What is a Tri-band Phone?

A tri-band phone allows you to use the same phone across North America, Europe, Africa, Australia and all of Asia except for Japan.  A tri-band phone is a GSM Phone that is compatible with three different frequencies (or bands); 1900 MHz in North America, and 900 MHz and 1800 MHz abroad. Most US GSM phones are single-band, but tri-band phones are widely available from GSM wireless carriers like AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile and Cingular.  Make sure your Tri-band phone uses a SIM Card, and then you can change your SIM Cards when you travel abroad to avoid roaming charges.  Also, you'll need to unlock your tri-band phone so that it can recognize SIM Cards from other companies besides your US wireless carrier.  Your wireless carrier should be able to unlock your phone for you.  Even if you don't change your SIM Card, your tri-band phone will work in most foreign countries, you'll just have to pay roaming charges.  Check with your wireless carrier to determine what the roaming rates are.