Way to Russia Talk Lounge

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

I am curious, for how much can I expect to pay for the cheapest cell phone in St Petersburg? I plan to buy the cheapest phone for the length of my trip, activate it and basically throw it out at the end. I think this way it can be cheaper than phone rental.

mister_wizzz · VIP Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 570

You can also bring yours and change the ship (if it is compatible with Russian GSM frequences).

Paul Holmes · Lounge Wizard Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 1011

e · VIP Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 654

Most of the newest phones like Motorola, Nextel, and etc dont need to be unlocked (which was great cuz it saved me a fortune), and are GSM compatible. Just change the SIM card, and buy a electric converter for your charger and presto! It should work just fine.

Whenever i'm Europe I use vodafone. I only paid 15 quid (UK Pounds) (about $28 US) for 300 introductory mins, an active account till 2006, free roaming wherever in the EU where Vodaphone is active, and its pay as you go "top-up".

I dunno if Vodafone works in Russia (they should have an affiliate) but you should find something similar. BTW don't buy your SIM card at the airport! Its more expensive there and less perks come with it and people there will jip you thinking your some clueless tourist. Go to any old phone store in the city and do it there.

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

Here is the story - I use Verizon Wireless in the USA. They don't use GSM. I don't want to buy a GSM tri-band phone (I think I need a tri-band phone for it to work in Russia). Secondly, I got the impression that the cost of calls on the US GSM phone will be much higher.

Can someone answer my original question: assume I want to buy the cheapest Megafon phone in St Petersburg, use it while in Russia, and then put it in the garbage can at the airport or just give it to one of my Russian friend as a gift. How much does the cheapest cell phone cost in St Petersburg?

Thanks.

elistoughton · Just Starting Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 7

I'm not sure if you've gotten this answered yet or not, but:

You do need a tri/quad-band GSM phone to use in Russia. But whether you get in here or there is up to you.

This is the SIM you need: http://www.telestial.com/products/russia_sim.htm

If you want to buy a phone here, I would recommend getting a prepaid cellphone from cingular, tmobile, or at&t. Make sure it is tri or quad band.
http://www.thetravelinsider.info/roadwarriorcontent/quadbandphones.htm

You will also need to have the phone unlocked:
http://www.thetravelinsider.info/roadwarriorcontent/motorolaunlocking.htm

Now, I'm not sure what kind of phones you can buy in russia, and whether it would be beneficial to pruchase one there or not.