Originally Posted by
Vegas Vegan
Isn't the SIM card needed to make/receive phone calls? That's what I was told.
SIM card is required if you make/receive phone calls through telecom's network.
Alternatively, you can make and receive phone calls through wifi without a SIM card. Skype to Skype is free, not a telephone number. Skype to a toll free number in U.S. is also free via wifi. Skype to a landline or cell number is relatively inexpensive, like 3 or 4 cents a minute.
You may wish to check with your carrier if text is free when traveling abroad.
Some of us can survive using wifi and text only when traveling outside of U.S.