Traveling Smart Phones

The iPhone 6 and 6S are among a growing number of smartphones ideal for global travelers since they can be used almost anywhere in the world. The iPhone 6 supports the necessary radio frequencies that local carriers offer their 4G LTE wireless service. The days of complicated “world” phones are over. Almost all carriers now support the global frequencies one way or the other.

Verizon phones are natively unlocked so you can slip a new SIM card in right away. Other carriers require customers to get a special code to unlock their devices so they can use a local service (SIM cards) while traveling instead of roaming from their carrier service, which can get pricey over several weeks or months. This is a change from a few years ago, where Sprint and Verizon’s technologies were NOT compatible with over-seas vendors, thus making it impossible for you to use your phone overseas. Now it’s a simple matter of picking up a new SIM card from a local vendor, and popping it in an unlocked phone so you don’t have to pay the expensive roaming charges (which you can pay if you so choose too). 4G LTE servers is the preferred radio frequency of the world, and Verizon and Sprint are now on board with it.

Not all 4G LTE countries use the same frequencies, however Apple has insured it will be the most compatible by including the most frequencies of any other 4G LTE capable phone. Basic services will almost always work. Even if you aren’t getting top 4G LTE speeds when accessing the Internet, you’ll still likely experience 3G service. If you want to use a local provider, and skip the roaming fees, just make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave so that you can pop in a new SIM card when you land at your destination. Happy Traveling.

Beringer Associates is always here to provide expert knowledge in topics like these. Contact us with any questions you may have.

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