state code but also the country code that you want to use. Cell phones operate differently in countries outside of the United States because of coverage areas and may not provide the same services depending on location.
Phone Codes
To establish a land-line connection, enter the correct code for the country in question. This code differs based not only on what country you are trying to reach but what country you are calling from. In order to call from the United States to Albania, for instance, you must first dial the exit code for the United States, 011, then the country code for Albania, 355, then the area code and phone number. If the number begins with a zero, drop the zero before dialing since it is a trunk code.
International Cell Phones
American phones use a service designated as CDMA, while most other countries use a service called GSM. The main difference is in how the phone system reads radio signals and manages the flow of information. Cell phones can have either CDMA capabilities, GSM capabilities or both depending on the phone and the provider.
Renting Phones
Rather than paying very high charges for using a different type of service or not being able to use their cell phone at all, many travelers choose to rent a cell phone for their journeys. These rented phones work internationally but require a charge based on what provider you get the phone through. Typical charges are based around $3 per day, with a $2- to $3-dollar-per-minute charges. Some American phones can be used in certain countries, such as Caribbean nations, for a smaller charge.
Unlocking Phones
If you have a GSM-capable phone, you can choose to unlock it, or make it available for use throughout all supported companies. Many phones come locked to one specific country but do not need to stay this way. Some providers sell phones that are naturally unlocked and be used across multiple countries. Generally, even cell providers who sell locked phones will allow you to unlock your phone.
Finding a Number
Finding an international number can be difficult, even if you have the correct devices to make the call. The International Yellow and White Pages can be very useful to locating a wide number of international numbers, and is available online. Call Abroad is also a very useful website, providing codes, times and restrictions for all countries.
Tags: United States, American phones, cell phone, Cell phones, country code, providers sell