| International prepaid cell phones today are | | | | The SIM "chip" fits into a slot or tray where metal |
| classified as a GSM or Global Service for Mobil cell | | | | sensors make contact with the gold contact |
| phone that operates on the GSM 900 and GSM | | | | surface on the SIM card. Please note that certain |
| 1800 frequency. The phones themselves are not | | | | SIM cards only work with GSM international |
| prepaid but a card called SIM, which is the | | | | prepaid cell phones that are compatible for use |
| “brain” of the international prepaid | | | | overseas, don't forget to make sure you getting |
| cell phone, and where minuets can be stored. | | | | the right card to use with the international prepaid |
| Sims have a small computer chip inside that | | | | cell phone system, like the dual-band GSM phones |
| stores the cell phone number, settings, messages | | | | for use in over 190 countries, and the tri-band |
| and other data necessary for the phone to | | | | versions with service in the United States and |
| function. With the right sim card an international | | | | Canada. Equally important, Europe, Africa and Asia |
| prepaid cell phone can provide service coverage in | | | | not only had the foresight to adopt the same |
| Europe, Asia, Africa and the Pacific Rim, including | | | | international prepaid cell phone standard, but they |
| Australia . To use, insert the sim card into the | | | | also decided that their international cell phone |
| phone and your ready to go. When all of the | | | | networks would operate on the same frequencies |
| credit is used up, all you need to do is call the | | | | (the 900mhz, initially and later the 1800mhz band). |
| service provider and receive more credit. Just as | | | | This explains why the same cell phone that works |
| some countries drive on the other side of the | | | | in London will work equally well in Johannesburg , |
| road. Some countries use different TV systems | | | | Beijing and Sydney . |
| (remember this when buying videos and DVDs | | | | The bottom line: Most countries around the globe |
| internationally). And, unfortunately, most countries | | | | - more than 205 at last count - have adopted the |
| use different types of international prepaid cell | | | | GSM wireless technology and if you want to go |
| phone service, too. However, more countries are | | | | travel outside of North America and want the |
| slowly switching to the GSM system. Make sure | | | | convenience of carrying a cellular phone, then |
| you check this when your thinking of getting a | | | | you're going to need a GSM international prepaid |
| international prepaid cell phone. | | | | cell phone. |