International SIM Cards – Are They Worth Buying?

Using your regular subscriber identity module (SIM) card overseas to stay in touch with people back home can be overly expensive.

Local mobile SIM card companies apply very high roaming charges on international networks. The solution is to buy an international SIM card to use when going abroad.

You can always buy a SIM card in the country you are visiting, but these have a number of disadvantages. Or you can have an international SIM  

Still, not all international SIM cards are equal. They vary in terms of service and features. To help you find the right one, here is a list of pointers for buying an international SIM card.  

Your phone: compatible, locked or unlocked?

First of all. your phone must be unlocked so that an international SIM will work in it.

Then, check the technology compatibility of your phone. A phone that uses CDMA technology can only work on local frequencies, not overseas.

On the other hand, GSM is a very portable technology. Problem is, some local cell phone companies choose to lock (restrict) their devices to be used only on the network of that specific carrier that sells it.

In any case, you’ll have to get the phone unlocked before you can use it with any SIM. Check with your original network, as they usually do this, albeit for a fee. Alternatively, you can have repair specialists unlock your phone for you. Otherwise you can simply buy an unlocked phone from third-party retailers and use on any network without restrictions.

Once you have an unlocked handset, you can choose from a myriad of international SIM cards available in the market.

Data bundles and packages: do they suit your needs?  

You won’t always be plugged on to Wi-Fi when you travel overseas so if you are an internet buff then you will need a cell data plan.

It’s really difficult to estimate the amount of data you’ll use. But you can save by subscribing to data weekly or monthly bundles.

Voice and text services: can you enjoy free incoming calls?   

Communication needs vary from user to user. If you are a business person then you might need to make a lot of calls. That’s why you should check if a global SIM card that offers the best voice and text services or perks to meet your specific expectations.

For one, the most preferred SIM cards offer free incoming calls from numerous countries. With free incoming calls, you can always text someone and have them call you instead.

The phone number you get: is it expensive to call?

Every SIM has at least one assigned phone number. This number has to be registered to a country, and this determines rates for incoming calls.

Chances are that someone or a group of people might be contacting you more than others. That’s why it’s important to consider how much these people need to pay when calling you.  

Hence, go for a phone with an international code that will make calling you affordable. A U.K. number, for instance, will begin with a +44, a U.S. number +1, while a German dialing code will be +49.

With an international SIM, the code on your global phone number remains, regardless of which country you are staying. People who call you will be charged as if they are calling that given country. Suppose you have a US number and you visit Germany,  your callers will pay for an international call to a US number.

List of countries

Some international SIM cards cover only a limited number of countries while there are those that have a worldwide coverage. The list of countries covered by the card will determine the number of locations where you can use the SIM card. To avoid having to incur additional costs of buying a new international SIM every now and again, consider buying a card that has the widest international coverage.

Look into the number of countries that are accessible through the global SIM card you’re buying before you check off. Most international SIM card companies will have these countries listed somewhere on their website. You can look through to establish if all the countries you intend to visit are covered on the list before you buy.

Recharge: how easy is it?

Go for a card that is easy and convenient to top up. A lot of international SIM cards have an auto-recharge feature which can prove to be extremely handy when you are in some remote part of a country you barely know. Others also provide you with alternative options that are equally convenient such as the ability to top up through the web or via a phone app.

While these features and services can prove to be a bit confusing with most international SIM cards, OneSimCard has streamlined their services, offering a number of key advantages:  

• Fantastic Data rates worldwide. 5 GB of data for only $29.95
• Service in 200+ countries
• Free incoming calls in 160+ countries
• Redundant network partners in most countries – we  choose the best signal strength for our customers
• Huge saving compared to the international roaming offered by your domestic carrier

OneSimCard lets you save 85% or more on your international roaming charges overseas.

Furthermore, we provide some of the lowest call costs on outgoing calls and data packages from as low as $0.02 per MB.

We’d love to hear how we can be of service to you.

Call now!