Develop Bugs

[Q] Data plans in the US

I will be touring the US this summer and i'd like to find out which US carrier offers a decent data plan so i could roam the country using google maps & navigation. i would need around 1 or 2 GB dataplan for a month time.
I don't want to buy another phone or make two-year contracts. Anyone knows which carrier i should turn to ? I will traveling in the north east (NY-Mass-Maine-Vermont)
many thanks

The US isn't like Europe when it comes to things like this. You generally can't just go buy a SIM card to use for a short period of time, at least not if you want a data connection. You can get a cheap prepaid phone from AT&T or T-Mobile, remove the SIM card and put it in your phone, but unless things have changed recently, you'll be paying quite a bit for data, depending on how much you use. AT&T and T-Mobile are going to be your only two options when it comes to prepaid GSM here.
AT&T is in the process of buying out T-Mobile right now as well, so probably by the time you are here, you might only have the AT&T option anyway.

AT&T has a prepaid SIM for $2/day (only on days you use it) unlimited talk and text with a data add-on option of 100mb/month for $20. I have one but switch off background data and use wifi whenever I can. I don't know if you can purchase additional 100mb data blocks within the same month. Check out https://www.paygonline.com/websc/index.jsp
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

AT&t ask for a sim. with a line under no contract, since you will not need equipment. Get a number unlimited minutes and unlimited web and text is 90$ a month and less if you need less.
Go to a corporate owned store and walk out with an activated sim for free. Call 611 and tweak your plan with a Rep.
Now the important part is never tell them you are using a smart phone. Tell them its made in Antarctica or something. If they need an imei make one up, as no company has a list other than their branded equipment.
Also if your staying a while message me and route customer relations for a 25$ credit a month for 3 mos. Its simple. Like butter.
Happy trails.
Need to know if a8181, a8182, or a8183. Or specific umts frq. You are using for 3g speeds. Ex. A8183 is 850mhz and 2100 MHz umts.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

thank you for the info, i'll try it out
cheers

Traveling Abroad

What is the best way to travel abroad with the GNEX? I'm currently on AT&T with an unlocked GNEX and plan on going to France in the next few months. Would it be better to setup international roaming with AT&T or find a prepaid sim from a French cell provider? In my situation, having a solid data connection>voice minutes.
Would the gnex automatically setup the correct APN's for a particular carrier or would they have to be manually entered? Also, since this is a "pentaband" device, wouldn't I be rocking a 3G connection?
A couple of years ago when I visited Israel, I setup international roaming with AT&T which worked flawlessly with my iPhone 3GS, albeit only Edge speeds. What sucked is coming home to an $800 cell bill..lol.

Local SIM > international roaming. The fees are outrageous on roaming. Its even better if all you care about is data. You can get good cheap options with data-only SIMs.

Go with local sim unless you absolutely have to keep your US number in use while you're there.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

romaing agreements arent usually too bad for calls and texts for 'normal usage' - they tend to be next to useless for any sort of data usage.
I am from the UK and get a pitiful 25mb a day when i travel to europe, so data services are usually switched off until i check my email etc or find decent wifi.
So if you are going to need a lot of data usage probably a prepaid local sim is the way to go.
I dont know about france (most of my travel is to italy) but always get your sims from the official stores - not the independent ones (i have waited 3 days for sims to be activated).
you should also be able to just stick the sim in and be good to go.

Thanks for the replies!

Yep your phone will set itself up for the new provider once you insert the new simcard. Failing that you could always ask someone in the shop for the manual settings just in case.
In any case you'd be getting a full 3g or h/h+ service on your GN just like I do in the UK.
Rik.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

I use TMoUS. I always just roam. Its a pain to send everyone I would need to a new number. I just eat the cost as part of my trip budget.
Sent from my GSM Galaxy Nexus on TMoUS using Tapatalk

I've been out of the country pretty much the entire time I got my Galaxy Nexus, I've been roaming on Swisscom and using WiFi. I'm going to Paris in a few days and I don't expect to have WiFi so I'm going to get a prepaid data SIM. That's what I did when I went to London earlier this year. I texted over Google voice used Whatsapp, twitter Facebook because I knew I wouldn't have WiFi most of the time. You can also tether to other devices such as a tablet or laptop.

