Best International provider ???

Verizon is a CDMA carrier and the only way you are going to use their service overseas is with their international program where they give you SIM CArd to use overseas; not sure how expensive their roaming pricing is overseas but I'm not sure if this would make sense chosing a U.S. CDMA provider if you are going to be overseas wanting to use GSM.
Cingular and t-mobile should both be fine. T-Mobile has more of a global presence and excellent roaming agreements. Personally I would probably go with T-Mobile, partially because I grew up in Europe and T-Mobile has many sister networks in Europe so maybe at one point roaming on their international sister networks will be very, very cheap.

 

If you're looking a provider that will cover you abroad with free incoming calls in Western Europe for example, then have a look at PrepaidGSM.net's int'l cards section and forum to see what solutions other travelers use (i.e. callback services such as Enlinea):

http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/international.html (United Mobile etc)
http://www.prepaidgsm.net/forum

 

I think either Cingular or T-Mobile would be fine as far as roaming goes. They are GSM networks and they probably both have roaming agreements in any country you are likely to want to travel to.

Having said that, unless your mobile bill is paid for through a business you would almost certainly be better using a local SIM card if you are going to be in a particular country for any longer than a week.

 

If you haven't already, go to www.gsmworld.com and specifically, http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_us.shtml and lookup Cingular or Tmobile to see what roaming partners they use around the world.

For Cingular, you can also go to http://www.cingular.com/customer_service/roaming_gen to see what countries have Cingular roaming partners...click on a country to see the specific local partner and rates.

I found when roaming, and a country has 3 cingular roaming partners, the strongest signal is chosen.

Cingular has been very smooth in my travels to UK, France, Japan, Germany,Mexico ,Bahamas, etc. Tmobile has a good reputation too.

viewfly

 

I've traveled alll over western europe without any trouble roaming with my cingular phone. If you get cingular get the cingular world connect or world traveler plan.....it gives reduced callling/roaming rates.

 

Hi,

I would just like to share one of the great deals I was able to get while in China. Have you heard of the service called Net Callback (www.netcallback.com)? Its a company that allows you to make cheap international calls (only 6 cents USD from China to the US). The good thing about their service is that its prepaid and you can use your mobile to make your calls. Check their site out it might just be what you are looking for. Cheers!!!

 

mmmmm,

In Argentina

In GSM.....Telecom Personal or all companys of TIM Group

In CDMA....Movilnet Venezuela

In the EEUU Verizon, Sprint

Movistar Spain - Vodafone (all countrys)

 

I was in Ireland and the U. K. in April and the T-Mobile service was great. The cost was .99 per minute.

 

Telestial.com offers 4 roaming SIM cards. Can't give any feedback on rep or cost because I just recently found it online.

 

Telestial is only viable for those who really need the SIM before they leave the US. Bear in mind that it's always cheaper to buy a SIM at your local destination since you spare yourself the shipping & handling costs.

 

...and the markup from the third party, like Telestial, who sell them.

You can buy a SIM at local prices in the airport in any country in Europe.

To the OP: definitely Cingular or T-Mobile -- if you want your same # to work in every country, don't go with Verizon since you'll have to get a separate phone to carry in GSM-only countries.

 

There are at least a couple hybrid CDMA/GSM handsets available. You do need to get a SIM with your number programmed into it from your carrier. Some carriers charge a monthly "feature" fee for this service.