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Are you moving to another country in the new future and you would like to buy a new phone? Don’t rush! Read our must-know tips before buying any phone and make sure you can use it out of Nigeria! 

When we move to another country, the first thing that comes to our minds is: we have to make sure that we can call home regularly. So what do we do? We buy a good phone. But do you know that not all the phones work worldwide? Have you heard about GSM and CDMA networks? Read our tips before leaving Nigeria and avoid having to purchase two smartphones instead of one!

1. Check your destination country network

Currently, there are two major phone networks worldwide: GSM and CDMA. GSM network is the most common network worldwide. However, major countries such as USA, Russia or South Korea use a different network called CDMA.
The problem is that phones designed for a CDMA network do not work in a GSM network and vice versa. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a new phone, make sure it will work in your new country!

2. Unlock your phone

Plenty of people sign a contract with a home country provider. Normally they offer good deals for smartphones, but frequently these phones are “locked” because they can only operate with SIM cards of that provider.
As you never know when you will need your phone, make sure your phone is unlocked before your departure!

3. SIM cards and keeping your home phone number

Many expats, either because they will be for a short period abroad or to contact people easier when they are in their home country, want to keep their current phone number. If you wish to do, it is worth to check first with your current provider the roaming rates. Nowadays, international calls at inland prices are becoming popular in Europe and you might find good deals.

If this is not the case, you will need two SIM cards (but notice you might have to do this anyway even if you find a good roaming deal, as many people will not be willing to call you on a foreign number in your destination country!):

- Your home country SIM card: For this number, it is advisable that you change your current plan and you get a basic one, just to keep the line active.,
- A new SIM card for your new country of residence: At first, it is better to buy a prepaid SIM, as you can test the different companies and check if they have good networks in the area where you live. Once you are satisfied with one, then you might consider to set up a contract if the conditions are suitable for your needs and your assignment length.

4. Having a phone insurance

Even if you have never had a phone insurance in your home country,  when you are abroad you might attract much more attention, especially from highly-skilled thieves. Therefore, depending on the phone that you have, it might be advisable to have a phone insurance. In the end, it is so easy to forget it on a coffee table, on the train seat or even in the supermarket, when you are in a hurry with all your bags!

Would you like to know more tips to get ready for your international move? Read our top tips for a successful relocation! 

Moving abroad with your smartphone

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