Cell Phones
What is the best choice for cell phone coverage in Australia/New Zealand? WE would like to be able to make calls to the U.S, calls in Australia, and send and receive text. Data allowance for email/internet not important. Choices seem to be Global plan from existing carrier (Verizon) or Mobal, an international cell phone provider.
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Comments
When are you traveling? I'm on the April 14th Australia only trip.
I have been trying to figure out the same thing. My carrier is Sprint. My husband called and they told him my Samsung Galaxy S II does not work in Australia. He said it needs a GSA chip to work. Check with your phone carrier.
I think my husband's phone might work and no I am not buying a new phone when I have a perfectly good smartphone. A new phone means start a new 2 year plan and I might want to switch carriers. For all I know Sprint might have wanted an opportunity to sell a new phone or plan. Also, Samsung is like Apple they introduce a new version yearly. I don't buy into the foolishness.
My AAA agent told me to go to Costco and get an international phone card. Make sure it has Australia listed on the back. I figure I can make calls from the hotel room using this card. It is $.4 a minute and only cost $20.00. Remember the hotel might add on a cost.
My son went to Europe in 2012 and purchased a phone at the airport. I think that one is rechargable. The problem again is the continent. Of course if you purchase a phone in the Australia airport you will probably be ok. Cost unknown.
The other trick is to buy a local SIM card when you arrive in Oz.
Verizon & ATT work best. Call your cell company & buy a 30day plan. You are not charged with data in you are near a WiFi hot spot.
Bill