[sandals]

Hi everyone,
First time on this site.. I consider myself decently savvy when it comes to BlackBerry compared to the average joe. I just got my 9650 unlocked through the proper channels at VZW so that I can use it when I'm abroad this summer. I'll be in continental Europe for the most part but may also spend a week in egypt and israel for a project..
I was wondering what the most cost effective "sim card only plan" is for someone who wants data/text/voice for cheap, with good coverage for about a month and a half. There are just so many options. I was thinking prepaid unless you guys have better solutions.
Also, which provider has the best coverage? (I'm used to always having service with verizon...)

I'd also appreciate advice for spending an entire semester (5ish months) in Germany.
Thanks a ton!
-Jack

[tsac]

Welcome to the Forums.

Not sure what direction you will go but you will need a blackberry data plan to use all the features. Without one it's just a standard cell phone with voice and text . You can do a search of the forum for some info on this subject and may find some detailed info. Also check back to this post link for updates later.

[sandals]

So I won't be able to use a sim card that comes with a data plan? I'd have to use a bb specific one?

[Motorcycle Mama]

Yes. You need a BlackBerry Data Plan to use BlackBerry Data features.

[sandals]

are those available for those wanting to stay for a month and a half?
so a fonic plan wont work?

[tsac]

You might look at this site a T-Mobile monthly sim only but supports blackberry

Pay Monthly Sim Cards - Mobile Phone SIM Cards - T Mobile

[snhrph]

sandals, how essential is it for you to be able to receive data in "real time"? If it is very important, then you need to get a blackberry data plan from a SP in Europe. The choice of SP would depend on your location and travel plans, but the service will be more expensive than your monthly service stateside.

Another option, and this is what I do when I travel, is to buy a local sim card for voice and text (if needed) and use your blackberry via wifi.

Use the following settings for data in Mobile Network Options:

Data Services: ON

While Roaming: OFF

Enjoy your summer in Europe.

[freakinvibe]

If you take your VZW SIM and use it in Germany for data, it will get very expensive for you as you pay per MB. You should get a SIM from, for example, T-Mobile Germany with a data flat rate.

For Egypt and Israel, you can still use the SIM card but I would switch data roaming off and only sync once a day or via WIFI.

I am living in Switzerland, just near the border of Germany, so if you have more questions, just let me know.