Im traveling to Bermuda in a few weeks and was wondering where I could purchase a prepaid sim card. When I asked Verizon about purchasing a prepaid sim they told me that Bermuda has CDMA networks but I would be charged roaming fees. Well that doesnt answer my question. I dont want to be charged roaming fees I just want to know if I can use a prepaid sim. Also, would I be able to text out there in Bermuda? I text more than I talk and that's something I'm really hoping I am still able to do. They also told me that if I go and want to check my email that I would have to sign up for the international plan which is 64.99 a month. I dont travel that much and I saw on the internet that I can pay per KB usage. My question is how much KB is used up when I would be just strictly checking email and not surfing the internet or anything?

In order to use a prepaid sim you'll need the GSM portion of the phone unlocked. Not sure if Verizon will do that for you or not. You'll need to ask them. Otherwise you'll need to pay a 3rd party unlocking service to unlock it for you.

Once unlocked you can use prepaid sims for phone and text but not data.

Where can I go to get it unlocked?

Using the search function of this forum, you should be able to locate a vendor.

You can simply call Verizon Global Tech Support. As long as you have had your Verizon account for 60 or more days in good standing (and it doesn't matter the amount of $$$ you paid for the 8830, as it did in the past) they will provide you an unlock code right over the phone.

I did this two weeks ago. Quick, easy, and I was on the phone for no more than 5 minutes with the person. The only reason it even took that long was they had to email me the agreement, have me read it, and verbally agree to it over the phone. It basically just said that when you insert another carrier SIM card in your phone, they aren't responsible for anything.

Here are the instructions:

1. Call Global Tech Support at (800) 711-8300.

2. Tell them you want to unlock your phone as
per the MR1 update of 07/27/2007 (the rules have changed to state that as long as you are a customer for over 60 days you do NOT need to pay the difference between your promo 8830 price & the full retail price).

3. They will ask for your IMEI code to verify the above, and will double check your SIM card serial number.

4. Turn "all connections off" (under Manage Connections).

5. In the SIM card menu, enter "mepd"

6. Then enter "mep2" and enter the 8 digit unlock code the Global Tech gives you.

7. Your VZW 8830 is now unlocked.

I haven't had my account for more than 60 days. So I guess I cant do that.

Question: If there is CDMA in Bermuda, won't the phone default to that as opposed to the GSM? I don't have 8830 yet (Next Tuesday); so forgive the ignorance.

If there is CDMA yes, but I do not think that there is any CDMA there as it is a British protectorate, thus making GSM the more likely choice.

It appears Verizon CDMA phones will work in Bermuda. No need to get your phone unlocked for this particular trip.

CITES :: Telecomm :: Cellular Telephone Service :: International CDMA Roaming

. . . before calling Verizon to unlock the phone?

Otherwise, it's step 3 that I don't understand: "3. They will ask for your IMEI code to verify the above, and will double check your SIM card serial number."

I was planning on buying a prepaid card once I get to my destination in Europe. Is that not doable?

Too bad Verizon chose to keep the SIM card feature locked up....The Sprint 8830 allows you to use any SIM card from any local provider, so long you are outside the US. I'd imagine you could do it if you got your verizon phone unlocked.

The Verizon 8830 will only allow you to roam and pay Verizons pricey intl. roaming fees.

Verizon will unlock the 8830 if you call and tell them you are using it overseas. There are a couple threads with phone numbers and exactly who to talk to and what to say. It's been done.

Why does Verizon feel the urge to block people from using features on phones they paid for? Verizon needs to see a therapist for this O.C.D.

Most GSM phones are locked to the original carrier. This is nothing new. TMobile does it, AT&T does it, etc.

I believe that CDMA works in Bermuda, I was there several years ago and I used my phone. They have a 809 AC.