Hi. Im not 100% sure, but last time I asked, Personal and CTI (two mayor GSM operators) were getting ready to launch pre-paid GSM services. I quite sure these have been launched, but I will check with a buddy I have at CTI and report back. As long as your phone is unlocked, you should be good to go.

I also have a Nokia, model 3410 with a GSM SIM Card that has a UK phone number. I purchased the phone from Mobal a while back through a link from American Airlines. I don't have that particular link, but Mobal's is... www.mobal.com

I initially bought the phone for my teenaged daughter, so that we could communicate when necessary while in the UK and throughout Europe. I liked the phone so much for its' simplicity, that I kept it myself to use on International trips when my daughter started college last Fall. I last used the phone in England last week and will be using it in Argentina starting next weekend...

Charges for calls from Argentina are...
Incoming calls: $1.95
National calls: $1.95
Calls to the USA & Canada: $3.95
Calls to the UK: $3.95
Calls to other countries: $5.95
GSM Frequency: 1900 MHz

According to Mobal's propaganda...
Call charges are quoted in US Dollars per minute, all inclusive.
Absolutely no additional roaming charges or hidden extras
'National Calls' are calls made to the same country that you are calling from, including cell phones & "toll free" numbers.
'Calls to the UK' include calls made to other Mobal GSM cell phones.
'Calls to other countries' includes calls to all other international destinations, except for calls to satellite phones.
Calls to satellite phones are $10.50 per minute.
SMS text messages are $0.80 per message. Incoming text messages are free of charge.

Not too bad for occasional use, but certainly good for emergencies. A regular GSM phone will not work in parts of Argentina which are not covered by GSM service. In those instances, a satellite phone is necessary. As you know, there are large parts of the US that are not covered by GSM as well, so it's not an issue specific to Argentina. If you are traveling to areas where there is little or no cellular coverage, Mobal, as well as other companies can supply you with an Iridium satellite phone rental. Iridium is a low orbit satellite system that allows calls to be made and received anywhere in the world. It is important to note that Iridium satellite phones will not operate indoors or close to trees or buildings. The antenna must be fully extended and you must maintain a clear line of sight to the satellite at all times. Also, Iridium is not licensed for use in Hungary, North Korea, North Sri Lanka, and Poland.

When I purchased my GSM Nokia from Mobal, it included the UK GSM card as well as a recharger and a set of travel adapters for all countries. I think that I paid $49 for everything... I think that you can get a free International GSM card from Mobal if you have a GSM compatible phone... http://www.mobalrental.com/gsm/hands...006DM07NMOBWEB Mobal makes their money from calls made and charged to your credit card of choice. I know that there are many other companies that provide GSM services as well. I'm only providing Mobal information because I have had positive experience with them.

Safe travels...

Prepaid SIM card
 

Wow, thank you for your detailed reply. I reviewed the Mobal website which seems to have extensive options but the prices seem OUTRAGEOUS :eek: (at least for my budget). At first I thought the prices were quoted in Argentinean Pesos and they seemed very expensive. When I travel to countries in SE Asia or Eastern Europe, I usually purchase a SIM card costing USD $5.00 to $10.00 which includes airtime (text or talk). For a few dollars more I buy airtime as needed. I really only expect to use my phone in Buenos Aires for calls to Buenos Aires. Can I find this type of plan in Argentina? Thanks again.

Gaucho, please let me know if you find out any more info. Also, I've been reading all of your postings on this site. They are excellent, and very helpful!

Ive been trying to contact my person at CTI and still havent gotten a response. Sorry for the delay. I will be back with more info. as I get it.

more on SIM cards...
 

I found a plan by Unifon Activo that cost $20 AR Peso for the SIM card including free airtime. Refill amounts are AR $15 and $20. Unfortunately, Unifon only has a 1900 GSM network that is incompatible with the European 900 / 1800 GSM networks. SO now in order to use my phone, I have to try and find a plan that uses 900 1800 GSM... my search continues.

Then get a tri-band or quad-band phone ... like most now are in Eurpoe and Asia

I have a Sony-Ericsson T610 with T-Mobile and two services in Buenos Aires:

BTW, my T-Mobil works all-over-the-world ... but not where I live :mad: Bad coverage .. I live between two small cities, Naples and Ft. Myers.

Note: Last year I had an old Nokia (digital but not GSM) and AT&T service in Buenos Aires.. and It worked! The hotel (L'Etoile) offered me a "free" phone, but I didn't need it.

I guess the above is the best answer. However, I confess that Im a little confused at my contact at CTI told me that none of the local providers will sell you only a GSM card, he said that all providers will give you pre paid format of service, but you still need to jump on one of the promotions involving a handset and other "strings". I confess Im a total dummy when it comes to pre paid services here in Argentina.... I will still look around and see if I can find out more. Sorry to not be able to add more at this point.

The CTI Movil shop on Calle florida can sell you a SIM card without buying a phone. They can also sell you a phone too for about $50 usd if they have them in stock.

It seems that some dealers are willing to bend the rules and sell you the card only. The official word from CTI is that you are supposed to buy the phone also. Dealers are choosing to just sell the card, and then use the phone to attract other customers to another plans (post paid, with more services, etc.).

upcoming ba trip
 

dear gaucho,
this is my first posting on a board anywhere!!! actually, my 2nd considering i tried to post but started my own thread. this is a fantastic site!!! very well-done. I have read the maaaannnnnyyyy pages so that i hopefully won't repeat too many questions. I will be spending 5 nights in your city the 1st week of april. My questions are:

How can I find your wine shop? Am traveling with some oenophiles and we would love to visit it?

Do you know how the NH jousten is? I don't recall seeing it mentioned b4 but there are 46 pages!!!!

We would like to day-trip to an estancia....at least we think we do. Is there one you recommend over others?

I am a Spanish teacher and have lived in Madrid. I recall in high school learning about the differences between "Argentinian" Spanish and "Castellano". Any helpful hints?

Thanks in advance!!!!

NH Jousten
 

nh jousten
 

Intrepidone,
I was looking forward to your reply! Any chance you could resubmit?
mcpeg

You are correct ... and we can be thankful that Gaucho100K started this thread and gives valuable input....again and again!

Thanks Gaucho100K ^ ^ ^

Dear mcpeg:

Im very glad to hear you will be visiting Buenos Aires, Im sure you will have a great time. I will send you a PM (private message) with the information on my wine store. If you are still not familiar with FlyerTalk´s PM system, you can reach me via conventional email at [email protected].

Dont worry too much about the differences between Spanish and Argentine Castellano.... you will do just fine. Im afraid Im not familiar with the NH hotels in town, but if you browse through this thread, Im sure you will find some comments. The day trip to an Estancia is definetely a good idea, I suggest you check out www.estanciasargentinas.com for more information.

Have a great trip!!! :D