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Cell Phone in India

India is one of Asia's most complex and alluring destinations, modern yet traditional, industrialized nation, with an artistic and historical legacy that few other countries can rival. It may be tempting to cut ties and wander just like India's holy men, but contact is often part of that journey - either to keep those ties back home warm, or only for safety's sake.

 If you are traveling to India and want to use your own cell phone, you most likely will be unable to do so, as most Indian cell phone carriers use the GSM 900/1800 MHz platform for cellular service. Unlike in the US, where the two GSM carriers (T-Mobile and AT&T) use 850/1900 MHz frequencies. Therefore, even if your US based cell phone operates uses GSM standard, unless it has the 900 or 1800 frequencies, it will not work in India.

What if your US phone does work overseas? Some of the new US cell phones in the market do function internationally, including in India. However, be aware that you will be roaming at approximately $1.99 per minute (plus tax), and you will be paying for both outgoing and incoming calls.

So how does one stay connected affordably while traveling to India?

The easiest & most economical approach is to rent or purchase a phone or just the SIM Card before you depart. That way, you have the phone ready to use as soon as you land and you will have the phone number before you leave to give out to your contacts. RebelFone a company based out of Florida, USA offers a service that is specifically designed for international travelers who need to call back US or make local calls or use data in India. Service if offered without any contract and besides the unlimited free incoming calls, call from India to North America is only US$0.50 per minute.

RebelFone has exclusive arrangements with local Indian cell phone carriers, through this partnership RebelFone can facilitate local post-paid Indian cell phone service for just US$9.99, you have the option to use the service with your own un-locked international cell phone or if you don’t have one you can rent an India cell phone at just $1 a day or you may even buy one if you travel frequently.

RebelFone’s offerings come without any contract term and services. Furthermore, they offer a 24/7 customer service, where it is easy and convenient to reach them.

How does RebelFone’s service compare with others?

 It would certainly be more convenient to connect from your apartment or hotel, if they have good phones, and reasonable charges for International calls. But that's rarely the case, especially the reasonable charges part. Many hotels charge 4 to 5 times the normal rate for phone calls, an alternative to that is to get a pay as you go sim while in India. Though it is clear by now that savings are huge as compared to using your US phone on international roaming in India, let’s see how does RebelFone’s service compares to local pre-paid SIMs available in India.

Getting this SIM will first require a visit to a local grocer with an ID proof and cost about $10, it includes $3 credit and it will cost you $0.75 per min to call US using this SIM, i.e. approximately twice as expensive as e’s service and don’t forget the risk of running out of credit while traveling!