phone service
#2
Join Date: Jan 2009
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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.
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.
#4
Join Date: May 2013
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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.