mobile phones

SueJ

The change about using overseas address came in a while ago.

The real issue for a foreigner is highlighted by Haylo - if the vendor doesn't send the correct paperwork to the airtime provider you get cut off a week or so later. To avoid this, try to buy in a store actually owned by the airtime provider in a big city, rather than from a local vendor. Or if you have to buy from a local vendor, make it clear that you will be back if there are any problems. In reality, you are likely to be too far away to go back by the time you are cut off, but it does no harm to suggest otherwise!

shaggy

My advice to foreigners is don't waste your time trying to get an indian sim card, particularly from vodaphone. Submitted documentation three times at different vodaphone stores across the country after SIM card was blocked. Each time given assurances by vodaphone staff that phone would be unblocked. Gave up in the end. Told conflicting requirements from store staff and customer services. Complained to Vodaphone India but still waiting for response.

SueJ

Shaddy - did you go into a real Vodafone store? ie a big shiny shop in a big city where the staff have terminals directly connected to the main vodafone systems. Or was it at the small shops with Vodagone signs that are dotted everywhere?

Our experience was that things don;t get sorted unless you go to a real Vodafone store, but if you do go to one, then everything gets done properly.

s.evans670@btinterne

how about taking my own phone from the UK and only using it in emergencies is that possible on my vodafone contract,steve

SueJ

Depends on your contract, but in principle, yes. Just make sure you have full roaming enabled. Give Vodafone a call and they'll take you through it.

shaggy

SueJ,

I think the shop where I bought the SIM card was probably not a proper vodaphone store, although it had a big vodaphone sign outside. It was located at Connaught place in Delhi, and as I had only just arrived in India I wasn't aware that a big red vodaphone sign does not necessarily indicate that the shop is an official Vodaphone outlet. However, the shop appeared at first sight to be modern and professional. Having submitted a photo, copy of my passport and filling in the required forms I was given the SIM card. They did then ask me if I had my driving licence with my uk address but when I said I had left it in the uk they said that was not a problem. The SIM card worked fine for a few days after which I received a text message to say my phone would be blocked. I phoned Vodaphone customer services who requested me to re-submit my documentation at any vodaphone store. I did this at Agra at the official vodaphone store. As my wife had her driving licence and passport they suggested I transfer the SIM card to her name. After rushing around 30 minutes before closing time to get photocopies of her documents and get a passport photo taken, all the necessary documentation was provided to the satisfaction of the Vodaphone staff who assured me the phone would not be blocked. However, a few days later the phone was blocked at a very inconvient time- when I missed my connection from delhi to amritsar because of an earlier delayed flight, and I had to find a hotel for the night. I later called in at the official vodaphone shop in Amritsar. They logged onto the vodaphone network and confirmed that the documentation had been received from the Agra branch but because my wife had different hairstyles on the passport photocopy and the photo that had been supplied the vodaphone backroom administrator had rejected the documentation- despite my wife had managed to enter the country with the passport. The Amritsar staff asked us to re-submit the documentation and assured us the phone would be unblocked after Vodaphone customer services contacted me and asked me some security questions. After not hearing anything from Vodaphone customer services I contacted them again myself. This time I was told as I had bought the SIM card in delhi I would have to re-submit my documentation in Delhi. As I was then in Amritsar, this was an absurd and ridiculous request. At that stage I decided to give up and complain to vodaphone on my return to the UK. I still have had no response.

Apologies for the long rambling reponse but it demostrates how much time and effort can be wasted in trying to get an Indian SIM card. If possible, its better to get an indian friend or relative to get it on their name. Its possible after the recent Mumbai attacks, that any application for an Indian SIM card by a foreigner has a high chance of being rejected on the flimsiest of grounds.

livinhimalayas

I have often seen that the those cards get blocked more often that have a high prepaid balance on them. It is these customers that also are harassed by the companies to submit their identification several times. Idea and Vodaphone are the worst offenders. I have also noticed that for both Idea and Vodapone, the balance suddenly diminishes for no reason even if you have not made any calls. I tried talking to the customer care about this and trying to get a record of all the call details, they never provided me with one. Another such cheat is Reliance Mobiles.

capt_mahajan

I have found BSNL/MTNL least problematic with billing- or with sundry charges.

Unfortunately, their coverage in many cities is inferior to the private guys, with low signal strength and higher dropped calls.

Good for smaller places, though, which are not always well covered by the Airtel types.

livinhimalayas

agree Capt. I use BSNL now, it is cheaper and I have never lost my balance on BSNL.