Cheap cell phone to use with foreign SIMs

[Spur]

While traveling in Asia, I was tempted many times to get a cheap cell phone and buy local SIM cards. Lots of other travelers were doing it and for the most part it worked well.

I'm planning a trip to Africa and would like to get a cheap phone to use with local SIMs. I would only be using it to make calls and text. Any recommendations? Should I just go on ebay and buy something? What should I look for in order to make sure it is usable in as much of Africa as possible?

 

[Lynn]

While traveling in Asia, I was tempted many times to get a cheap cell phone and buy local SIM cards. Lots of other travelers were doing it and for the most part it worked well.

I'm planning a trip to Africa and would like to get a cheap phone to use with local SIMs. I would only be using it to make calls and text. Any recommendations? Should I just go on ebay and buy something? What should I look for in order to make sure it is usable in as much of Africa as possible?

I haven't done any research on Africa, but I did get a couple cheap and rugged cell phones that I've had unlocked for use with foreign SIM cards.

Here's my old thread on the subject.

I'm still really happy with my Motorola C139s, but they are getting harder to find.

 

[Spur]

I haven't done any research on Africa, but I did get a couple cheap and rugged cell phones that I've had unlocked for use with foreign SIM cards.

Here's my old thread on the subject.

I'm still really happy with my Motorola C139s, but they are getting harder to find.

Thanks, but the C139 isn't quad-band which is a requirement for me. I've been reading about some people who are using their phones as modems on the CDMA networks in Africa. That sounds really cool and would be great with my netbook. I'm going to keep researching and try to find some more info.

 

[Dennis David]

When I was in Asia I bought the phone locally because unlocked phones are a dime a dozen there. I would suspect the same thing in Africa.

 

[jham]

buy the phone when you get to Africa. This way it will come with a charger that is already adapted to the local power supply.

You'll also get it cheaper there than anywhere else. I go multiple times a year. I bought a Nokia from an MTN store in Uganda brand new for $25. SIM card was $5, and I put $15 of airtime on there. I was set for 3 months.

 

[jham]

where are you going in Africa? If you need plane tickets, let me know. I can hook you up.