flyer

Okay I've finally mastered the whole unlocked, tri-band phone/local SIM card issue when I travel to Europe. Only now I want more!! I want access to my e-mail service too. I'm thinking of getting an unlocked quad-band Blackberry, probably using T-Mobile as my provider. Eventhough I could do it all through them, it is definitely more cost-effective in some places to switch to a local SIM card. Is there such as thing as a SIM card that will allow me to access my e-mail too? I'm in the early stages of my Blackberry research so any help would be appreciated.

richardsonsnm

IMO a standard blackberry from tmobile is what you need with international service TURNED ON!!!! very important that you get that done before leaving. works great.

Marc_David_Miller

T-Mobile has an international email service for $20 over the cost of their regular data plans. As the other poster said, you need to turn this service on, as well as enable international roaming.

I have looked into getting local SIM cards for Blackberry access for clients traveling to Europe (mostly Russia, England and Switzerland), but it is usually rarely worth the expense to get a data plan. For business most of our clients carry two phones: a Blackberry (for their email access), and a local mobile phone for voice.

Robert2533

You're best off using the T-Mobile Blackberry as is (adding the unlimited email service for $19.95/month charge when traveling outside of the USA). If you need a local phone service, then pickup a used cell phone and buy a local sim card.

flyer

Got it. Sounds like I'm best off taking the T-Mobile with international service for e-mail turned on and a separate unlocked phone for local calling and less expensive international calls (such as Mobile World in the UK). Can I have the international e-mail service turned on and off as needed. I travel often but not constantly. Thanks, as always, for the great advice.

Dukey

Just be certain two phones rather than one are worth the expense and possible hassle.