Originally Posted by Flaflyer

I recently went shopping for a new cell, and wanted one that would work on occasional overseas trips with the least work. No SIM swaps, etc. if possible.

A cell magazine from the bookstore showed maps of worldwide coverage, and Cingular has reciprocal agreements with almost every place on the planet. Their published rates are reasonable overall, although for certain areas others have a local advantage. The German owned TMobile has a flat 99 cents a min for most of Europe that no one else comes close to. If I traveled often or mostly in Europe, I would get a Tmobile. But I go occasionally all over.

In spite of all the horror stories I read on blogs all over concerning Cingular, I signed up through an online service without a hitch. Got a new phone via UPS in a couple of days. After 6 months of service they are supposed to send me rebates of $100 more than the phone cost!

Supposedly, and I say supposedly until I try it, if I go to BKK all I have to do is call Cingular and have them activate the international roaming for my phone via their computer. The latest model SIM in the quad band Motorola is supposed to to be useable everywhere they have service agreements, no changes, no swapping, just take the phone as is and it is supposed to work. Billing to my account at published rates, no surprises.

I will really believe it after I see it work, but I'm hoping it works as advertised. If Cingular really has made phoning from almost anywhere in the world with cell service this simple, they have a winner on their hands.