Travel Technology - SIM Card Trade Thread

There's been some talk about doing this in the past, but no one started a thread (as far as I know).

Right now, I'm tapped out of SIM cards, so I have nothing to offer.

But I'd like an Orange card w/ free incoming for use in France for the next six weeks.

Not sure what the best way to work these transactions is.

Sorry, I don't have an Orange SIM to offer or I would. My UK Virgin SIM has expired or I'd make that available.

Does sharing/swapping of SIM cards fit with the goal of Coupon Connection?

Sorry, I don't have an Orange SIM to offer or I would. My UK Virgin SIM has expired or I'd make that available.

Does sharing/swapping of SIM cards fit with the goal of Coupon Connection?

No, it's got to be an actualy travel/hotel coupon/other similar device.

No, it's got to be an actualy travel/hotel coupon/other similar device.
Not sure I agree, I've given a SIM card away via CC. I would consider it travel related as it was purchased for my trip to the country and afterwards, I had no need for it and others could gain value, similar to the coupons from HI or wherever. In my case, I wasn't looking for an exchange, it was offered as a gift.

Lately, when I have traveled to UK, Germany and Russia, one or more of the phone comanies have been offering SIM's at such a low price that I get a new one each visit. In Russia, I got a Jeans (MTS) card for only $2.50 and it had $5 worth of airtime on it. In London, Virgin had a special for a card with £5 of airtime for only £3. I usually like to get a new number unless I am going back in a month or two. I don't know how long the Virgin SIM's last, but in Russia they are valid for 6 months.

When in doubt, go to the CC FAQ (http://64.78.185.85/forum/announcement.php?f=373&announcementid=20): :D

In an effort to clarify the types of items that can be traded, the moderators have prepared some examples. This is in no way an exhaustive list, and the moderator team will make the call where necessary as to what is or is not allowed.

Allowed:

* Travel-specific coupons (e.g. Upgrades, travel vouchers)
* Travel-related coupons (e.g. Travel-related coupons from Entertainment books - not the full book, airport parking coupons)
* Travel-related items (e.g. travel books, T-Mobile passes, International phone cards and SIM cards)

Not allowed:

* Activity-related items (e.g. Amusement park passes, sports tickets, other entertainment event tickets)
* Products (e.g. Headphones, iPods)
* Cash or Non-Travel Gift Cards (e.g. Cash, department store GC, restaurant GC)

So yes it is allowed in CC - and yet, I can see it making sense to have it here if ScottC and FewMiles allow. One thread with all the seeks and offers could be really useful. I could see it evolving into a round robin of passing off a SIM card once back from a trip to the next person headed there. I'm off to Asia in the morning, and it would be great if I had a SIM card for the countries I'll be visiting.

Mind you, if someone seeks something for a SIM card other than another, then it clearly belongs in CC.

One thread with all the seeks and offers could be really useful. I could see it evolving into a round robin of passing off a SIM card once back from a trip to the next person headed there. I'm off to Asia in the morning, and it would be great if I had a SIM card for the countries I'll be visiting.
This was what I was thinking. Especially because sometimes you have to pay a premium just to get your hands on a card. But it would also be nice so that unused value could be used. I recently posted a phone card PIN in CC so that it wouldn't go to waste.

I did start a thread for this back in 2003 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283238 ) but got no responses :(.

Since then, I have given away a few on CC but am all for a dedicated thread for this! It would be nice if it could be stickied, either here or on CC.

does anyone know if the orange sim for Thailand works in Europe also?

Yes a Thai card will work, but you MUST call them in Thailand and have your account set up.

If I buy it in Thailand and have time left than can I use the balance in Europe or do I have to have Thailand change to Europe. thanks.

If I buy it in Thailand and have time left than can I use the balance in Europe or do I have to have Thailand change to Europe. thanks.
You need to contact the provider while in Thailand and request roaming access is how I believe it works. You aren't changing to europe, its just a matter of being able to roam with that card.

If I buy it in Thailand and have time left than can I use the balance in Europe or do I have to have Thailand change to Europe. thanks.

http://www.orange.co.th/english/coverage/using_p2.htm

Note that I am not sure if this is applicable to both post- and pre-paid customers?

I know one-2-Call (another pre-paid mobile provider in Thailand) requires that you request roaming, by calling their call center, in advance. You might just buy your Orange SIM at an Orange shop and ask about roaming then?

Can you just buy an Orange sim card? I tried last November in Bangkok, and was told they only offer regular service, no pre-pay SIM cards (but it could have been a communication issue on my part)

Not to be paranoid, but with today's ever more common requirement to register one's ID to buy a prepaid SIM in many countries, I would definitely not try to save a few dollars and use a SIM of unknown origin/history, or give one linked to my name to a stranger.

Lately, when I have traveled to UK, Germany and Russia, one or more of the phone comanies have been offering SIM's at such a low price that I get a new one each visit. In Russia, I got a Jeans (MTS) card for only $2.50 and it had $5 worth of airtime on it. In London, Virgin had a special for a card with £5 of airtime for only £3. I usually like to get a new number unless I am going back in a month or two. I don't know how long the Virgin SIM's last, but in Russia they are valid for 6 months.

Wow - I didn't know pre-paid were so cheap and easy to get in Europe. So, no residency requirement? And what kind of card did you get in Germany? And were they all free incoming?

Thanks for the info :)