User guide for Mobal's World Phone and World SIM

5. Useful information

Handset compatibility

All current GSM handsets should be compatible with the Mobal GSM SIM card. However, you should check with the supplier of your handset that there are no SIM card restriction locks in place. Also, you must check that your GSM handset is of the correct frequency for each of the countries that you intend to visit. For example, to use the Mobal GSM SIM card in the UK, your phone must be compatible with the 900MHz frequency.

The appropriate frequencies for other countries are detailed in the Mobal GSM Country List/Call Charge Rate Sheet.

Your new phone number

Your Mobal GSM SIM card is registered in the UK. It always has a UK phone number, irrespective of the countries that you travel to. The UK’s country code is 44, therefore it is essential to include this country code when giving your new number to friends and colleagues outside of the UK. Of course, if they are calling you from the UK, the 44 will not be necessary; they can simply call the number in its local format. Because your number is always the same, callers do not even need to know which country you are in when they call you. Callers will be charged by their phone provider at their UK mobile rate.

PINs and PUKs

Your SIM has a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can use this PIN to lock your SIM card to help prevent its use if it is lost or stolen. The SIM is pre-set with the default PIN of 5555. We recommend that you change this PIN to your own preferred number. Refer to your handset’s user guide for details of how to change the PIN. If the PIN is entered incorrectly 3 times in succession the SIM will become ‘blocked’. In this case, you will have to contact Mobal to be given the Personal Unblocking Key (PUK). If the PUK is entered incorrectly 10 times in succession the SIM will be rendered permanently useless and you will be required to purchase a new SIM card.

GSM coverage

You are advised to check that the area to which you are traveling is covered by a GSM network. Detailed coverage maps are available. Alternatively, call Mobal at +1 212 785 5800.

Emergency services 1 1 2

This number will contact Fire, Police or Ambulance from any GSM network worldwide.

Calls to other Mobal GSM SIM cards

All Mobal GSM SIM cards are registered in the UK. They always have a UK phone number, irrespective of the countries that they travel to. The UK’s country code is 44, therefore it is essential to include this country code when calling another Mobal SIM card. If your friends or colleagues have Mobal GSM SIM cards, it is important that you remember this when calling each other. Of course, if you are calling from the UK, the 44 will not be necessary; you can simply call the number in its local format.

If your SIM card is lost or stolen

If your Mobal GSM SIM card is lost or stolen you must contact Mobal as soon as possible. You are responsible for any call charges incurred until you have done so. To report a lost or stolen SIM card, and to request that the phone be barred, contact us immediately. If you call outside normal office hours you will be advised to call our Emergency number, which is +44 1543 426999.

Unwelcome “welcome” text messages

As you travel, you may receive occasional text messages from the various GSM networks that you use, welcoming you to their networks. These messages can be inconvenient. You are advised to delete all such messages to keep your phone’s text message inbox clear. Please refer to your handset’s user guide for details of how to delete text messages.

These messages sometimes also include local customer service numbers. You are advised not to call these numbers as they can be expensive. Always call Mobal’s own Customer Services with any queries that you may have. Calls to Mobal’s Customer Service numbers are always free of charge.

Availability of supplementary services

Some supplementary services, such as fax, data and SMS text messaging, may not be available on all GSM networks.