cell phone recommendations?

[Quixote9]

My prepaid cell phone does not work outside of the USA (plus it is bricked and can't be unlocked).  Was currious if anyone has any recommendations for a cellphone for international travel, something that I could just buy new sim cards when I visit a different country.  Or should I just buy a cheap prepaid phone when I get there and forget the swapping sim card thing? And which is better: tigo or moviestar?

I really don't want to get locked into any expensive contracts .  Thanks!

[no comment]

I picked up a used unlocked cell phone off eBay and bought a SIM card in country for $5.  The card came with free minutes, but would only work with calls to other cells with the same provider (Movistar) so I had to purchase cards with minutes from the street vendors.  Going this route will keep you out of expensive contracts. 

[Jeff S]

I think all cell phone plans in Latin America are prepaid - at least that is far more popular than the type of contracts we have in the US. The which is better is a difficult question. Coverage? Local Rates? International Rates? If you plan to ever phone back to the US, moviestar seems to be lower than most, and they're all over, so if you plan to ever visit other LA countries, they all have local moviestar service.

[Maria]

Not all plans in Colombia are prepaid.

I personally like Comcel the best, it has better coverage and the service is good in general. Their prices are a bit higher but not that much.
Tigo is the cheapest but their coverage is not as good. But it everone seems to use it  because they do have really good prices. As low as 300peso/per min to call The USA.

I think a prepaid service is a lot better than a monthly Bill specially if you dont live in Colombia. If you buy a phone at any of the carriers it will only be limited to that company and it might have to be unlocked so I suggest you get a cheap one. There are places, at least here in Barranquilla, where they can do that for you real quick.

Also when I was las in Miami. I walked into a 7/11 and bought a 50 dollar phone card and they were giving out a real cheap phone with it, for real, and I brought it here and it works with every single carrier. I had no need to do anything to it. Maybe you can find a second hand, unlocked one in The USA.

Good luck, hope the info helps. If you need anything else just ask.


FL

[mudd]

best place to buy an " unlocked "  phone is  Ebay  make sure its at least a tri band  frequency  900, 1800, 1900  quad band is best, will work with any carrier, tigo, comcel, movistar

you can also wait until you are in colombia, and just buy one there, they are very cheap $ 50. i also like comcel the best, for ease of use and easy to find a re-charge card. but tigo does have a cheap rate to call the USA, cant beat it!!!!  what up findalatina? jajajajaja