Please lemme know what would be more cost-effective. Thanks!
*Oh, I'm here in the US (as most of you already know).
2007-10-18 09:04:20 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Philippines
PT, it's in December but not me...it's my bossman.
2007-10-18 12:11:12 · update #1
Make sure your mobile phone is not locked to a US network, tied to a subscription or not (or "open-line" as they like calling it in the Philippines).
Make sure that the phone is not sim-locked either.
Whether you decide to bring your cel there in the states to the Philippines, do not use your US simcard in the Philippines. Unless of course you hate the idea of having money. Prepaid simcards in the Philippines are cheap and so is using it.
Do not buy the pre-paid sim-cards sold at the airport!!! They are way too overpriced. Better deals can be found outside the terminal.
Out of my own experience, I find the SMART network more reliable than GLOBE. Of course there are lotsa people out there who would say the exact opposite.
So when's the big day? Your departure date, that is.
2007-10-18 11:19:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
I normally take two Phones. One that has a Smart Sim card for text and it could be any cheap phone with roaming off. The second one is my T-Mobile Cell Phone which I can use to call and receive calls anywhere. This later option though is pretty expensive about $3.00 a minute but its used for emergency calls only when I need to be reached from the USA.
I remember the best and most clear service was offered inside Glorietta Mall. I really can't remember the name of the provider. The way it works is they have phone booths set up in the mall, you purchase the calling card and use it to call anywhere.I remember it was like 3 Pesos per minute to the USA and it was very clear. It was very convenient for me since I was staying near the mall and it was great.
2007-10-18 12:46:39 · answer #2 · answered by Mark 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you got your phone from a company such as Cingular and your phone can use a SIM card, then it's most likely that your phone is locked to the network where you got your mobile phone, but mobile phones in the Philippines are inexpensive (most of it) so I would suggest buying a new model for you to take home is also a good idea. Or you may give it to a relative before you leave the country either way you do it is okay.
*Did you know that cingular may unlock your mobile phone for you? Just explain your dilemma why you need you mobile phone unlocked. I had mine unlocked.
2007-10-18 12:55:04 · answer #3 · answered by sheephunter 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
how long will you stay in the phils.? if less than a month, just buy a SIMPACK there. ought to work well with your phone (it's a triband, right?).
or if you don't want to buy the SIMPACK, your phone will still work but it's in roaming mode so you'll probably pay like 40 cents a minute and 15 cents per send (for txt).
if you're staying for several months, be sure to tell your provider here in the states so they will only bill you for a small maintenance fee during the time of your absence.
enjoy your vacation.
2007-10-18 10:08:47 · answer #4 · answered by Girlie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your phone uses a sim then just buy a sim when you get to the Philippines. But make sure your phone is unlocked for international use. You'll need to call your cell provider to do this.
2007-10-18 11:08:16 · answer #5 · answered by Brian F 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yup, everything sheep above me said. That is the best thing to do. Sim card here are cheap (about $2). Phone are not as cheap although you can find used ones that I am sure are not that much (although I have no idea how much.....$20? $40? Just guessing)
2007-10-18 14:02:35 · answer #6 · answered by fakebobjones 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The most cost effective would probably be to get a cheap cell there and add pre pay minutes. Taking US cell phones abroad can be expensive.
2007-10-18 14:41:21 · answer #7 · answered by Adam 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
On my titas last visit from the states, she just bought a 2nd hand fone(still in really good condition & very cheap).
She says its so much better than bringin her fone w/ her. When she went back to the states, she just re-sold it. Saves you more money that way : )
2007-10-18 10:05:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's cheaper to get a prepaid phone when you get there than paying roaming charges.
2007-10-18 11:48:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's cheaper to get a cellphone in the philippines but don't underestimates filipinos with their cellphones,it's a status for them shallow but true.
2007-10-19 05:02:24 · answer #10 · answered by isla 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