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The Bottom Line
I love gadgets, but I never thought having a phone overseas was a necessity. However, the Mobal GSM World Phone changed my mind. I have used it on European cruise vacations and plan to carry it with me every time I go overseas. It was very useful for checking in with friends and family back home, but I also used the phone to call for reservations, check with the airline when we missed a flight connection, and as a security blanket when touring.
And family knew I was just a phone call away.
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Pros
Cons
Description
Guide Review - Mobal GSM World Phone - International Cell Phone
The Mobal GSM World Phone is perfect for those who travel overseas for a few weeks each year. After the initial investment of less than $100, there are no monthly or annual charges and no minimums. You just pay a flat rate per minute, depending on which country you are calling from. Rates to call the USA from most countries in Europe run about $1.25 to $1.50 per minute, so it is not cheap. However, the Mobal GSM World Phone is great for staying in touch with family back home, making short local calls when overseas, or just for security.
Unlike many other phones, the Mobal GSM World Phone works well in over 140 countries, and you never need to change the SIM card. I recently used the phone easily (almost too easily) when calling the USA from Italy, France, Spain, and Croatia. Hotels often charge high prices to use their phones, so I liked not have to to buy a calling card or even look for a pay phone. Having family members able to call you is also good for those of us with aged parents or children back home.
The phone now sits in a desk drawer, costing me nothing, and waiting for its next opportunity to travel overseas. I'll just charge it up before my next trip, and we'll be off!
Vendor's Site
The Bottom Line
I love gadgets, but I never thought having a phone overseas was a necessity. However, the Mobal GSM World Phone changed my mind. I have used it on European cruise vacations and plan to carry it with me every time I go overseas. It was very useful for checking in with friends and family back home, but I also used the phone to call for reservations, check with the airline when we missed a flight connection, and as a security blanket when touring.
And family knew I was just a phone call away.
Vendor's Site
Pros
- Mobal GSM World Phone has no monthly fee and works in 140 countries
- Initial investment is only $49 - $99; then you just pay for calls
- Phone works well when moving between countries
- Perfect for cruise travelers going overseas for just a few weeks each year
- More flexibility and fun than international calling cards
Cons
- Rate per minute might discourage long conversations
- Ease of use might encourage calling friends and family more often
- You are always accessible (unless your turn it off!)
- Phone does not work when cruise ship is at sea, only in port
Description
- Purchase one of two phones at either $49 or $99 and incur only per minute charges afterwards.
- Mobal GSM World Phone works well when moving between countries, which is perfect for cruisers.
- No monthly fee is excellent for cruise travelers going overseas for just a few weeks each year
- More flexibility than international calling cards or pay phones.
- Calling friends or family from a port of call is memorable and they can call you.
Guide Review - Mobal GSM World Phone - International Cell Phone
The Mobal GSM World Phone is perfect for those who travel overseas for a few weeks each year. After the initial investment of less than $100, there are no monthly or annual charges and no minimums. You just pay a flat rate per minute, depending on which country you are calling from. Rates to call the USA from most countries in Europe run about $1.25 to $1.50 per minute, so it is not cheap. However, the Mobal GSM World Phone is great for staying in touch with family back home, making short local calls when overseas, or just for security.
Unlike many other phones, the Mobal GSM World Phone works well in over 140 countries, and you never need to change the SIM card. I recently used the phone easily (almost too easily) when calling the USA from Italy, France, Spain, and Croatia. Hotels often charge high prices to use their phones, so I liked not have to to buy a calling card or even look for a pay phone. Having family members able to call you is also good for those of us with aged parents or children back home.
The phone now sits in a desk drawer, costing me nothing, and waiting for its next opportunity to travel overseas. I'll just charge it up before my next trip, and we'll be off!
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary Mobal GSM World Phone for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
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