Did you know that most people outside of the United States use pay-as-you-go cell phone service by using prepaid SIM cards (in combination with unlocked GSM cell phones)?

There's a good reason for this! With prepaid international cell phone service, you make all of your cell phone calls on a pay-as-you-go basis with no contracts and with no big bills to surprise you when you come home. By using prepaid international wireless, you can benefit from the same cell phone rates that are enjoyed by the locals in the countries you are visiting while steering clear of the high international roaming charges that you have to pay if you use your U.S. cell phone carrier (or marked-up rates of $2/minute and up that cell phone rental places at airports and car rental shops charge).

We've been asked...

Q. Why do SIM cards cost more than the per minute cost?

A. SIM cards come with an initial user credit but not the amount the SIM card costs. In other words, a $49 SIM card might give you only $5 of credit -- not $49. That's because buying a SIM is the same as opening an account with the phone company. It's what gives you your phone number, starts up your service, establishes your rate plan, etc. Think of the additional cost as an activation fee. Once the SIM card is purchased, recharge vouchers WILL give you face value of airtime: a 25 Euro voucher applies 25 Euros credit. Recharge vouchers are easy to find at convenience stores, etc.

Q. Do SIM cards expire?

A. Yes. SIMs do expire after a period of inactivity. The exact amount of service life before a SIM expires varies from company to company. Many providers will keep expired accounts open up to one year from date of last recharge, however for some it is a little as 30 days.