SIM card from Telestial

Before leaving for a 5-week trip to Italy and Spain, Oct. 8-Nov. 10, 2014, I got an international SIM card to use in my unlocked Android smartphone. I ordered it from Telestial (Boston, MA; 800/707-0031, www.telestial.com).

For the “Explorer” SIM card, I paid $29 (plus $2.25 tax and $7.50 shipping), which included $20 in phone credit. Arriving in five or six days, the card came with two phone numbers assigned to it, one for North America and one for the rest of the world. 

Rates within Italy/Europe were 35 cents a minute for outgoing calls; incoming calls to the global number were free “at the most popular destinations.” Data plan and texting were included. The rate for calling from Italy to the USA was 15 cents per minute.

You can add minutes by following the instructions on their website. I used the phone on a limited basis so didn’t have to refill any minutes. 

I’m a novice with smartphones but was able to easily install, activate and use this SIM card; the instructions that came with it were very clear. On previous trips to Europe I purchased SIM cards on arrival, but they were difficult to install, so I had to get technical assistance at local phone stores. 

This SIM card worked like a charm; I used it several times. When I returned to US soil, I took the Telestial SIM card out of my phone and inserted my USA SIM card and had no problems. Since I usually travel to Europe once a year, I plan to keep the card active.

I heard about Telestial.com from Clark Howard’s nationally syndicated radio show (clarkhoward.com). He is full of tips on how to get the best bang for your buck.

PAM AMES

San Diego, CA