Germany-Exchange Student

[artspaff]

My son is anticipating an extended stay (1 year) in Germany while an exchange student. From what I've been able to read, an unlocked quad band phone with locally purchased SIM card seems to be the way to go. Any recommendations as to make/models or service providers in Berlin (i.e. best coverage) would be appreciated. Would it be preferable to purchase the phone "in country" or does that make a difference.

Thanks,
Art

[dmapr]

If your son will not be using GSM service (T-Mobile, Cingular) in the US, then he won't need a quad-band phone — a dual-band 900/1800 phone that can be purchased locally would be more than adequate and probably quite a bit cheaper. There would also be a bigger selection of the phones over there.

Europe has much better coverage in general, so I believe that almost any provider there will work just fine, especially in a large city like Berlin.

[artspaff]

Thanks Very Much.
Art

[xe306]

Your son ought to be able to get a simple dual band in Germany for 20 to 30 Euros. The SIM card will likely come with 10 to 30 Euros of calls on a pre-paid, which is what he should choose. In other words, he could actually receive more in free calls than the total cost. There are many companies,and he should shop around for the best deal.

[artspaff]

Thanks. That seems to be the way to go. any local services which provide better service than others (i.e. T-Mobile vs Vodaphone)

[dmapr]

Originally Posted by artspaff

Thanks. That seems to be the way to go. any local services which provide better service than others (i.e. T-Mobile vs Vodaphone)

When I looked at the coverage maps over at gsmworld both T-Mobile and Vodafone were showing the practically complete coverage, although both their maps were noted as out of date. You may also want to check out www.prepaidgsm.net if it comes back online or read the google cache of it.

[scotsboyuk]

In terms of GSM coverage there will likely be next to no difference between the German networks. UMTS coverage may vary though, but all the major towns and cities, as well as the major roads, should be covered by now.

A pay as you go handset would probably be the best choice. They can range from being dirt cheap for a basic handset to relatively expensive for a high-end effort.

[jones]

Originally Posted by artspaff

From what I've been able to read, an unlocked quad band phone with locally purchased SIM card seems to be the way to go.

Thanks,
Art

I concur, but
You can buy an Unlock quad band GSM phone in Europe.