About a month ago, I purchased the Blackberry 8830 World Edition. On a recent flight, I sat next to a guy who had the exact same phone. I asked him if he uses his phone internationally. He said yes and that he didn't have to buy a sim card. He only pays an additional $5 a month for the coverage. He said that the 8830 World Edition phone has a built in sim card and you do not need to buy one. He uses his all the time in Canada and China and has no problems with the phone or internet.
Every time I ask some one about sim cards, they tell me that I need to buy a one. Is this true or is my phone already equipt with the sim card? Also, do I just need to pay an extra $5 a month to have worldwide coverage?
Thanks.
The key to the answer is where he said he was roaming.. Canada and China. These areas actually provide CDMA service (which is built into your phone). So he's actually not utilizing a SIM card while roaming in these areas; so he's not as smart as he thinks he is about his device.
However, in regards to China..it's only mainland China with CDMA service; Hong Kong will actually require a SIM card.
OK. Thanks for the info. When it comes to sim cards, I know very little...
Does Europe provide CDMA service, therefore I would not have to buy a card if traveling to Europe?
Also, if I buy a card, do I need to pay the $4 a month for the international coverage?
Not to sure about pricing. But nearly all of Europe (UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy...etc) are GSM only. So yes, you would need to be a SIM card for these countries.
To learn more about pricing go to the international services area of this website. On the big red bar at the top of this website you'll find it under the Plans button. Or here: http://b2b.vzw.com/international/inside_us.html?lid=//global//plans//international+services
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