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In Germany, a cell phone is referred to
as a "handy." One important thing to keep in mind about cellular
calls in Germany is that unlike in the US, incoming calls on a cell
phone are free. You are only charged for outgoing calls that you
make. Overall, cell phone rates are charged at a higher rate
than regular phone calls. Additionally, calling from a cell
phone to a land phone or from a land phone to a cell phone is more
expensive than calling from a cell to a cell or a land phone to
another landline.
AMERICAN CELL PHONES IN GERMANY
Most American cell phones cannot be used here
in Germany if they operate at the 900 MHz frequency, as this will
interfere with the German emergency system. Tri-band phones are
useable here by having a new chip put in them. When purchasing
phones in the US, make sure that they are "unlocked," for use with SIM
chips from any cell phone company. You may purchase phones which
come unlocked, or you may pay to unlock a phone which has been
previously locked for use with only one service provider.
UNLOCKING CELL PHONES
When originally manufactured, all GSM cellular phones are
unlocked. Phones are locked by cell phone service providers to
prevent users from being able to arbitrarily change their service to
another provider.
There are different ways to unlock a cell phone. Some phones
unlock simply by entering in a password code into the phone.
Other phones need to be connected with wires up to a data terminal
which then sends a message to unlock the phone.
CELL PHONE PROVIDERS
There are a handful of cellular service providers that you can choose
from. Service with these companies is usually available through
a contract or through pre-paid calling cards. Service can be
obtained either through your local Powerzone, through shops
specializing in mobile phone service, or through many large
electronics outlets on the German economy.
However these
off-post sources typically require a minimum contract length of two
years and direct withdrawal from a local bank account as the only
payment option.
DAMAGED
SHIPMENT?
SEE OUR GUIDE TO
CLAIMS FOR LOSS/DAMAGE TO HOUSEHOLD GOODS/BAGGAGE
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