Hi Everyone -

We will be leaving for southern France in a month and will definitely be in need of cell phones for checking in on things at home as well as for any emergency needs and after reading the various posts about Mobal, I am inclined to order this phone. However, I am wondering what everyone's RECENT experience has been re: the whole "locked/unlocked" situation with these phones; in other words, are people still finding them unlocked, despite what they say on their website? It would sure make things easier if they are...

Your prompt responses would be helpful and appreciated, as I need to get going on ordering one (we leave 9/22).

Thanks so much in advance!

A few people posted in the past that their phone arrived unlocked, but most people had to enter the codes to unlock the phone themselves. I must be a total idiot, as I cannot get mine unlocked. It doesn't matter for me, as the phone will only be used for 'emergency' type calls. My own phone w/T-Mobile has gone with me the past 3 trips, and we didn't call more than $15-20 on any one trip, so we'll just stick with the Mobal rates if indeed we use that phone (I have mine and hubby will carry the Mobal). Changing out the SIM would cost more than just using the phone for such a limited amount.

At any rate, if you want a Mobal and it comes 'locked', you can get the codes from various online resources and unlock it yourself...as you know, the prior threads about it give a lot of details on doing this.

Thanks Travelnut - am topping for more responses...

I bought the Mobal for my next trip leaving 9/16....I don't care anything about unlocking it..I bought it for the convenience..price is certainly right!! Previously have rented phones. Don't know how this helps you...probably doesn't...........

I agree the price of the phone is fine, it's those damned per minute charges using their service that I'm hoping to avoid with as little hassle as possible. Anyone else???

Hi margot,

If you enter <unlock nokia> at www.google.com it will cost you less than $5 to unlock your phone.

How about free?

<b>http://www.unlockme.co.uk/unlockme.html</b>

We purchased the phone and received it 2 weeks ago. We inserted our sim card from our Cigular and it had all of our phone numbers come up on the phone so I am assuming this means it is &quot;unlocked&quot;. If so that they are still being sent out this way. Hope this helps!!

Good luck!! - Michelle

Thanks so much, everyone - you've all been quite helpful, and therefore I am inclined to go with the Mobal phone. I really appreciate your thoughtful responses!=D&gt;