If you do decide to pick up a local SIM card, you will need to bring (as a minimum) your passport to prove to the local government that you aren't hoarding SIM cards and selling them to third world country terrorist organizations. Some places won't even accept cash, and will require a credit card when a non-EU citizen is buying a SIM Card.
...and most of the place you go to buy a simple SIM card are NOT the places you are gonna want to leave your credit card number with. Shop wisely (i.e. T-Mo, Vodaphone, Citrus, etc chain stores...) and keep an eye on your credit card statements.
Check with AT&T as well about switching to an international plan for the length of your duration. They were willing to switch my wife's plan when we moved to Germany, but the rates weren't all that attractive. In the end, we simply just bought a new SIM card as you suggested, as the data limits imposed by AT&T USA in Europe were ridiculously (250M / month).
One more piece of advice, do not expect to "leech" onto open WiFi hotspots with the same frequency as the USA. There is a heightened sense of internet paranoia (in Germany at least) and VERY FEW people leave their WiFi networks open. If you DO happen to find an open WiFi is usually because there is a third party proxy involved in getting a valid IP address.
Good luck and have fun!

Best bet is to use an old dumb phone, setup roaming and put your AT&T sim in there. Then you'll at least receive urgent calls. Then pick up a local Pay as you go sim, and use it in your nexus for data. I personally keep an unlocked nokia 6100 handy, as its small and has great battery life on standby and talk time.
Don't worry too much about all this passport, terrorist business, its NOTHING at all like that. Just walk into any big carrier's store over there and they'll sell you a sim no problem at all. No passport, credit card, or ID needed. If you try and buy 10 or 50 or something they might impose a limit. Its got ZERO to do with terrorists or third world countries, and more to do with GSM gateways where people route minutes using VOIP and GSM boxes. If you only buy 1 or 2 sim cards they won't ask you anything.
There's a few countries in the east and africa where they insist on ID, and that's due to them being used on the black market for crime. I think its fairly obvious france isn't one of those countries lol.
I travel a lot for work, so I know first hand.
EDIT: Yeah you'll get full 3G, and since its a GSM nexus you'll get HSPA+ too. Roaming data is usually over £1 or $1 a mb, so don't even bother. A local sim will probably give you unlimited (possibly capped at 3gb) for a 10 or 20 EURO topup. (haven't checked rates recently).
If you do travel a lot and only need data, you can also pick up a world sim (there's loads of them so check thoroughly), and for a £50 credit per month (about $75) you get unlimited data in most countries.

Europe is great for prepaid sim cards with decent rates for calls and really good prices for data especially if its only for a short while on vacation. Just bring your phone into one of the many cell shops and they will be more than happy to program the new SIM and also add whatever money you want on the card. Too easy. I have separate SIM cards for Germany, Italy and The Netherlands.

While most European countries have a very simple process to get a data enabled SIM, it is almost impossible in France. I tried 5-6 shops during my vacation few months ago with no luck. Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Belgium, Germany were all a breeze (most airports and train stations sold data enabled SIMs for around 10 euros)

Get a local SIM card or use xcomglobal for a MiFi.
I am in Europe often and either way works great.
Skickat från min ASUS Eee Pad TF101

Overseas right now, picked up AT&T international traveller feature and only using WiFi for data with a local backup SIM handy for trips. Just not worth the inconvenience to use two phones personally.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

[Q] European Prepaid plans - Which is the Best?

I am planning a trip to England this summer and possibly France as well. One of the main reasons I purchased the GSM Galaxy Nexus was the pentaband radio and it's ability to work everywhere.
What I would like to know is what plans are you guys (and I think I have seen one lady here as well) who are in Europe are using. I will be looking for a plan that would be good for up to 2 weeks, I don't really care about having too many minutes or text messages but Data is a must. I estimate 2GB of data use when traveling, knowing I will be able to use a lot of hot spots too. Not living there I do not know what the regional carriers reputations are, who has the fastest network etc.
I have been doing a little research and it looks like most carriers offer good prepaid sim only plans, I could just use some local knowledge for this.
Thanks in advance...

