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Cellular Phones/Cell phone in South America
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Question
Hi--I'm going to be in South America (primarily Argentina & Peru) for 3 months and I'd like to have a cell phone while there. I currently use an LG phone on the Verizon Wireless network. I don't think I can use this phone there--but I'm having a hard time deciding if I should buy a phone to use before I go or should just buy something when I get there. I need to be as cost efficient as possible and would love some advice. Thanks!!
You are correct that you will not be able to use your phone in South America. If you want to use your current Verizon phone number while you travel, you will need to purchase a phone from Verizon that works abroad. Verizon refers to these phones as "WorldPhones". You will also need to get an international roaming feature that will allow you to use your phone abroad and you will be charged per minute for your calls made and received. If you don't care about using your current number while you travel, then I would recommend that you get a phone once you arrive on your trip. Especially since you are going to be gone for three months, that would probably be your best bet cost-wise and convenience-wise. Calls home will still be expensive, but less expensive than the roaming alternative. If it were me, I would wait until I get there to get a phone. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN
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DebiN
Expertise
I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.
Experience
Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.
Organizations
I belong to several organizations
Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications
Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years
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