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Buying cell phones at Paris CDG airport

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Buying cell phones at Paris CDG airport

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Old Feb 16th, 2012, 03:01 PM
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Buying cell phones at Paris CDG airport

Does anyone have any experience in purchasing cell phones at Paris CDG airport and if this is even possible? If not, is it better to buy a cell phone and SIM card before leaving US? I want to have a working one prior to traveling to Normandy from Paris CDG. Any insight? Thanks!
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Old Feb 16th, 2012, 04:53 PM
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My recommendation would be to ask around at work, friends, family...as you'll probably find people who've "upgraded" and tossed their "old" GSM phone in a drawer. If not already unlocked, they usually can be.

One of the most economical SIMs - LeBara - is usually available at a Relay shop at CDG, but you may have to visit more than one, as they're often out of them.

If you want to be certain of having a working SIM on landing, take a look at Call in Europe, Roam Simple, etc.
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Old Feb 16th, 2012, 06:10 PM
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Good advice above. People have reported buying SIMs at CDG
but I've never heard of anyone picking up a phone there. You'd think there'd be a market for them.

Take a look for an unlocked quad band GSM phone before you go... in addition to the sources djkbooks mentions above, I have seen new ones for as little as $30 at online retailers like newegg.com and tigerdirect.com

If you pick up a phone from a third party you can get it unlocked for 20 or 30 dollars... I was in a large mall today and saw 2 of the little cell phone accessory kiosks with signs offering unlocking and jailbreaking service.
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Old Feb 16th, 2012, 07:42 PM
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Anyone with a discarded phone can easily obtain the unlock code from the provider so long as their account is in good standing.
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Old Feb 17th, 2012, 04:05 AM
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Thanks for all of your good suggestions! I appreciate your input!
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Old Feb 17th, 2012, 04:11 AM
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I think you will be disappointed if your plans include purchasing a mobile phone at CDG or any other airport in the world (though I suppose it might be possible somewhere). It is possible to purchase a SIM and I recommend you find a Lebara SIM as others are also available but not at the low rates Lebara offers.
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Old Feb 17th, 2012, 04:34 AM
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>>>Anyone with a discarded phone can easily obtain the unlock code from the provider so long as their account is in good standing.<<<

Not where I live.
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Old Feb 19th, 2012, 12:57 PM
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As mentioned, if you are in the US and a customer of AT&T or Tmobile, they will unlock any of their phones, upon request, as long as the customer is in good standing.
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