bmolloy said:
I am planning a trip to England this summer and possibly France as well. One of the main reasons I purchased the GSM Galaxy Nexus was the pentaband radio and it's ability to work everywhere.
What I would like to know is what plans are you guys (and I think I have seen one lady here as well) who are in Europe are using. I will be looking for a plan that would be good for up to 2 weeks, I don't really care about having too many minutes or text messages but Data is a must. I estimate 2GB of data use when traveling, knowing I will be able to use a lot of hot spots too. Not living there I do not know what the regional carriers reputations are, who has the fastest network etc.
I have been doing a little research and it looks like most carriers offer good prepaid sim only plans, I could just use some local knowledge for this.
Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm from Texas and just moved to the UK... I'm sure you will find many great pay&go sim cards..... I prefer o2.... just go to the web site or shop and get a sim... you can bolt on as much data as you need and the calling/sms start around 15 pounds.....

I would recommend Three whilst in the UK if you need lots of data. Their coverage is excellent in most places for 3g/HSPA+ I get 5-7meg in most places I go. Other UK networks aren't that great for data speed.
Go to https://www.three.co.uk/Support/Free_SIM/Order for a free pay and go SIM.
A £15 add on gets you UNLIMITED DATA, 300mins to UK landlines and any UK mobile network, and 3000 texts for 30 days.
They have other add ons too(make sure to select pay as you go phone). http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Phones/Get_better_value_with_an_Add_on
It's free to receive incoming calls on any UK mobile network by the way. If you go to France you would be best off finding a SIM card for a french network too as it will cost you to receive calls to a UK SIM card whilst outside the UK.
Hope this helps.
Rik.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

My €0.02...
It also depends on where you're going... 'Europe' is a mish-mash of different countries with different carriers, plans and systems.
If you're travelling to multiple European countries on your visit, and especially if you don't want to change your phone number all of the time, it may just make sense to get a Vodafone pre paid SIM.
Whilst Vodafone aren't the least expensive, they are the most expansive across Europe. Dealing with one company can often just be simpler.
If you get a Vodafone pre paid SIM and load on the "Passport" service you can then buy a data bundle that will work pretty much across Europe at a lower rate (but still somewhat expensive - expect around €10 for 25MB). Casual roaming data rates can be as high as €10 per *single* MB.
I don't think you'll get this flexibility on another carrier but I could be wrong.
Finally... price also depends on where you get your SIM card from in the first instance. With this approach you only buy one SIM and the country where you buy it establishes the price you pay across Europe. If you purchase in Turkey or Greece (for example), you will pay less than if you purchase in the UK or Netherlands (per min and per MB typically).
Edit: Here's an old article... http://www.tracyandmatt.co.uk/blogs/index.php/cheaper-data-roaming-with-vodafone

Thanks for the replies. It is surprisingly overwhelming looking at how many prepaid options there actually are in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. In the States prepaid sims are almost non existant, and when you do find some service that offers it Data is super expensive.
Here is another question. I saw that the 3 Mobile prepaid sims do not allow for tethering. Has anyone with a GN been able to get this to work, or will I have to pay for hotel wifi the whole time? I haven't seen if O2 blocks this, I will have to look into that as well.

Most don't seem to allow tethering on pre pay but they don't disable the option on your phone either(they just stick it in their terms). I think you'll be OK. The worst they can probably do is take off pre paid credit if they found out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Hi bmolloy, how was your trip?
like u, im planing a trip cross european, basicly france, london, budapest and barcelona; so i have de same cuestion, what is de best option for me?
here in mexico i have an option to contract traveler plan but the cost is huge, is 20MB for 52USD, if i cant find an option y will buy this one.
i will loking into the vodafone options and i imagine i will have to buy that there in europe.
tnks for all guys

UK HOX being used in USA

Evening folks,
I've got an unlocked HOX on 3's network and will be travelling to the USA next month on holiday. Rather than pay the horrific roaming charges they want, I'd like to just insert a US prepay micro SIM and use it while I'm there. I'm not so much interested in the amount of talk time or texts I get, but I'd like to be able to use some data while I'm there (perhaps 100Mb?).
Have any of you had experience with taking your unlocked HOX to the US and using data on a prepaid SIM? If so, what would you recommend?
TIA,
10x...

