countries. Discussions range from how to do it, how to contain costs, and people who apparently spend every waking moment on their phones and return home to $3,000 phone bills.
I have a personal cell phone though AT&T Wireless and my company provides me with a phone through Verizon Wireless. My first stop was Moscow. I was only there for about 90 minutes. Neither phone worked. I was able to get my iPod Touch working on the airport's free wifi by guessing at what the Russian language splash page wanted me to do.
My next stop was Singapore. Again, neither phone worked. Use of free wifi in Singapore requires registration. I didn't bother as they have plenty of free computers throughout the terminal.
My destination was Penang, Malaysia. Again, neither phone worked. I wasn't sure my Verizon phone would work, but sort of expected my AT&T phone to work. I'm supposed to have international on both phones.
I called AT&T and asked if they would unlock my phone and they did. I accomplished this by calling their international services number at +1 (800) 335-4685. It took only a few minutes and they were happy to do it. Next I went to a nearby mall and found a cell phone store. Per Malaysian law I had to provide my passport to buy a SIM card, but within 10 minutes I was talking and texting on a pre-paid SIM using my existing phone. Unlocked GSM phones are widely available here for reasonable prices (as low as $25 USD). I can refill my phone at the nearby 7-11 and the prices are reasonable.
I really think if you're going to be in country for a while, getting a local SIM is the way to go.
And speaking of which, it's been years since I've flown internationally. The new pre-landing ritual appears to be swapping out SIM cards.
John