A travel Subscriber Identity Module, or travel SIM card, is a small chip that can be placed in a cell phone, allowing it to be used in various destinations around the world. Most cell phones need a SIM card in order to properly work. The card stores the mobile phone user’s personal information, such as the phone number, carrier information, phone book, and other such information. It is commonly placed in the back of the phone close to the battery and allows the phone carrier to charge the user’s account no matter what phone the chip is inserted in. This allows for greater convenience in switching phones or in taking a phone when traveling.
The beauty of a travel SIM card is that it allows a mobile phone user to use his or her phone overseas without paying roaming charges. All that is needed is the appropriate unlocked phone—that is, a phone that can use SIM cards from different phone carriers—and a travel SIM card. Then, when a person travels to a different country, he only needs to switch his regular SIM card with the travel SIM card. This allows him to use his phone without being charged by his domestic carrier—the carrier of the travel SIM card will be charged instead. Travel SIM cards often carry their own fees and terms, so it is important to check with the carrier to find out more about it.
Many travel SIM cards are prepaid, meaning that a person can buy credits for the minutes they think they will need to use. If these minutes are used up, the user can buy more credits to put on their SIM cards. Another important aspect for a person to think about when wanting to use a travel SIM card is the phone itself. The traveler should make sure that the phone he is using will work on the frequency that his destination country uses. Not doing so may cause the traveler to be stuck in a foreign country without a usable cell phone.
International travel SIM cards allow a user to use their cell phone in many destination countries. Unlocked phones compatible with the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network and that have a compatible signal (900 MHz or 1800 MHz) can be used in many countries all over the world as long as they have the appropriate SIM card. There are also services available for those who don’t have the appropriate phone to rent one while traveling. This allows them to use the SIM card without having to replace their phone.