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SIM cards - you know where you carry an unlocked phone, and then pick up a prepaid phone card (like ATT Gophone stateside)?
If you carry your iphone and roam in India you're likely to end up with some extremely heavy bills, especially if you use your data plan and sync music / updates etc. So if your iphone is unlocked (its with ATT so I guess it isnt) you can just use a SIM from a local carrier in India.
Originally Posted by msntriathlete
(Post 14458434)
OK I'm normally not this tech-illiterate, but can someone explain how this whole sim-card thing works? I was planning on bringing my iPhone with the appropriate AT&T international plan, like I do for Europe. Bad idea?
What is iPhone coverage like in India? I'll be in Delhi, Agra, Chennai, Cochi and Kerala backwaters (I don't expect coverage there). What's the deal with the sim card vs using my regular iPhone (+ Skype when I can)? |
Originally Posted by hserus
(Post 14460438)
SIM cards - you know where you carry an unlocked phone, and then pick up a prepaid phone card (like ATT Gophone stateside)?
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Eh. If you buy the PHONE you get a locked one. You just buy a SIM and it works in any unlocked phone. I have a gophone SIM that I keep around for US trips so ..
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Originally Posted by hserus
(Post 14460644)
Eh. If you buy the PHONE you get a locked one. You just buy a SIM and it works in any unlocked phone. I have a gophone SIM that I keep around for US trips so ..
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Thanks!
Thanks, everyone. That makes sense now. I'm glad to hear the iPhone coverage is so good.
I tend to rely on my iPhone heavily while travelling internationally (esp for Google Maps) and just buy the data plan that covers me best. I usu avoid the calls to avoid int'l roaming, but maybe it'd be worth getting a cheap phone for voice in India for that. The rates are good even for calling back to the US? |
Originally Posted by msntriathlete
(Post 14464898)
The rates are good even for calling back to the US?
Check out the sbelow sample links of some telecom operators.. http://www.vodafone.in/newusers/whyv...d.aspx?cid=hyd http://www.airtel.in/wps/wcm/connect...Calling+Cards/ http://www.rcom.co.in/Rcom/personal/...=USCanadaCards There are many other operators also like Aircel, Idea Cellular etc.. but the above will give u a good idea of the rates.. Cheers Abhi |
The other big benefit of having a local SIM is that you have a local number. My driver isn't about to dial the US number on my BB. Nobody seems to have a problem with calling my new local number.
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Originally Posted by marklyon
(Post 14467001)
The other big benefit of having a local SIM is that you have a local number. My driver isn't about to dial the US number on my BB. Nobody seems to have a problem with calling my new local number.
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Originally Posted by msntriathlete
(Post 14464898)
Thanks, everyone. That makes sense now. I'm glad to hear the iPhone coverage is so good.
I tend to rely on my iPhone heavily while travelling internationally (esp for Google Maps) and just buy the data plan that covers me best. I usu avoid the calls to avoid int'l roaming, but maybe it'd be worth getting a cheap phone for voice in India for that. The rates are good even for calling back to the US? It is almost impossible to get an Indian Simcard without proof of address. Best is to ask a friend (??Bellman) for one and use it. |
Best to buy an unlocked cheap Indian phone which costs about $20 and buy a Sim Card. Latest is videocon which allows calls to USA from the mobile at 60 p a minute (Around 1.5 cents)
The Indian BPOs are quite good and they charge around 5 cents a minute. BUT BEWARE OF SCAMS:eek: |
Originally Posted by drbala
(Post 14608398)
You can jailbreak iphone 3/3gs easily and unlock it. Works like a dream.
It is almost impossible to get an Indian Simcard without proof of address. Best is to ask a friend (??Bellman) for one and use it. You can buy sim cards at the hotel gift shop (overpriced) or just take a short walk to the nearest grocery / stationery store etc that has signs advertising cellphone sim cards. |
I had read that phones without a valid/unique IMEI number, i.e. Chinese phones were banned in India around December 2009. One could however use those phones by having an INEI number assigned to the phone on payment of a feel. IS this facility still available?
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Originally Posted by Yaatri
(Post 14609129)
I had read that phones without a valid/unique IMEI number, i.e. Chinese phones were banned in India around December 2009. One could however use those phones by having an INEI number assigned to the phone on payment of a feel. IS this facility still available?
Can the government easily tell if an IMEI number is faked/cloned or not? [That's a question touching upon the utility of locking the barn door after the animals have escaped.] |
Originally Posted by drbala
(Post 14608398)
You can jailbreak iphone 3/3gs easily and unlock it. Works like a dream.
It is almost impossible to get an Indian Simcard without proof of address. Best is to ask a friend (??Bellman) for one and use it. |
Originally Posted by saad
(Post 14609367)
your home address on your passport & your local address (hotel) will be good enough....no need to use the bellman....
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