In this section we list some commonly asked question and answers regarding GSM cell phones. If you do not see your question listed here, please contact us.

1.Why can I know if a cell phone on your website is GSM ?
2. I have a GSM cell phone, will it work overseas?
3. I have a GSM tri-band (900/1800/1900) phone will the prepaid SIM cards work in my phone?
4. How can I tell if my world cell phone is SIM locked?
5. If my GSM world cell phone is locked can I get it unlocked?
6. Are all of the GSM cell phones sold at PandaSIM SIM unlocked?
7. Will I be able to charge my GSM cell phone in the United States prior to departure?
8. If I order a GSM cell phone will it include the appropriate chargers and adapters for charging my phone overseas?
9. Can I put the SIM card into the phone prior to arriving at my next international destination?
11. I purchased a GSM cell phone that only included a charger that will not work in the United States. How can I charge my cell phone before I depart?
12. Where in the world won't my GSM 900/1800 GSM cell phone work?
13. I put my SIM card in the phone, charged it up, and turned it on and the LCD menu prompts are all in a foreign language. How can I get my phone to "speak English"?
14. Can I use a world phone that operates on the GSM 900/1800/1900 frequencies all over the world?
15. I am currently overseas and I charged the phone up, inserted the SIM cards but I still can't make any calls. What am I doing incorrectly?
16. How do I know if my handset is unlocked?
17. Am I billed for every call?
19. How do I place domestic and international calls?
20. How do I charge my equipment?
21. Can I use the GSM world phone on a cruise ship?
22. How do I dial from overseas to call the United States?

1.Why can I know if a cell phone on your website is GSM?  Top
Every respected company has several series of product suitable for different technologies. Take Nokia for example, its 33 series is GSM, Sprint and Verizon cell phone are CDMA. If you have an ATT cell phone then your cell phone is probably TDMA but may be GSM
The best way to tell if your phone is compatible is to know either the exact model number of your phone or to know your provider of US cell phone service.
Also, you can always feel free to email and ask us if you not sure or you can ask your dealer.

2. I have a GSM cell phone, will it work overseas?  Top
Maybe, over 90 percent of the GSM phones sold in the United States of are GSM 1900 only and so will not function overseas. This is like bringing an AM radio to a city where they only have FM. Like the radio example you will not get a signal with your phone outside of North America.
If your phone is GSM and capable of function on either the 900 and/or 1800 frequency, then your phone will work overseas.

3. I have a GSM tri-band (900/1800/1900) phone will the prepaid SIM cards work in my phone?  Top
They will if your GSM cell phone is SIM unlocked. Ask the dealer who sold you your phone if it is SIM locked or unlocked. If your GSM cell phone is unlocked then any SIM card in the world will work in your phone.
If your phone is SIM locked it will NOT work with any other SIM card prepaid or otherwise.

4. How can I tell if my world cell phone is SIM locked?  Top
PandaSIM has no way of knowing whether your GSM cell phone is locked. Only your dealer or carrier will know this information.

5. If my GSM world cell phone is locked can I get it unlocked?  Top
Sometimes, the inserted SIM card can not activate your service, you will need to get an unlock code from the wireless operator who sold you the GSM cell phone. GSM network operators lock GSM cell phones because they subsidize the phones and they expect to make the money back when you have to roam overseas. So when you think you got a cheap deal on a world phone with a 2-year contract…think again when you will be charged $1.99/minute for international roaming.

6. Are all of the GSM cell phones sold at PandaSIM SIM unlocked?  Top
Absolutely. All phones sold through this website are unlocked.

7. Will I be able to charge my GSM cell phone in the United States prior to departure?  Top
If you purchase a GSM cell phone capable of operating on the 1900 frequency then you will be absolutely able to charge your GSM cell phone, which will include a charger that is 110-230v compatible. . If you purchase an international cell phone for overseas use only then you will usually get a charger that is NOT 110v compatible and consequently you will need a reverse converter if you wish to charge your GSM cell phone prior to departure.

