phone service

Old May 16th, 2013, 04:14 PM
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phone service

Hi All,

Can anyone give me any ideas for cell phone service in Tanzania. I am going in July and would like some cell service in the event of an emergency.

Thank You
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Old May 17th, 2013, 03:30 PM
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A few years back, not wanting to deal with Verizon, I bought a very basic unlocked Nokia cell phone upon arrival at NBO in Kenya for about $25 and a $5 sim card (that same phone can be purchased at a similar price from Amazon). The cell was just for calling back to the US. At the time calls to the US from Kenya were about 3 cents a minute, so the card was good for about 3 hrs.

I used the same phone on subsequent trips to Tanzania, buying sim cards in Arusha before heading to the bush. The service in the Selous region was spotty but, surprisingly, the service in Ruaha, which is way the heck out there, was excellent. Turns ok Vodacom had a tower out in Ruaha. The price to the US were higher than Kenya, somewhere around 25 cents/min, if I remember. Based on my experience, I would suggest that when buying a sim card, tell the salesperson where you will be in Tanzania and ask which service provider's sim card would be best.
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Old May 22nd, 2013, 02:10 PM
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Great thank you
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Old May 22nd, 2013, 03:24 PM
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If all you need is emergency calling, You shouldn't be able to use your U.S cell phone in Tanzania as long as it is a quad-band GSM 2G/3G phone - off course you'll pay roaming charges and higher International call rates, and you may need enable International calls with your U.S carrier. Alternatively, you can carry an unlocked quad-band 2G/3G phone with you and purchase a local SIM card after you arrive. I recommend Vodacom in Tanzania, they have better coverage than most other carriers.
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Old May 23rd, 2013, 11:19 AM
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As above, forget your US phone. Purchase, either at home or on arrival TNZ, a cheap Nokia (or like) with a SIM card and you'll have more than sufficient time/service.
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