- 1). Check the cell frequency and network used in the overseas country. Many countries use GSM technology, while only AT&T and T-Mobile use a GSM network in the United States. Additionally, while U.S. carriers that use GSM technology use the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz frequencies, overseas countries using GSM may use the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies, particularly in Europe.
- 2). Verify your phone's capabilities. If you have a GSM quad-band world phone, you can probably use any overseas cell phone frequency. However, if you have a single-band or dual-band phone, your phone might be limited to U.S. frequencies. You can check your phone's capability by referring to the user manual or calling your carrier.
- 3). Turn on international service. Even if your phone is physically capable of making a call from overseas, you may have to sign up for international calling service with your U.S. carrier.
- 4). Check your calling rates. Even with an international service, you may have to pay a high per-minute rate for international calls from overseas.
- 5). Dial the country's exit code, the number "1," then your American area code and number. The exit code for most countries is "00" (see References) and "1" is the United State's country code. In order to place a call from overseas, even on a U.S.-based mobile phone, you must exit the country's network first, then direct your phone to America using the U.S. country code of "1". Enter the rest of your number and hit the call button on your phone as you would at home. Your call should go through.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -