1. SIM Card Facts

2. SIM Card Form & Definition SIM is short for Subscriber Identity Module. SIM cards are small removable smart cards that are used in many cell phones to store data like a customer's mobile phone number, the mobile phone company they use, and address book information.

3. 3G vs 4G SIM Cards 3G SIM The SIM card is specifically used to enable the “world/global” feature Not required for functionality within the NADP In order to get the full benefits of Global Phone service, you must subscribe to a Global Phone calling plan only offered to VZ retail. Telispire currently does not have a Global Roaming package from the carrier 4G SIM The SIM card contains your subscriber profile, which includes details about your subscribed services and features. The SIM card is your access to the Verizon Wireless 4G network.

4. The Cost of Wireless Abroad Not all mobile phones—even ones described by U.S. carriers as "world" or "global”, are "unlocked" or otherwise able to accept SIM cards from other service providers. From the first step off the plane in Dubai to the airport exit, the phone had racked up $31k worth of usage…Lesson learned: Some US roaming plans aren’t truly global. VZ Retail Global Data Cost can be $20.48/MB A London SIM card with unlimited data, 3k text messages and 120 minutes of voice can be purchased for $36

5. Cost Facts (excluding Mexico & Canada) -$20.48/MB -$2.49/minute -$.50/sent text message -Free local incoming calls -$.30/minute incoming calls to US # -$1.00/MB 3G Data -$.69/minute outgoing calls, local or US SIM is programmed with two phone numbers (a US based # and a UK based #) Prepaid SIM (UK example): US Phone Global Roaming Plan (VZ Retail) Prepaid Phone Purchase (UK example) -Prices from $69-$300 -SIM card included ($0 balance) SIM is programmed with two phone numbers (a US based # and a UK based #) Prepaid Phone Rental (UK example) -$5.95 per day for feature phone -$8.00 per day for 3G Android -Free local incoming calls -$.25/minute incoming calls to US# -Car Charger -International plug adapters -Prepaid SIM -$29 call credit SIM is programmed with two phone numbers (a US based # and a UK based #)

6. Common Questions Are there any other options that may be cheaper than using my U.S. carrier's service? Yes, you can use an unlocked GSM handset when you're traveling abroad. Simply put in a SIM card from a local carrier to make inexpensive local phone calls while you're in-country as well as cheap texting to other cell phones also in the same country in which you're traveling. Where do you recommend looking at prepaid SIM cards and phone rentals? National Geographic Talk Abroad Travel Services http://www.cellularabroad.com/ http://www.cellularabroad.com/ What are the drawbacks to using a local SIM card? Well, the most obvious drawback is that you have to find a store that sells local SIM cards once you get to your destination. Local mobile carrier retail locations will sell SIM cards. But some local grocery stores or convenience stores may only sell cards to "top up" the minutes on your phone. The second drawback is that you will be assigned a new local phone number. So this means that friends and family calling you from the U.S. will have to make an international call to reach you. This also means that international calling rates apply to you as well if you call from the country where you're traveling to the U.S. Also some features may not be available on your phone, such as voice mail, call-waiting, e-mail and Web surfing. And you will not be able to receive calls, voice mails, text messages, or e-mails sent to your U.S. phone number while using another carrier's SIM card. That said, using a local SIM can save you money, especially if you are using it to make local calls. Texting is usually the cheapest method of communication. And SIM cards can be saved and used again if you travel to the same country again.

7. Tips for not incurring charges Turn data roaming “off” Utilize Wifi instead of 3G Turn fetch new data “off” Reset the usage tracker to zero: when you arrive overseas access the usage tracker in the general settings menu and select reset statistics. This will enable you to track your estimated data usage.