Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Short-term cell phones in NZ

Hi,
I'll probably need to rent a phone for two months or so while in NZ. Is there a good deal out there (perhaps some tie-in with At&t), or anything else I should know about before I get fleeced...?

TX

I'll probably need to rent a phone for two months or so while in NZ.
I know this has probably been discussed ad nauseum in the Travel Tech forum, but my first question for you would be: "Why in the world would you RENT a phone??"

Simple solution is to buy an inexpensive tri/quad band GSM handset on ebay or at a local retailer - get it unlocked (simple, cheap) - and then buy a SIM card when you arrive in NZ.

Will be: 1)likely cheaper alternative, 2)give you a permanent solution for your travels to other SIM-based countries, and 3)no need to be concerned about what happens if you "lose" the cheap handset.

Hope that's of help. Best, Dave

I know this has probably been discussed ad nauseum in the Travel Tech forum, but my first question for you would be: "Why in the world would you RENT a phone??"

Simple solution is to buy an inexpensive tri/quad band GSM handset on ebay or at a local retailer - get it unlocked (simple, cheap) - and then buy a SIM card when you arrive in NZ.

Will be: 1)likely cheaper alternative, 2)give you a permanent solution for your travels to other SIM-based countries, and 3)no need to be concerned about what happens if you "lose" the cheap handset.

Hope that's of help. Best, Dave


Because I left my unlocked quad-band phone sitting on my desk at home. :mad:

I know exactly where it is, where the charger is, and where every accessory is: they are not with me on the way to NZ!!! :mad:

I was hoping to avoid having to buy another one. We'll see.

Hi,
I'll probably need to rent a phone for two months or so while in NZ. Is there a good deal out there (perhaps some tie-in with At&t), or anything else I should know about before I get fleeced...? A tie-in with AT&T would not be a good deal in NZ. Simply buy a cheap GSM phone from Dick Smith Electronics or other similar dealer. They are unlocked (as of my last check). Then check out service options with the sole GSM provider in the country:

http://www.vodafone.co.nz/

I have typically used their "Motormouth Prepay" service plan as it has fairly reasonable flat rates to NZ landlines, NZ Voda mobiles and Australia, Canada, Ireland, UK and the USA.

Which company to go with?

Thanks!