10xOXR said:
Evening folks,
I've got an unlocked HOX on 3's network and will be travelling to the USA next month on holiday. Rather than pay the horrific roaming charges they want, I'd like to just insert a US prepay micro SIM and use it while I'm there. I'm not so much interested in the amount of talk time or texts I get, but I'd like to be able to use some data while I'm there (perhaps 100Mb?).
Have any of you had experience with taking your unlocked HOX to the US and using data on a prepaid SIM? If so, what would you recommend?
TIA,
10x...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In us you have 1 choice for a pre paid micro sim. 2 depending on where your gonna be. If you headed south you might me able to get cricket. they are a prepaid company that just started to sell the 4S. You also might be able to use H20 but I'm not sure if they support micro SD or not. But AT&T will not give you a pre paid micro SD card. I tried they will give you a prepaid standard size sim card you can use a sim cutter the put it in your HOX. assuming the one x will accept in. They us the same 1900mhz band so i don't see why not. Yor last hope will be t-mobile they will sell you a prepaid micro SD card and you can use them just about anywhere in use. Only down side is T-mobile use the 1700mhz band for 4G. So your gonna be stuck on slow 2G(Edge) data speeds because thats the network that use the 1900mhz band. they have only a hand full of cites that use the 1900mhz band for 4G so depending on where you are you might get lucky. Hope this helped you.

VIIRU§ said:
In us you have 1 choice for a pre paid micro sim. 2 depending on where your gonna be. If you headed south you might me able to get cricket. they are a prepaid company that just started to sell the 4S. You also might be able to use H20 but I'm not sure if they support micro SD or not. But AT&T will not give you a pre paid micro SD card. I tried thy will wive you a prepaid standard size sim card you can use a sim cutter the but is your HOX. assuming the one x will accept in. They us the same 1900mhz band so i don't see why not. Yor last hope will be t-mobile they will sell you a prepaid micro SD card and you can use them just about anywhere in use. Only down side is T-mobile use the 1700mhz band for 4G. So your gonna be stuck on slow 2G(Edge) data speeds because thats the network that use the 1900mhz band. they have only a hand full of cites that use the 1900mhz band for 4G so depending on where you are you might get lucky. Hope this helped you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should I just be able to pick up an AT&T SIM here in the UK, activate it just before I go, then add credit when I'm there? Would I have to buy some sort of expensive data plan?

10xOXR said:
Should I just be able to pick up an AT&T SIM here in the UK, activate it just before I go, then add credit when I'm there? Would I have to buy some sort of expensive data plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't recommend it cause the S/N # will still be from the UK
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Resolved! I spoke at length with an AT&T advisor and was told that all I had to do was go to any of their stores, ask for a $50 Unlimited Plan prepaid micro-SIM, and use that. Unlimited calls, texts, and data for the month that I'll be in the US. I made absolutely certain that she understood I'd be using my unlocked HOX bought in the UK and she stated that'd be fine. Most excellent!

10xOXR said:
Resolved! I spoke at length with an AT&T advisor and was told that all I had to do was go to any of their stores, ask for a $50 Unlimited Plan prepaid micro-SIM, and use that. Unlimited calls, texts, and data for the month that I'll be in the US. I made absolutely certain that she understood I'd be using my unlocked HOX bought in the UK and she stated that'd be fine. Most excellent!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice. Good luck with everything bro.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

10xOXR said:
Resolved! I spoke at length with an AT&T advisor and was told that all I had to do was go to any of their stores, ask for a $50 Unlimited Plan prepaid micro-SIM, and use that. Unlimited calls, texts, and data for the month that I'll be in the US. I made absolutely certain that she understood I'd be using my unlocked HOX bought in the UK and she stated that'd be fine. Most excellent!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With one possible exception. The $50 plan isn't for smartphones. People trying to use the i9300 in the U.S. on that plan have been consistanly flagged and told via text message that they need to buy a smartphone data add-on.
Here's the info from AT&T's website...
Data Packages
Access the Web, email, Facebook, social networks, and more! Data packages are available with the $50 Unlimited Monthly Plan and the $25 Monthly Plan. Smartphone users must purchase a data package with an eligible plan to use data/Web services.
$25 for 1 GB
$15 for 200 MB
$5 for 50 MB
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/plans/prepaidplans.html

