Will my phone work in Borneo

Will my cell phone work on Borneo?

When you go to Borneo it is a good idea to have some sort of avenue to contact your family back home in case the need arises. You may also need a way to communicate locally, so having a cell phone with you is a safe and wise option.

You might be surprised to find out how easy it is to make phone calls when in Borneo. Thanks to the widespread coverage of mobile networks you can bring your own mobile to Borneo if you have organised international GSM roaming. However keep in mind that this service can often be very expensive so make sure you check with your provider to find out all details before you leave.

A cheaper option is to buy a cheap sim card when you get to Borneo. This is usually a prepaid card that has a certain amount of phone credits on it. You will have a new number with that particular sim card so make sure you tell friends and family the number in case they need to contact you.

Alternatively, if your cell phone is locked to your existing network provider, you won't be able to use it with a prepaid sim card. In that case it is wise to purchase a very cheap prepaid mobile phone and simcard package in Borneo. These can be bought at low prices these days and provide a cost effective way to stay in touch. You also won't have to worry about GSM roaming charges.

You can buy prepaid phones and sim cards from convenience stores, phone outlets, and even some newsagencies and post offices.

Another good way to keep in touch is with a prepaid phone card which can be used from landline phones. These international cards can be purchased before you leave your country, and can be used in Borneo to call back home. Combining this option with a cell phone is the safest way to stay in touch.

The more remote areas of Borneo do not have great coverage but for the most part you will not have a problem communicating on the mobile network.

Carrying a cell phone with you in Borneo is a great idea and will give you a secure feeling in knowing that you can call anyone at any time. Even if you don't think you will need to make phone calls, it is always wise to have the capability in case of emergencies.

Keeping in Touch

One other increasingly popular alternative is the free voicemail system from callingsources.com which, after a one-time fee ($50) allows you to listen to voicemail from the US (or anywhere) via the internet. While not so great for emergencies it's a lovely way to hear the voice of friends and family back home - without being woken up by your phone at 2AM!

The best bit is you own that voicemail number for life, so can use it for all future holidays too. For more serious communication in remote areas, consider a satellite phone. Not cheap but real life savers!