Pre-paid SIM cards

Pre-paid SIM cards are available when you arrive in a new country. They are a unique telephone number SIM card with pre-paid money deposited on them. They can be topped up buy purchasing credits either online or in outlets like convenience stores. You will be able to get one of these at the airport. In most countries, there will be several booths (different phone companies) at the airport terminal which sell pre-paid SIM cards.

A Pre-paid SIM card is usually the cheapest way to handle the cost of phone calls and is ideal if you are staying for more than a couple of weeks. The down side is you will need to tell everyone at home your phone number while you are in that country. Whoever calls you will pay international charges when calling you. Alternatively (whilst a bit cumbersome) receive calls on your home number and dial calls using the pre-paid SIM card number that you purchase at the airport. Either you will need to have a second phone to put the pre paid SIM card in or you can swap your SIM cards throughout the day.

You will be able to buy top up cards downtown so you can top up your phone with more money. Some telephone companies have a digital approach to this. You just key your telephone number into a digital reader (like a credit card reader) and pay the shop assistant. You can usually do this online also. Be sure that you ask when you buy your SIM card at the airport where you can top up down town or online. Preferably make sure you can buy top ups at many convenient locations to buy them downtown. If they have an online option, that may be convenient for you. The telecommunications carriers will also have shops in the city but usually only in major shopping malls or hubs.