Most International prepaid cell phones today are classified as a GSM or Global Service for Mobil cell phone that operates on the GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequency. The phones themselves are not prepaid but a card called SIM, which is the “brain” of the international prepaid cell phone, and where minuets can be stored. Sims have a small computer chip inside that stores the cell phone number, settings, messages and other data necessary for the phone to function. With the right sim card an international prepaid cell phone can provide service coverage in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Pacific Rim, including Australia . To use, insert the sim card into the phone and your ready to go. When all of the credit is used up, all you need to do is call the service provider and receive more credit. Just as some countries drive on the other side of the road. Some countries use different TV systems (remember this when buying videos and DVDs internationally). And, unfortunately, most countries use different types of international prepaid cell phone service, too. However, more countries are slowly switching to the GSM system. Make sure you check this when your thinking of getting a international prepaid cell phone.

The SIM "chip" fits into a slot or tray where metal sensors make contact with the gold contact surface on the SIM card. Please note that certain SIM cards only work with GSM international prepaid cell phones that are compatible for use overseas, don't forget to make sure you getting the right card to use with the international prepaid cell phone system, like the dual-band GSM phones for use in over 190 countries, and the tri-band versions with service in the United States and Canada. Equally important, Europe, Africa and Asia not only had the foresight to adopt the same international prepaid cell phone standard, but they also decided that their international cell phone networks would operate on the same frequencies (the 900mhz, initially and later the 1800mhz band). This explains why the same cell phone that works in London will work equally well in Johannesburg , Beijing and Sydney .

The bottom line: Most countries around the globe - more than 205 at last count - have adopted the GSM wireless technology and if you want to go travel outside of North America and want the convenience of carrying a cellular phone, then you're going to need a GSM international prepaid cell phone.