Using a US GSM phone in the Philippines

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strider - 17 Nov 2003 13:04 GMT

I live in the US and will be visiting Philippines in early 2004. I
have an unlocked Nokia 3650 phone. I would like to use my phone while
in Phils but do not want to use my US service. How would I go about
activating prepaid service while in the Philippines?

My understanding is since my phone is unlocked that all I would need
to do is go to some phone store in the Philippines and purchase a
pre-paid card and a SIM card. Is this correct? How much would this
cost me?

Thanks for any help!

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Mike S. - 17 Nov 2003 15:52 GMT

>I live in the US and will be visiting Philippines in early 2004. I
>have an unlocked Nokia 3650 phone. I would like to use my phone while
>in Phils but do not want to use my US service. How would I go about
>activating prepaid service while in the Philippines?

You buy a starter pack which contains a SIM and a minimal amount of
starter airtime and meddaging credits. They are for sale in numerous
locations, starting right at the Manila airport outside the baggage check
area. When you insert the SIM and turn on the phone, it is activated.

>My understanding is since my phone is unlocked that all I would need
>to do is go to some phone store in the Philippines and purchase a
>pre-paid card and a SIM card. Is this correct? How much would this
>cost me?

The most popular packages come from Smart Telecom ("Smart Buddy") and
Globe. The Smart package is 500 pesos, IIRC, which includes 300 pesos of
air time.

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