8. If I order a GSM cell phone will it include the appropriate chargers and adapters for charging my phone overseas?  Top
we will ensure that your package includes the appropriate chargers and adapters for charging your international or world all phone.

9. Can I put the SIM card into the phone prior to arriving at my next international destination?  Top
Yes, you can insert the SIM card into your GSM cell phone and charge the phone (with the proper charger or reverse converter) prior for departure.

11. I purchased a GSM cell phone that only included a charger that will not work in the United States. How can I charge my cell phone before I depart?  Top
You can purchase a reverse converter (usually about $15) or a car charger (also usually about $15). Car chargers can generally be used in automobiles overseas and in the North America..

12. Where in the world won't my GSM 900/1800 GSM cell phone work?  Top
An international cell phone operating on the 900 and 1800 frequencies will not function in North America (excluding Washington D.C.) and much of South America. Islands in the Caribbean may be GSM 1900, GSM 900 or not GSM at all.

13. I put my SIM card in the phone, charged it up, and turned it on and the LCD menu prompts are all in a foreign language. How can I get my phone to "speak English"?  Top
Most international cell phones "speak" 16 or more languages and the phones typically default to the native language of the SIM card that has been inserted. To change the language on your GSM cell phone to English or any other preference SIMply open up you phone manual and follow the menu tree, which is often provided in the beginning of the manual. Even if you don't speak the respective foreign language it is merely a matter of counting to get to the desired option on the phone. Of course, you can always contact us for assistance.

14. Can I use a world phone that operates on the GSM 900/1800/1900 frequencies all over the world?  Top
The short answer to this question is…almost. Much of South and Central America recently converted to GSM only this year and so your coverage would potentially be very limited at best. In fact we recommend a for anyone who is traveling to this part of the work and who absolutely needs to be in touch. Two big holes in Asia include Japan and S. Korea, however they have installed GSM overlays so that for those subscribers willing to pay to roam and pay $4/minute can have service. Much of the United States in fact is covered by analog cell phone service so when you here the phrase "world cell phone" even from us, it is a relative term.

15. I am currently overseas and I charged the phone up, inserted the SIM cards but I still can't make any calls. What am I doing incorrectly?  Top
On many GSM tri-band cell phones you need to change the Band that the phone is operating on. If the band of your GSM cell phone is set to the 1900 frequency then when you arrive in Europe you will want to modify this setting to reflect the 900, 1800 or a combination 900/1800 frequencies. Usually you know you are not on the correct frequency if you do not a get a signal on the LCD of your cell phone, although this could also mean you are SIMply not in a good coverage area.

16. How do I know if my handset is unlocked?  Top
Usually, the phone is delivered with all the accessories and batteries needed, and are ready to use as soon as you get them. Your mobile handset must be unlocked or activated when you make the first call.
To test if your handset is unlocked please remove your current SIM card from your handset and try inserting another SIM card . In case the SIM card works i.e. you can make a call, it means that your handset is unlocked. However if your handset will not allow you to use the SIM card and displays a message SIMilar to SIM card rejected or enter subsidy code, it means that it is locked.

17. Am I billed for every call?  Top
Yes, you will be billed for every attempted call. As with all cellular services, the possibility of dropped and disconnected calls exists. Unfortunately, PandaSIM can not be liable for these interruptions in service.
19. How do I place domestic and international calls?
For dialing instructions, please see the section, and select which handset you are using.

20. How do I charge my equipment?  Top
The rental comes with 2 batteries, rapid (wall) charger and in some cases, in-car charger. Place one end of the charger into the bottom of the phone and the other end into an electrical socket. Please take note that travel adapters are included in the rental pack for foreign outlets. It may be necessary to use a travel adapter with the rapid charger before inserting into an electrical socket.

21. Can I use the GSM world phone on a cruise ship?  Top
Yes, if you are within 5 miles from land with GSM coverage, you might be able to connect to a network.

22. How do I dial from overseas to call the United States?  Top
To place a Return-Call to the US from another country, dial the international access code or (+) key, followed by 1 and the 10 digit phone number. Please check your phone manual if you are not sure how to dial the (+) key from your phone, or read question #9.