BarryH_GEG said:
With one possible exception. The $50 plan isn't for smartphones. People trying to use the i9300 in the U.S. on that plan have been consistanly flagged and told via text message that they need to buy a smartphone data add-on.
Here's the info from AT&T's website...
Data Packages
Access the Web, email, Facebook, social networks, and more! Data packages are available with the $50 Unlimited Monthly Plan and the $25 Monthly Plan. Smartphone users must purchase a data package with an eligible plan to use data/Web services.
$25 for 1 GB
$15 for 200 MB
$5 for 50 MB
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/plans/prepaidplans.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See bro AT&T is sneaky go with the t-mobile. Att customer care will tell u one thing but not all store go by those rules trust me I know
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Android app for calls internationally?

I am going to Israel and need a app that can provide me with a International number (obviously using the web -- sorta like google voice but i need to accept phone calls also and the whole thing needs to be thru the web as any calls i make would be considered roaming ) obviously I'd like something that is cheap and would also allow for txt messages.
I dont know why it would matter but I have a verizon plan. I'll be using WIFI mostly but will be purchasing the 100 mb international plan
Thank You

Shalom man u should go into any cellstore there buy a unlimited orange gsm card for internet then get skype international and ur in business mamish like 25 the whole thing unlimit u can't go wrong..good luck dude lshana habo biyrshlyim.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

worldpants said:
Shalom man u should go into any cellstore there buy a unlimited orange gsm card for internet then get skype international and ur in business mamish like 25 the whole thing unlimit u can't go wrong..good luck dude lshana habo biyrshlyim.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He has a Verizon (CDMA) phone. He can't simply pop in a standard SIM.

galaxy nexus - in israel
patruns said:
He has a Verizon (CDMA) phone. He can't simply pop in a standard SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so what would you recommend to get the galaxy nexus to work in israel?
or should i just rent another cell phone?
and if so, go with one of the many places that rent phones (amigo?) or rent one at a store once there?
thanks

kingsfan33 said:
so what would you recommend to get the galaxy nexus to work in israel?
or should i just rent another cell phone?
and if so, go with one of the many places that rent phones (amigo?) or rent one at a store once there?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would just buy a cheap unlocked gsm phone here in the states and buy a sim card once I get to my destination. I would imagine international roaming is quite pricey, both for data and voice, and its cheaper and less complex to just switch to a gsm phone for the duration of the stay.

mendezj666 said:
I would just buy a cheap unlocked gsm phone here in the states and buy a sim card once I get to my destination. I would imagine international roaming is quite pricey, both for data and voice, and its cheaper and less complex to just switch to a gsm phone for the duration of the stay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any recommendation for a place to pickup a sim in israel?
thx

kingsfan33 said:
any recommendation for a place to pickup a sim in israel?
thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, the Minister of Communications really shook up the market here, and now there are like 5 new cell companies, and all are offering unlimited Calls, SMS and data (3GB) for 99 NIS a month (~$25) and the Sim cards usually cost a one-time fee of 40 NIS, no contracts, you can disconnect any time you want without fees by law here.
I just moved over to Golan Telecom, which are great, but you can only receive a sim card by ordering one off the Internet, and it takes about 4 days to arrive.
If you don't want to, or can't, go with Rami Levy (yup, the supermarket chain). I was very happy with them before I moved to golan telecom, and they now also offer an unlimited plan, with 1GB data plan, for 88 NIS a month, and the sim card costs the same, but you can pick it up in-store.
And as far as bringing the Gnex here, I'm pretty sure you can't use a CDMA phone here yet... I'll post the frequencies doc here when I find it and you can figure out if your phone will work here and on what provider.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

