Using a European (GSM) cell phone in the US

The countries of Europe use the dual-band frequencies of 900 to 1800 while America primarily uses 850 to 1900. When shopping for an unlocked GSM phone, you'll want a tri-band 900/1800/1900 (or 850/1800/1900) or a quad-band 850-900-1800-1900 if you intend to use it in the U.S. as well as in Europe.

1. Will a European cell phone work in the US?
2. Can I use a GSM phone in the US?
3. Can an international phone be used in the US?
4. Can I put an American SIM card in my European phone?
5. What is the difference between international version and US version cell phones?
6. Which mobile network is best in Europe?
7. Can you put any SIM card into an unlocked phone?
8. How do I tell if my phone is CDMA or GSM?
9. Is there any disadvantage to buying an unlocked phone?
10. Do cell phones work overseas?
11. Which phones can be used internationally?
12. Do unlocked cell phones work internationally?

Will a European cell phone work in the US?

Unlocked handsets sold in Europe will likely work in the U.S., but only on GSM networks like T-Mobile, AT&T, Cricket Wireless and MetroPCS. CDMA carriers, including Verizon and Sprint, are mainly an anomaly on this side of the Atlantic — so overseas phones aren't built to support them.

Can I use a GSM phone in the US?

In the US, Verizon, US Cellular, and the old Sprint network (now owned by T-Mobile) use CDMA. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM. Most of the rest of the world uses GSM. The global spread of GSM came about because in 1987, Europe mandated the technology by law, and because GSM comes from an industry consortium.

Can an international phone be used in the US?

Most international phones run off GSM technology. ... In the U.S., we have carriers that run off both GSM and CDMA, so your international phone should work on at least one network. GSM carriers in the United States: T-Mobile and AT&T. CDMA carriers in the United States: Sprint, Verizon and US Cellular.

Can I put an American SIM card in my European phone?

You'll need either a European phone or an unlocked phone in order for a European SIM card to work (some phones are electronically "locked" so you can't switch SIM cards). ... Remember that as long as you have a European SIM in your own phone, you won't be reachable at your regular US number.

What is the difference between international version and US version cell phones?

Only the international versions are carrier unlocked. The other difference is that the USA version has the Snapdragon processor while most other countries (including this one) have the Samsung Exynos processor.

Which mobile network is best in Europe?

Best network for data roaming abroad

• Three - Go Roam in 71 destinations across the world.
• EE - 4G in numerous countries.
• O2 - Roam free in up to 75 destinations.
• Vodafone - Free roaming in 77 destinations.
• Best overall.

Can you put any SIM card into an unlocked phone?

You can often switch your SIM card to a different phone, provided the phone is unlocked (meaning, it is not tied to a particular carrier or device) and the new phone will accept the SIM card. All you need to do is remove the SIM from the phone it is in currently, then place it into the new unlocked phone.

How do I tell if my phone is CDMA or GSM?

For Android users: Go to Settings ➤ System ➤ About Phone. Click on Status to look for an MEID, ESN, or IMEI number. If the device has MEID or ESN numbers, it's a CDMA phone.

Is there any disadvantage to buying an unlocked phone?

Unlocked phones: Disadvantages

By far the biggest disadvantage of buying unlocked is that you usually need to pay for the device in full, all in one transaction. ... Another disadvantage of buying unlocked is that certain phones don't support specific network bands.

Do cell phones work overseas?

Every major cell phone company has some sort of international roaming option. ... If your carrier is T-Mobile, Sprint, or Google Project Fi, you're covered with some kind of unlimited data in most countries around the world.

Which phones can be used internationally?

7 Best Mobile Phones for Travelers

1. iPhone 11. Rejoice, Apple lovers. ...
2. Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus. This powerful, premium Android phone is the newest addition to Samsung's Note line and features a giant screen measuring a whopping 6.8 inches. ...
3. Google Pixel 3a. ...
4. OnePlus 7 Pro. ...
5. Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. ...
6. Moto G7 Power. ...
7. Alcatel 1X.

Do unlocked cell phones work internationally?

Locked phones can “roam” onto international networks, but without the proper service plan from your carrier, the charges for international roaming can be hefty. “Unlocked” devices are free to use other networks around the world. ... Most carriers will also have instructions for changing out SIM cards from your phone model.