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SIM card question for cell phone in Kenya

by Nicole Sidandi
(Dallas, TX)

If I buy a SIM card for my LG shine phone from Safaricom when I get to Kenya will I be able to receive calls from the US for free and will my phone number stay the same? Many thanks for your help in advance.

Comments for
SIM card question for cell phone in Kenya

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Jul 02, 2010
 SIM cards other than safaricom.
by: Nicole

When I look on the internet there are lots of companies selling SIM cards for Kenya around $30 or $40 that advertise you can get free incoming calls and SMS text messages and you have to pay the local rates on outgoing calls. I'm just not sure how legit this is and there's no way to verify it until we get to Kenya and then it will be too late.
Jul 02, 2010
 cel phone
by: Irene O

I dont know if it is possible in the USA but when I call from the Netherlands I first dial a number then the Kenyan number. This is much cheaper then calling direct. The pre-number I dial is from www.teledump.nl. Maybe in the USA you have also such providers? Then your contacts can call you cheaper.

To call from Kenya to the USA. Well you could also make calls from a internetbureau through internet.Calls from the mobile outside Kenya are quite expensive.

Regards
Irene O.

Jun 30, 2010
 Phone Info
by: Cassandra Marie

No, you will not have the same number and you will not get calls for free. Before you leave make sure your phone is unlocked. Some phone carries lock the phone so they will not work under an other SIM card. Just ask the carrier for the code and unlock it right before you fly to Kenya. For the US numbers you want to call make sure you have the US country code before the area code (+1-area code-number.) Without the +1 code you will not be able to dial out to the US.

Once you buy a SIM card you will have a Kenyan number. Also you will need to buy credit. There are no monthly plans like there is in the US. Everyone with a mobile phone buys credits to make calls. I am not sure how it works for Safaricom but with YU even if I was out of credit was able to get calls but not make calls. Also SMS/texts works with credits too.

It may should complicated but it is not. Once you get there just go to a shop and get a SIM card. The number will be on the back of the paperwork(so you know your own number). Also buy some credits form them if they have any. If they are out ask them where you are get some. In no time you will have a phone to make and get calls from.

Hope this helps and keeps you connected while traveling in Kenya. Have a great and safe trip.

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