Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I lose my GSM phone?

A: Insurance is available at $1.99 per day with no deductible and $0.99 with a $75.00 deductible. If the phone is lost you are responsible for all calls made on the cellular phone until you call to report it lost or stolen, instructions for this procedure are included with the phone shipment. If you do not choose insurance the replacement cost of the GSM phone is approximately $300, depending on make and model.

Q: I'm going to be traveling abroad and want the convenience of having access to a cell phone. Can I use my U.S. cell phone when traveling outside the U.S.?

A: While Americans have embraced the convenience of using cell phones, trying to dial from overseas often brings surprises. Even if the phone works, voice mail may not. Depending on the handset, coverage can be spotty. Make the wrong choices, and you may find a huge bill.

 A majority of the world's cellphone subscribers use the GSM technology standard. In the United States, the major carriers use two systems GSM and CDMA, an incompatible technology. CDMA technology is found in North America, as well as some Asian countries, but it is basically nonexistent in Europe. To complicate matters, the American GSM standard operates on 850 and 1,900 megahertz, while the rest of the GSM world uses 900 and 1,800 megahertz. To use an American GSM cellphone in a foreign country, the handset you own must be tri-band or quad-band and able to operate on one or both of the frequencies used outside the United States

Q: What is GSM?

A: GSM stands for Global System for Mobile. It is the dominant standard outside the U.S. for cellular phone communications.

Q: How can I get access to a GSM cellular phone for use outside the U.S.?

A: You can rent, lease or purchase a GSM phone from PlanetFone.

Q: How much will it cost to rent a PlanetFone to take with me on my next overseas trip?

A: There are two charges: rental fees for the phone and charges for airtime (see the pricing page for sample rates).

Included in the rental charges are an accessory package (phone case, adapter), free FedEx delivery anywhere in the U.S. with 4-day advance notice, and 24-hour customer service support.

Q: How will I be billed?

A: Standard billing policy is a $300 credit card authorization against rental and usage fees. At the end of the rental term, customer will be billed for the actual fees. You will receive an itemized bill upon your return, detailing charges to your credit card.

Alternate billing arrangements can be arranged.

Q: What countries can I use PlanetFone's GSM phones in?

A: The GSM standard is employed in most countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. PlanetFone has agreements in place to allow its GSM phones to be used in 150 countries worldwide. (See the coverage page for a current list.)

PlanetFone has a mobile solution for travelers to Japan, too. Click here for details!

Q: How do I rent a PlanetFone?

A: It's easy. Simply click here and apply online or call our toll-free number during business hours. We can take your order over the phone, or fax you an order form.

Q: I'm leaving on an overseas trip immediately. How soon can I get my PlanetFone?

A: We ship a ready-to-use PlanetFone directly to you at work or home via FedEx. Order today, and it will be in your hands tomorrow.

Q: Can I use my PlanetFone to send and receive e-mail and faxes with my laptop computer?

A: Yes. PlanetFone offers an optional PCMCIA data card which allows you connect your laptop to the cellular network in those countries which support data-communication services.

Q: Does PlanetFone have voice mail?

A: PlanetFone offers voice mail as part of the rental package. You are charged to retrieve the messages. If your PlanetFone is busy, turned off or out-of-area, The caller will be notified that you are unavailable, and the automated voice mail system offers the caller the instructions to leave you a message, the phone lets you know you have a message, you call a UK number to retrieve the message ; you have the opportunity to read and save the message.

Q: I have some other questions not addressed above. Who do I contact?

A: We'd be happy to discuss any PlanetFone questions you might have, or send you further information. Please use the contact information at the bottom of this page.