Cell phones in Russia

[TwoBitBandit]

Does anyone know if GSM phones from the US will work if you can just get a sim card to give you access on the Russian GSM network?

I read on the internet that most of Russia is on 900 MHz GSM.  I was thinking that if I got a cell phone that supports 900 MHz GSM for my own use here in the states, I could also use it in Russia just by buying a local sim card.

Does anyone have any experience or information about this?

Is anyone aware of any problems getting cell phones through customs?  Last time I went through customs in Russia they had a list of prohibited consumer electronics, but I can't remember if foreign cell phones were on it?

[mudd]

... in response to Cell phones in Russia, posted by TwoBitBandit on Jan 22, 2004

my t-mobile phone works there, and just about everywhere else, but you have to make sure your phone is either  a two band or a three band phone.

[Cold Warrior]

... in response to Cell phones in Russia, posted by TwoBitBandit on Jan 22, 2004

there are some dual sims adapters out that allow you to use 2 sims cards. I have one on my Ericsson T68i. it is cheaper to buy a sim card in the country you're at, than to use roaming.

[AndrewinOH]

... in response to Cell phones in Russia, posted by TwoBitBandit on Jan 22, 2004

One other thing.....you do not need to purchase a local sim card, unless you are tryig to save a little money. Your GSM phone will automatically pick up on the local GSM network. But bear in mind that when you do this a call is going to cost you a surcharge plus the local network costs. When I use my phone in Austria for instance, it cost re around 99c/min compared with here at around 6c/min.

[Del]

... in response to Cell phones in Russia, posted by TwoBitBandit on Jan 22, 2004

It must be "unlocked" to enable a SIM card other than your provider's to work.
If it's "unlocked", then yes, you can purchase a 'local' SIM card and number and then you can buy the 'prepay' cards at many kiosks.

[Jack]

... in response to Re: Cell phones in Russia, posted by Del on Jan 22, 2004

Del, did you get my e-mail?

[Del]

... in response to Re: Re: Cell phones in Russia, posted by Jack on Jan 22, 2004

nope  plse resend

[AndrewinOH]

... in response to Cell phones in Russia, posted by TwoBitBandit on Jan 22, 2004

I have an AT&T GSM phone which I use all ver the world. I know for a fact it will work in Eastern Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Not sure about Russia, but my colleagues travel all over Russia on business and their GSM phones work fine. So I am sure your GSM phone will work. Customs should not be a problem. You have to remember that this is not new technology for Europe. They have had GSM ohones for close on five years now.