Using My Cell Phone In Canada

[Reub]

I am planning a trip to Canada next month and would appreciate any ideas on using my AT&T Samsung cell phone there economically. I understand that roaming charges can get as high as 99 cents/minute if you are not careful and data charges can be prohibitive. Thanks!

[Pointedstick]

Since you have an AT&T phone, you can remove the American SIM card from it and replace it with an inexpensive prepaid Canadian SIM card you can buy once you arrive. One caveat: this only works if your phone is "unlocked", which allows it to work on networks other than AT&T's. If it's not unlocked, AT&T may unlock it for you if you're not under contract.

If AT&T won't unlock it, and you want to use your existing phone in Canada, you'll have to have AT&T add an international plan for the month you'll be there.

A final option is to buy an inexpensive prepaid phone in Canada and use that for the duration of your trip.

[Reub]

AT&T provided me with the unlock code on my old phone so I guess I'm good to go. Thanks!

[Pointedstick]

Wow, that was easy. Good for them!

[Reub]

Yes, I was surprised that they gave me the code. They did put me on hold about 10 times and asked me the reason that I needed the code before providing it. I'm certain that if I wasn't a customer they never would have given it to me and I wouldn't blame them.