SIM cards, SIM cards everywhere

Seems I am collecting a stack of SIM cards as I hop from one Asian country to the next. In my possession, I have 4 SIM cards so far. These cards allow my to use the local mobile network to make calls and SMS messages both locally and internationally. This approach is very economical. And the process is so painless and cheap.

In Macau, I picked up a Macau SIM card which included MOP$20.00 calling credit for less than CAD$10.00; I plugged into my 'unlocked' Nokia phone; 1 minute later, my Macau mobile number was activated and lived. To send International SMS messages, my cost was MOP$1.00. Rather than the CAD$1.00 or so from Rogers. In Hong Kong, I bought one for HK$100.00 but this included more credit. And I bought it from a 7-11. Same process, short and painless. In China, well that was a bit more paper process. I could buy a SIM card on the street but I would not know whether it was a stolen number or not. So, visited a China Mobile office. They took a copy of my ID card and RMB$100.00 later; done. Singapore, same easy process except you need to show your ID and your Mobile number is linked to your ID card electronically somewhere in that vast database of the Singaporean gov't. The best among all the local Mobile numbers is the Singaporean one, I get to make FREE international LD call to China, HOng Kong, Macau, US, Canada amongst others until end of December this year. There are some quirks with each local SIM card. China one, you need to apply in order to make LD calls even inside China. Macau, same thing. I can use any one of those SIM card to "roam" other countries and use; but very expensive. The HK one is automatically roaming; but very expensive. And it does not work if trying to dial in Macau; but SMS messages work, sending and receiving. I can even answer calls but not calling. Go figure.

Yes, all Mobile phones being sold here in Asia is unlocked. No need to be restricted like in the US or Canada.

By using local SIM card, I am saving a pile; specially when I am in Singapore, I can just call whenever I wish. Next will get a mobile phone that has wireless access so I can do Skype. Maybe. Perhaps an unlocked iPhone though. Stay tune.