What mobile phone to take from USA to Ukraine

[Albert]

Confession - -  I do not have a mobile phone in USA.  I know very little about them.  Keep this in mind, please.

I have been to FSU many times.  First several times, I got by without mobile.  Last several times I have had the use of mobile in FSU.  These mobiles have been lent by companies I work with or by lady friends, and I have rented a couple of mobile phones while there.  Now I am thinking it will be less hassle if I just buy one for use only while I am there.

The last one I rented in Ukraine, they showed me how the new sim chip was placed under the battery and then they set up all the connections for me.  Here in USA I have looked at mobile phones of friends and there was no sim chip under the battery.  Don't know if they even have sim chips anywhere . . . I didn't take them completely apart.

I have read in some of the discussions on these sites about GMS vs other systems, about bi and tri band phones, and many other terms that I know nothing about.

So I would like to get some serious advice from those who actually know something about this.  I am leary of getting advice from the phone sellers at the mall shops here in USA because many of these young kid sellers probably don't really know if the particular phone would actually work in Ukraine.

What sort of features should I require of a phone purchased here in USA if it is to be taken and used in Ukraine?   What are the important words, features, etc., that are absolute requirements for the phone to have?

What I am thinking I will do is purchase the phone here, take it to Ukraine on my next trip in April, buy a sim chip there, and use the phone there.

So what are the suggestions, brand and model numbers, etc. and what problems am I overlooking, etc., etc.

[MNKenr]

... in response to What mobile phone to take from USA to Uk..., posted by Albert on Feb 15, 2005

Here is to answer some of your questions. I bring my cell phone all over the world. It is not fancy but it works so far in the US, Brazil, China, and Ukraine. I expect everywhere else as promised.

This is what to look for.

You need to get what is called a Tri(3)-Band GSM phone, that works on 900, 1800, and 1900 frequency. Do a search for Tri Band cell phones. Quad(4)-band will also work, but will be very expensive, and a target for thieves. You have to make sure the Tri band has 1800, and 1900. Some tri bands are 800, 900, and either 1800 or 1900. The problem is everywhere outside of the US use 1800, and 1900 GSM. My first Tri band did not work in Ukraine as expected, and I discovered it did not have the higher frequeceny. That was a Samsung mdel a few years back.

All the newer higher quality ones have the sim chips (the lowest cost models do not)

The phone needs to be 'Unlocked' Most phones sold retail in the US are 'Locked" to a specific service provider. Best place to get an unlocked phone is on Ebay. Note unlocked phones are not covered under any US warranty.

The phone I have used the past couple years, and would recommend is a simple no nonsense Nokia model 6610. I boughta used unlocked one on Ebay for $175 last year. I could pick one up in China for $75. I am sure the price now is around that.

Just checked Ebay, there are a number of new ones for sale at buy it now for $165, and used ones for $90-$110.

Stick with a Nokia 6610 and you will have a good workhorse phone when you are overseas. If you go with another model be certain it has GSM 1800 and 1900, (most tri bands do) and is 'unlocked' to work with all networks.

Hope this helps.

MNKenr

[philb2]

... in response to What mobile phone to take from USA to Uk..., posted by Albert on Feb 15, 2005

I am currently in Kiev.  I bought an unlocked triband gsm phone Motorola 7389 on ebay for $39.00 plus $15.00 shipping.  Bought an Ace and Base Sim card for 50 griv here.  Works great.