Travel Technology - Cheapest place to buy cellphone: Singapore, Tokyo, or Bangkok?

I'm in the market for a cellphone - haven't decided which one yet but am looking at the Sony Ericsson P910i or similar (phone with pda-like capabilities but not too big); I'm quite flexible.

I will be in Tokyo, Bangkok, and then Singapore in the next few weeks. Anyone know where would be the best place?

Also, I have a friend going to Seoul at the same time who could pick one up for me - would that be cheaper?

Singapore for the latest models, by far.

Korea on a different system.

Don't know about the other destinations but ime cellphones in Thailand cost considerably more to purchase than they do in the US.

Don't know about the other destinations but ime cellphones in Thailand cost considerably more to purchase than they do in the US.

Yes, I didn't find Thailand very cheap for computer-related stuff last time I checked. Not surprising then I guess if it's not cheap for phones either.

Singapore for the latest models, by far.

Korea on a different system.

Thanks for your reply Chynacom - what do you mean by 'Korea on a different system'?

I think he/she meant that South Korea doesn't use the GSM standard like the rest of continental Europe & Asia. I'm guessing they use the same standard as Japan ("G4") but I might be wrong.

The U.S. "technically" uses a different standard than the rest of the world, if and only if you're a Sprint/Verizon/Nextel customers. (they're on CDMA, not on a GSM network like Cingular/AT&T Wireless & T-Mobile).

Hope this helps!
Jamester

I think he/she meant that South Korea doesn't use the GSM standard like the rest of continental Europe & Asia. I'm guessing they use the same standard as Japan ("G4") but I might be wrong.


I live in NZ and Holland - does that mean that I can't buy a phone in Japan or Korea, or at least have to make sure that it works on GSM networks?

Thanks!

My experience has been that most electronics are cheaper in the US. Japan is one of the most expensive in the world. Cell phone warranties are often used. Your overseas purchase may not be warrantied in the US.

I live in NZ and Holland - does that mean that I can't buy a phone in Japan or Korea, or at least have to make sure that it works on GSM networks?
Thanks!
That's the way I understand it, Fliar. In fact, I don't know if GSM is still supported in Japan - I guess I'll find out when I go there early next year.
Jamester

My experience has been that most electronics are cheaper in the US. Japan is one of the most expensive in the world. Cell phone warranties are often used. Your overseas purchase may not be warrantied in the US.

This has also been my experience. You can get the latest technology by buying in Asia, but it's going to be cheaper to wait until it's in the U.S.

Phones in Japan will be on a different system with very few exceptions. They do sell some GSM phones there for Japanese travelling to other parts of the world and the prices from what I have seen can only be described as obscene. Im talking 3x what an internet dealer would charge. I dont know about Hong Kong. I would guess that it would be tough to beat some of the internet dealers pricewise.

Phones in Japan will be on a different system with very few exceptions. They do sell some GSM phones there for Japanese travelling to other parts of the world and the prices from what I have seen can only be described as obscene. Im talking 3x what an internet dealer would charge. I dont know about Hong Kong. I would guess that it would be tough to beat some of the internet dealers pricewise.

Thanks for that info. I will be in Japan next year for 5 months so I'll need 2 phones? (one for use in NZ and one in Japan?) Darn... :(

I'm at Changi (in the SQ F lounge :p ) and just had a look at the prices here. The t630 costs $469 but apparently only $375 in town (no plan). The k500i is $585 here, only $445 in town. Didn't realise Duty Free at this airport was so expensive...

BTW - the reason why I'm looking into the K500i over the 630 (even though I don't need the mp3 player, and the video and the bells & whistles) is that it has a usb option - the 630 doesn't, only bluetooth (which I don't have) or IR which won't work on my desktop PC...)

Really, do NOT buy any cellphones in the SIN airport.
Prices are so high I can't believe.

Lately, Indonesia cellphone prices can beat even those in Singapore (city).

In my limited experience ebay is the cheapest place to buy mobile phones.
I noticed a 630 going for $190 USD but you can search completed auctions to get a feel for pricing.

If you do go to Bankok, go to the MBK (Mah Boon Krong) shopping center, go the 4th floor and you will find hundreds of mobile shops/counters. Prices on most phones here are ~ 0 to 40% higher than ebay, on both new and used phones.

Thanks Transpac, I:ll keep that in mind.

Thanks for that info. I will be in Japan next year for 5 months so I'll need 2 phones? (one for use in NZ and one in Japan?) Darn... :(


Vodafone Japan have a 3G network ... you can rent one of their phones at Narita and pop in your own GSM SIM ... hey presto, you're on the air in Japan roaming with your own number.

Mark

Vodafone Japan have a 3G network ... you can rent one of their phones at Narita and pop in your own GSM SIM ... hey presto, you're on the air in Japan roaming with your own number.
Mark

Mark, is that really the case?

I live in Japan and have a Vodaphone dual system phone (Japanese system and tri-band GSM) that I can use either in Japan or the rest of the world (except Korea). However, that phone is locked to Vodaphone Japan and will only work with a Vodaphone Japan sim-card. Are the rental phones at the airport the same, or is it possible just to rent the phone without the sim-card?

You may just want to buy your unlocked GSM phone at http://welectronics.com/gsm.shtml since you even get a warrantee and great prices. This store is located about 6-8 miles East of ORD.

However, that phone is locked to Vodaphone Japan and will only work with a Vodaphone Japan sim-card. Are the rental phones at the airport the same, or is it possible just to rent the phone without the sim-card?

See the details here (http://www.vodafone-rental.jp/en/phones_roam.htm)

I am a Telstra (Australia) roaming subscriber. The lady at the desk just popped in my SIM and I was off and running with my home number.