Cell Phone Question - London

[Cookiely]

My friend went to London for the holidays. Can I call her cell phone she uses in Tampa? Will it work? Do I just add the international code? Will she be charged or just me? Help!

[Yarrah]

I'm not sure if it's the same in the US, but I always add the international code of the country where the phone is coming from (so the US in this case). It doesn't always work (it didn't work in Vietnam and some countries in Eastern Europe), but it might juts work.

As for the financial part, the rule here is that you're paying for the connection in the US and your friend will pay for the connection from the US border to the UK. So keep in mind that your friend will be paying quite a lot. Again, I'm not sure if it's the same in the US.

[P.K.]

Well if they have roaming set up and the phone works you just call the normal number. Not sure if USA phones work here, you need a special phone here if you want to take it to the USA (Tri band or something like that). It will cost them to receive the call as well as you to make it.

[Regit]

When I last travelled to England I was advised by the State Dept. that my cell phone would not work, but that travellers can rent satellite phones that work anywhere.

[Cookiely]

Thanks for your help. I think I will just send her an email.

[nholley]

She needs a Tri Band phone for it to work on the UK networks. All US carriers have an agreement with UK carriers so as long as she has the Tri Band phone you are ok. You would not need to add anything to dial her number.....just dial as you would any other time. For her to call you however she would need to add +1 or 001 to the front of your number.