If you wish to use the cellular phone that you currently have while you are in Spain, chances are that it will not work. This inability is due to differences in operating systems and the frequencies that are used in most European countries. Most American cellular phones operate with third generation technology that is known as WCDMA (Wideband Code multiple Access), which is not yet available in many other countries. These areas operate under the GMS (Global System for Media Communications) system, which is second generation technology.



These GMS cellular phones are still available from certain service providers, such as AT&T and Verizon, but they also must be adaptable to work with the different frequencies in Spain as well. In most of North America, cell phones use frequencies of 850 and 1900 while European countries use 900 and 1800. If you decide to purchase a GMS phone in the United States, you will need to make sure that it will function using these differing frequencies.

If you do have a GMS cellular phone that will work while you are in Spain, you will probably have to use the roaming feature when placing telephone calls. As these types of call can cost over $1 per minute, this can be quite expensive if you are planning to use your cellular phone regularly.

The least expensive option that will enable you to use your cell phone while Spain is to purchase a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) once you arrive in the country. In order to use this type of card, you will need to unlock your present phone or purchase an unlocked one. To unlock your present device, you can contact your present cell phone provider, although many companies are unwilling to do this as it means a loss of revenues for them. Luckily, there are many Websites that you can visit that can help you to complete this process on your own.

One you have arrived in Spain, you can purchase a SIM card with a small amount of minutes on it. You can then add minutes as you need them. These cards have a variety of packages available, starting at $20 US. You will then be able to take advantage of the less expensive rates that are offered by the Spanish cell phone providers.

Some of the advantages offered by the Spanish SIM cards include free incoming calls and international calls for approximately $0.10 US per minute. Voicemail is also available with these types of plans and you will not need to sign a contract or be sent a monthly bill. You will also receive a new Spanish phone number (keeping your own is not an option).

So if you are traveling to Spain and wish to have a cell phone, a GMS cellular phone and a Spanish SIM card is an expensive way to keep in touch with friends, business associates, and loved ones.