-Psycho- said:
Honestly, the Minister of Communications really shook up the market here, and now there are like 5 new cell companies, and all are offering unlimited Calls, SMS and data (3GB) for 99 NIS a month (~$25) and the Sim cards usually cost a one-time fee of 40 NIS, no contracts, you can disconnect any time you want without fees by law here.
I just moved over to Golan Telecom, which are great, but you can only receive a sim card by ordering one off the Internet, and it takes about 4 days to arrive.
If you don't want to, or can't, go with Rami Levy (yup, the supermarket chain). I was very happy with them before I moved to golan telecom, and they now also offer an unlimited plan, with 1GB data plan, for 88 NIS a month, and the sim card costs the same, but you can pick it up in-store.
And as far as bringing the Gnex here, I'm pretty sure you can't use a CDMA phone here yet... I'll post the frequencies doc here when I find it and you can figure out if your phone will work here and on what provider.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx a lot, lots of useful info...
If i google israel sim card there is so much out there
Can you recommend a site to get the sim youre referring to?
Thx again

kingsfan33 said:
Thx a lot, lots of useful info...
If i google israel sim card there is so much out there
Can you recommend a site to get the sim youre referring to?
Thx again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, here it is - Golan Telecom
Oh, btw, forgot to mention, Golan Telecom also offers free international calls to 30 something countries (landlines), and to the USA and Canada for free also to cell phones (and the International numbers that aren't for free are for a ridiculously low price, you can look around at the site.
In any case other companies offer very similar deals as well, with free international calls, I can just tell you from my experience that it's pretty hassle free and the costumer service is good (in comparison to other companies where I've waited for over an hour on the phone, they usually answer right away, 3 mins tops).
No matter what company you choose, if you encounter trouble with the internet connection, some companies (like mine) require you set up the APNs manually. Highly recommend APN Israel app, just one click and your set.
Finally, as promised, here's the frequency list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtSH6N4JBcwrdGdEaXRwaU0zczRnS1dOTW1EQTNsZGc
Good luck!
PS. I am not an employee of Golan Telecom or anything of the sort, just a really happy customer. I can just as well recommend Rami Levy, and Orange, all of which I was happy with, but for my own needs Golan Telecom was best for me

Psycho has a lot of useful information in his post and you have a few options. Anytime I travel internationally, I buy a sim card on ebay and get it sent to me from the US. Then, depending if they allow it, activate it here in the US or wait until I arrive in the country Im going to. I always buy prepaid and most sim cards already have credit on them. This way will be more expensive than if you were to just buy the sim card when you are in the country you are visiting but I have found it worth the extra cost. Once activated in the US, I will already have my international number for my family/friends to call me and just give them that number before I leave. Its all a matter of preference and convenience so just have to find out what works for you. GL and wish I could provide more info specific to Israel.

mendezj666 said:
Psycho has a lot of useful information in his post and you have a few options. Anytime I travel internationally, I buy a sim card on ebay and get it sent to me from the US. Then, depending if they allow it, activate it here in the US or wait until I arrive in the country Im going to. I always buy prepaid and most sim cards already have credit on them. This way will be more expensive than if you were to just buy the sim card when you are in the country you are visiting but I have found it worth the extra cost. Once activated in the US, I will already have my international number for my family/friends to call me and just give them that number before I leave. Its all a matter of preference and convenience so just have to find out what works for you. GL and wish I could provide more info specific to Israel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was told that unless you have an Israeli ID/passport that you cannot just go into any super market and buy a sim card.
Of course the person telling me this was a company similar to talknsave that wants $7 a day per phone + $1 for US #. (for 2 phones it really adds up).
I am leaving this Sunday 9/23, so any help asap would be appreciated.
Thanks!
p.s. I did get the Galaxy Nexus International gsm version that is unlocked for this trip.

kingsfan33 said:
I was told that unless you have an Israeli ID/passport that you cannot just go into any super market and buy a sim card.
Of course the person telling me this was a company similar to talknsave that wants $7 a day per phone + $1 for US #. (for 2 phones it really adds up).
I am leaving this Sunday 9/23, so any help asap would be appreciated.
Thanks!
p.s. I did get the Galaxy Nexus International gsm version that is unlocked for this trip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just talked to my companies customer service, and you're right. I wasn't aware of that. You do need an Israeli ID number and address.
After discussing it with the rep, if you have someone in Israel who you can purchase the card just under his name and address, then you're good to go.
You won't be able to (at least with Golan Telecom, I'm assuming it's the same with all the companies) freeze the account completely for future use, but rather lower the bill to the basic 10 NIS (~$2.5) a month plan. But unless you're really traveling every couple of months you're better off just canceling the account and buying a new sim card next time you come for 40 NIS...

Thanks a lot lot!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app