Communication in South Africa.

[turtlemichael]

I'll freely admit that my knowledge of phones is pathetic. When we travel overseas we usually turn off the mobile as the plane door closes and turn it on again when we get back to Australia. If it's urgent they can contact us via email or track us down! I know this is anathema to the gurus here

However, we have a trip to South Africa coming up and it will involve some travel in rental cars. Nothing too remote but I am reflecting that it would be good to have some security in the form of a mobile just in case.

So I'd appreciate some advice both generally but particularly in relation to South Africa. The first need will arrive if we get the Gauteng train to Sandton. The Hilton wants me to ring them before we get to the station to dispatch the pick-up van.

As I say we arrive at JNB. Should I buy a cheap mobile there (assuming you can at the airport) and is it that simple? Am I ready to go soon as I pay for it? Or should I get a SIM card for the existing mobile? Is that that simple too? It really is not for incoming calls or data but just as a bit of security.

ps I've read an old now closed thread on South Africa.

 

[drewbles]

If your handset is unlocked (what phone do you have?) there is usually no need to buy another phone. Most phones these days will work fine (providing they're not locked to a network).

That leaves you with two options:

- buy a local SIM when you arrive (or find somewhere online that sells local SIM cards for ZA)
- buy a global roaming SIM before you go, and use it when you land (and anywhere else in the world too)

The local would likely work out the cheapest, but if you travel semi-regularly, and not just to ZA, a global roaming SIM may be better for you (and provide you with the same number every time you travel so friends and family can contact you in an emergency).

 

[turtlemichael]

drewbles, it is an HTC Desire.

 

[boomy]

You can buy a SIM card at the airport, just make sure to unlock your mobile before departing Australia.
I did that in Cape Town last year. They even helped me activate it. That's the easiest option IMO.

 

[drewbles]

drewbles, it is an HTC Desire.

Ah no problems then, providing it's unlocked.

As mentioned, choice is yours. If you're a semi frequent, even a once-a-year, international traveller, I still think there's more value in a roaming SIM than a local (especially if it's mainly to stay in touch, and sort out your plans whilst on the ground).

 

[turtlemichael]

Unlocking does not affect me reactivating to Telstra on my return to Australia? Do I lose contacts etc? Is it as simple as putting the old SIM card back in? And how easy is unlocking? I guess the phone is out of contract as we've had it 2-3 years. We are averaging 4-5 months a year overseas but as I say I can usually do that without the mobile. Skype and an email address are my friends. In fact, even in Australia when the phone rings I jump and have to remember how to answer it. I live in a different world from most of you. Sad, I know lol

 

[drewbles]

Unlocking does not affect me reactivating to Telstra on my return to Australia? Do I lose contacts etc? Is it as simple as putting the old SIM card back in? And how easy is unlocking? I guess the phone is out of contract as we've had it 2-3 years. We are averaging 4-5 months a year overseas but as I say I can usually do that without the mobile. Skype and an email address are my friends. In fact, even in Australia when the phone rings I jump and have to remember how to answer it. I live in a different world from most of you. Sad, I know lol

Unlocking does not affect your phone in general (some iPhones yes, but not in general). Locking of handsets is relatively unusual in Australia for contract phones. The iPhone was the first mainstream handset in AU to be locked on a contract. All unlocking does is permit you to put another providers SIM into the phone. Contact your provider, but chances are, it'll be unlocked already.

You should not lose anything, no. Contacts and the like should be stored on the phone itself. The only way you would lose it is by doing a reset on the phone (or losing the phone). Putting your AU SIM back in when you return, and you're back on deck.

Not sad that you travel without a phone. I'm actually jealous (I can't go a day without one let alone months!). My retired parents have seen the light though, they just bought an iPhone and use a travel SIM (they too spend a lot of time overseas like yourself). It helps that I am in the industry though (and it all started when they got an iPad a few years ago).

 

[turtlemichael]

Thanks drewbles and boomy, very helpful. I came across this site RoamingSIM - Low Cost Roamingbut I'm sure when I read through the threads I'll find more.

 

[docjames]

To be honest, if its one phone call and then just "backup", just wear the expense of the one phone call. The cost of the single phone call is inconsequential vs the cost of the whole trip.

That's what I'd do anyway.

YMMV.

 

[drron]

I am exactly like you turtlemichael.I very nearly bought a local phone in South Africa as they were cheap and yes you definitely buy them at JNB.There are also pay phones in the arrival lobby after you exit customs though hidden behind a pole to your right on exiting.We just used that to call the Sheraton.

 

[DeKa]

To be honest, if its one phone call and then just "backup", just wear the expense of the one phone call. The cost of the single phone call is inconsequential vs the cost of the whole trip.

That's what I'd do anyway.

YMMV.

I agree, for the odd call, just enable roaming and make it. It won't cost much if you are calling the country you're in.

Just make sure data roaming is switched off!

 

[sweens]

I'll freely admit that my knowledge of phones is pathetic. When we travel overseas we usually turn off the mobile as the plane door closes and turn it on again when we get back to Australia. If it's urgent they can contact us via email or track us down! I know this is anathema to the gurus here

However, we have a trip to South Africa coming up and it will involve some travel in rental cars. Nothing too remote but I am reflecting that it would be good to have some security in the form of a mobile just in case.

So I'd appreciate some advice both generally but particularly in relation to South Africa. The first need will arrive if we get the Gauteng train to Sandton. The Hilton wants me to ring them before we get to the station to dispatch the pick-up van.

As I say we arrive at JNB. Should I buy a cheap mobile there (assuming you can at the airport) and is it that simple? Am I ready to go soon as I pay for it? Or should I get a SIM card for the existing mobile? Is that that simple too? It really is not for incoming calls or data but just as a bit of security.

ps I've read an old now closed thread on South Africa.

They have changed the rules regarding obtaining SIM cards in ZA recently and it may take a bit more effort to get one...they have a real security check on everyone now.

IMO I suggest you catch the Gautrain it's great quick and safe...leaves from inside the airport terminal for Sandton, takes 12 minutes to get there.

Suggest you ring the Hotel from the Airport station prior to boarding, use your AU mob. tell them what time your train departs OR Tambo and they will have your van waiting at the Sandton station. All very easy there is only one exit from the Sandton Station.

The next day you can look around Sandton Mall for a Sim Card.