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Need most updated answer to question: S3 with International SIM cards
jmr114
Newbie
‎08-02-2013 06:40 PM

Because there are so many conflicting answers floating around on the web, I'm seeking a straight, qualified answer to using the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 phones internationally.

I have been with Verizon for 10+ years. I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 16GB phone, running updated version 4.1.2. I will be going to Mexico at the end of this month, and Europe sometime next year. If I take my phone to Mexico or Europe, can I put in another country's SIM and activate it on my S3 for data?

I am looking into the company KeepGo, they provide data SIM cards for various destinations including both Mexico and Europe.

Thank you

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Need most updated answer to question: S3 with International SIM cards
demmo86rt
Champion - Level 3
‎08-03-2013 07:08 PM

You should be able to get data though, depending on frequency compatibility, it probably won't be LTE, might only be 2G data.

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Re: Need most updated answer to question: S3 with International SIM cards
jmr114
Newbie
‎08-04-2013 01:19 PM

Great to hear, thank you. Do I need to go into Verizon or call Verizon to "turn on" Global Services? Or "unlock" my phone?

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Re: Need most updated answer to question: S3 with International SIM cards
demmo86rt
Champion - Level 3
‎08-04-2013 02:02 PM

With LTE phones, no, you do not.  Just make sure you go into the mobile networks setting and set it to "global" when it's needed (along with the appropriate SIM).

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Re: Need most updated answer to question: S3 with International SIM cards
jmr114
Newbie
‎08-06-2013 02:55 PM

Thanks for the reply. Have you had personal success being able to do this? I've spoken with Verizon representatives via online chat and the woman I spoke to gave such contradictory statements... saying the phone is unlocked... yet they cannot guarantee data connectivity... yet then she stated there will be no data connectivity... yet then again she said there will be data, but there will be issues...

Sorry to keep at the subject, but it's quite frustrating to not even be able to get a straight answer from their service representatives.

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Re: Need most updated answer to question: S3 with International SIM cards
demmo86rt
Champion - Level 3
‎08-06-2013 11:54 PM

Not personally, no, though I've spoken with others who have. 

I think part of the problem comes with the fact that the old 3G world phones came locked, but legally they cannot lock LTE phones, but they still don't want you just taking one of their phones to another carrier, so they have locked out some of the data connections.  However, I don't think there are any networks in existence anymore that are purely voice, so you will get some sort of data connection, it just may not be worth using. 

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Re: Need most updated answer to question: S3 with International SIM cards
jmr114
Newbie
‎08-07-2013 01:39 PM

Got it. Thanks man, definitely frustrating to speak to VZN customer service who give contradicting answers and don't sound like they really know what they're saying. Thanks again.

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Re: Need most updated answer to question: S3 with International SIM cards
Jax_Omen
Specialist - Level 3
‎08-07-2013 02:15 PM

As of the most recent update to the Jelly Bean version of the software, you can input APNs manually into the device, which you will have to do in order to use data with a non-VzW SIM.

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