[southlad]

I need the cheapest possible 3G phone to use on holiday, can anyone advise?

[oilman]

Not enough information here. Where are you going, how long, what do you want to etc. Pay and Go or contract etc.

You could buy a cheap phone but spend a fortune on data etc.

If you just want a cheap phone go to carphone warehouse and buy cheapest they have. I think all are unlocked and can use any sim.

[spiney2]

if u can find it probably the nokia 301 or nokia c2. or similar. probably not officially on sale any more but u may find them in "resale shops" amazon ebay etc.

both are tiny minimum function phones with small screens. both can (if unlocked) use the "3g only" 3 network with bargain rates. both have camera fm radio videoplayer can play m.youtube (but no flashplayer nor bbc iplayer).

the 301 has hsdma "3.5g "so downloads superfast. the c2 doesnt so it a bit slower .....

nokia has quite a few traditional "candybar" designs ie not smartphones but do have 3g. you should check on a per model number basis .....

[spiney2]

.... these are all symbian phones so probably at bargain prices. note symbian has been discontinued ....... fine if you dont want apps, just phone calls and web browsing .......

[de525ma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiney2

.... these are all symbian phones so probably at bargain prices. note symbian has been discontinued ....... fine if you dont want apps, just phone calls and web browsing .......

I think this was implied by the OP when he said he was wanting the cheapest 3G handset possible.

[spiney2]

..... yeah well im just being clear about it ........

....... these phones can be bought around £30-40 unlocked, which is a fair price. then u get a 3 network sim for £1 ...........

note very carefully, Symbian services are being shutdown by Microsoft. so things like a preloaded facebook "app", for example, wont work. but u can browse websites fine. either use the provided nokia browser, or download either the uc or operamini browsers for Symbian. put the "jar file" onto the phone memory .... built in or added card ...... then just click on that ... and it starts up and self-installs no fuss .........

.... usually, anything for Symbian s40 will work on these phones. or you can try anything labelled "for javaphone" ..... there are loads of freebies still around, that don't rely on the nokia Symbian servers still working ! just download the "jar file" then click on it on the phone .......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nony0qrI1eU

[spiney2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Series_40

http://www.ebuyer.com/blog/2014/01/the-end-of-symbian/

....... obviously, check that the mobile network where you intend to be is likely to be available ..... use an online coverage map ,,,,,,,, if not 3 network then other carriers might work but mostly at a higher charge rate ........

[de525ma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiney2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Series_40

http://www.ebuyer.com/blog/2014/01/the-end-of-symbian/

....... obviously, check that the mobile network where you intend to be is likely to be available ..... use an online coverage map ,,,,,,,, if not 3 network then other carriers might work but mostly at a higher charge rate ........

I suggest you read the opening post again.

The OP wants a cheap 3G capable phone to use on holiday, presumably ABROAD.

The stuff about Symbian and 3 is totally irrelevant. And what's with the ellipses?!

[de525ma]

deleted - random double post....

[wavejockglw]

The holiday destination is important as some countries like Turkey block foreign mobiles using a local SIM card and require phones to be registered. They do this to prevent theft of tourist phones and for security reasons.

Consider the destination, local costs and alternatives like Skype over Wi-Fi including Skype In (a local UK number that friends and family can call at no cost if they have a landline or mobile inclusive minutes package) that does not attract roaming charges.

Maybe the big thing a phone should have for travel is Wi-Fi if you need to keep in touch cheaply.

More info: www.skype.com

[spiney2]

Symbian ending is exactly what makes these phones cheap. Im saying be careful about no apps. 3G is cheaper than 2G including roaming.

[spiney2]

or maybe something from alcatel if it has to have latest stuff ......

[d123]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavejockglw

The holiday destination is important as some countries like Turkey block foreign mobiles using a local SIM card and require phones to be registered. They do this to prevent theft of tourist phones and for security reasons.

Consider the destination, local costs and alternatives like Skype over Wi-Fi including Skype In (a local UK number that friends and family can call at no cost if they have a landline or mobile inclusive minutes package) that does not attract roaming charges.

Maybe the big thing a phone should have for travel is Wi-Fi if you need to keep in touch cheaply.

More info: www.skype.com

Why must you always write a pompous essay? Where does the OP mention Turkey?

He just wants a cheap 3G phone.

Even if was going to Turkey its actually a painless exercise to buy a sim from a network shop which is then registered to the IMEI as part of the sale...

[wavejockglw]

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

Even if was going to Turkey its actually a painless exercise to buy a sim from a network shop which is then registered to the IMEI as part of the sale...

Wrong...... You have to pay the Turkish government 119TL to have a mobile registered to use it with a local SIM on any of their networks. That has to be done at a government office and once paid the mobile can only be used with one operator (Avea who charge a fee to provide a SIM and network registration).

Factual information below, the Turkish consulate information is out of date:

http://www.bodrumbulletin.com/commun...hone-in-turkey

Vodafone TR offer a tourist SIM which is time limited for travellers but it is not as cheap as using their standard SIP PAYG tariff.

[CupidStunt2010]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiney2

or maybe something from alcatel if it has to have latest stuff ......

this should have been your first answer

[spiney2]

well ..... i believe i hav probably mentioned the cheapest 3g phones. when available. if anyone can do better then thats great.

why 3g i dont know. usually its cheaper and, some networks have no 2g .........

all the other stuff above is good advice. it does sound like not uk. yes some places insist on locally purchased sim. some places will have wi fi but login conditions are always variable. note the phones i mentioned do NOT have wi fi .........

[d123]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavejockglw

Wrong...... You have to pay the Turkish government 119TL to have a mobile registered to use it with a local SIM on any of their networks. That has to be done at a government office and once paid the mobile can only be used with one operator (Avea who charge a fee to provide a SIM and network registration).

Factual information below, the Turkish consulate information is out of date:

http://www.bodrumbulletin.com/commun...hone-in-turkey

Vodafone TR offer a tourist SIM which is time limited for travellers but it is not as cheap as using their standard SIP PAYG tariff.

Funny how a quick search shows plenty of people doing as I said...

For example:

Quote:

MFB
11.Jun.2013 - 15:09 hrs
You may choose any of the three operators. They all have prepaid offerings with monthly and/or weekly data packages (usually a standard tariff is much better than the tariffs offered as tourist tariffs, I am sure the clerk will be more than helpful to help you choose one). All three have shops at the international arrival hall of Istanbul Atatturk Airport.

For Turkcell: http://www.turkcell.com.tr/site/en/t...lar/genel.aspx
For Vodafone Turkey: http://roamingturkey.com/
For Avea: http://www.avea.com.tr/web/en?ldgdeixlwsbjskln

Don't worry about the phone registration. Once you go to the operator's retailer, register your phone along with your sim card purchase. They will ask for a pass copy, sign a prepaid contract along with the registration application and the imei number of your phone. Once a phone is registered with a foreigner's local sim card, it can only be used with that spesific turkish sim card or with any foreign sim card (within turkey).

But again, the OP has not mentioned going to Turkey, the only mention of Turkey is by you.

[spiney2]

http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Phones/Feel_At_Home