Alternatives To Ym ... Help Please

[Moxie990]

Hey everyone ... Now that YM has issued me a refund and wont be sending me a SIM anytime soon, I need help finding a decent alternative.

I am going on a 3 and half month trip around the world, stopping in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Vietname, Myanmar (Burma), India, Egypt, Turkey, Croatia, and Spain.

I dont have a phone that will work in Japan, so forget that, and most sims ive seen dont work in Myanmar, so leave that out too.

I dont want the phone for daily conversations - its more or less going to be used minimally to check in with folks here back in the US. That is why YM worked so perfectly for me, they gave me a US number meaning it was free for people to call me (my fam has unlimited LD in the US) and i would only be charged the incomming call fee.

Now, i need an alternative. Is there any SIM that give a US based number, or how exactly do things like callback world and such work? I would prefer a US number if possible, and obviously lower the rates the better.

Also, the huge problem is I leave the 26th. YM doing this so close to me leaving really screwed my plans up, but i really need to figure out a solution.

Thanks for any help.

Steve

[DRNewcomb]

You might want to go back and use the search to read the past posts on subjects of "callbackworld" (CBW), Voicestick and United Mobile (UM). It's time to start doing your homework and sort out for youself which of the combinations of prepaid SIMs, callback and VOIP services will best meet your needs. This has all been explained many times before. It's time to use the resource to research the subject. Enjoy.

[snaimon]

Also looked at the pinned thread in EUROPE about Americans going to Europe.

Do you have a contract US GSM phone? Think that is about the only way for a US #, but it will be expensive.

Stan

[resrox]

I also had to come up with a "Plan B" after cancelling the Yackie order they charged me for, but did not ship.

I ordered a GeoSIM card which arrived from the UK to the US in several days. The communication and support via email has been outstanding (I haven't tried calling for support).

Your SIM mobile number is a +44 UK number, but the incoming calls in Europe are free. Calls are charged at 30 second minimum then at 6 second intervals and there is no set up or connection charge. I compared their call rates with many other SIM companies and they are very reasonable.

I suggest everyone consider GeoSIM when comparing the various available options. GlobalSIM

I've learned there is no perfect solution! Perhaps Czake will offer it with his next new venture :unsure:

[srickrode]

I would be careful with GeoSIM. I also considered them when I was thinking of canceling my YM order, but GeoSIM has a phone compatability list on their website, and they recommend that if you do not have one of the phones on the list, that you should not order the card as returns are not accepted. The compatability list is relatively short, thus harder to find a handset that may work unless you already have one of the phones on the list. Just a thought.

[dg7feq]

Originally Posted by srickrode

I would be careful with GeoSIM. I also considered them when I was thinking of canceling my YM order, but GeoSIM has a phone compatability list on their website, and they recommend that if you do not have one of the phones on the list, that you should not order the card as returns are not accepted. The compatability list is relatively short, thus harder to find a handset that may work unless you already have one of the phones on the list. Just a thought.

Yes, we tried the card with other phones too.
Technically it works in any GSM device.
But you cant dial automatically or from phone book with many devices. Only with the USSD dialstring.

Chris

[GadgetKen]

Because of the tight timeframe (1 week) before you leave, would suggest you perhaps try a US reseller of sim cards that can overnight the sim card (or cards) you need and set up a callback service for you so your family can reach you via a US number. Two that I have dealt with are Telestial Telestial link in California and Ekit in Boston (discounted if you go through the communications section in Lonely Planet's website Ekit link ). You may want to call or email either to discuss your telecom needs and see what their best solution would be. I'm sure other PPGSM members can think of other good US vendors that ship quick. Because of your itinerary, would suggest perhaps an international call back sim card or cards, and possibly also an Iridium satphone rental for the 2 tough coverage countries you mention. Would also strongly suggest trying everything out in the US before flying out to make sure everything is working properly and you know how to use it (even if using an international sim in the US means you have to pay for a few minutes at a premium rate). Have a great trip!