How do cell phone work in the TRNC?

john1234


Joined: 20/04/2009
Posts: 321

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 23:32

Dear Friends,



I'm moving next month to Girne.

I've visited NC many times but have never lived there, can someone explain how the whole cell phone thing works there?

What do I do?



I appreciate for taking the time to educate me!



Sincerely,



John

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 23:41

Have you ever bought a cellphone in the UK? If so, no different from buying one in the TRNC. probably want to see your passport and proof of where you live.

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
28/06/2010 00:13

Go into Turkcell or Tellsim offices and find out rates. Manypeople pay as they go, and to have an account is a little more complicated, but possible from day one. Passport is a must!

If you want to buy a phone there are plenty of shops.

But be warned. Cost of phone calls here is not as cheap as other places, but getting better.

khristy


Joined: 14/05/2010
Posts: 181

Message Posted:
28/06/2010 00:48

can you buy a sim card and use a unblocked phone from uk ??

kimig


Joined: 04/02/2008
Posts: 103

Message Posted:
28/06/2010 05:27

khristy -YES and beer to do so, as they charge a (large) fortune for mobiles here

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
28/06/2010 07:21

You get the sim card from the operator and as for contract, I am not sure with Telsim but I was told by a Turkcell office that you could only have turkcell contract if you had residency.

Just go in and ask for a phone number, be sure to get it registered correctly in your name in which case I recommend using one of the proper offices, I did my first at Lemar which was simple however not registered and therefore not possible to make changes to it.

If you wish to have roaming, ask them and they will tell you how to do it but it can take a couple of days, if you want internet,mms and other facilities ask them to do it for you, it's free and most important of all, ask them to change the info pages to english. For the new folks, everytime you call or send a text with Turkcell you get a message telling you the credit use and remaining and also some offers and info pages come through but unless you ask they will be in Turkish, so , if you want English then ask.

john1234


Joined: 20/04/2009
Posts: 321

Message Posted:
29/06/2010 02:40

Thanks everyone,



I'm in the USA right now but will be over in 2 weeks.



I just want a simple, pay as you go thing...doe sit cost you money to receive calls as well?

Smity



Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 826

Message Posted:
29/06/2010 03:18

If you can get or your mobile works on any network then a pay as you go is the cheapest option

You can picjk a sim Card up from the Lemar in Kaeakum or there is a Phone shop at the top of the high tstree opposite the Samsung shop



Good Luck

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
29/06/2010 07:21

John1234,



"does it cost you money to receive calls as well?" Short answer no. You will not be roaming when you are here so there is no charge to receive a call.



Worth noting, it's very cheap to text from the TRNC using TurkCell and it appears not to matter if your text is going around the globe. TurkCell top-ups are much more expensive in Turkey so before visiting Turkey, top-up well here.

john1234


Joined: 20/04/2009
Posts: 321

Message Posted:
29/06/2010 07:50

Thanks everyone!