In Reply to: phone posted by keller on Saturday, 10. September 2005 at 22:06 Bali Time:
You could buy a cheap mobile phone here which is unlocked (most pre-paids are locked and you can't use them). I know Vodaphone sell mobiles which are not locked - I recently saw a Motorola flip in Vodaphone for $129 with $30 credit. You then take the unlocked phone to Bali and buy a bali sim card there - you can then make/receive calls and texts using that. This is probably the simplest option for you, if you like to be in touch the whole time. Another cheap option if you don't need to be 'at call' is to use the Wartels, you go into the shop and you can make cheap calls back home.
For myself, I have my Optus phone set to roaming, and I only use it to send/receive text messages which are same cost or cheaper as at home. The one thing is not to make/receive calls on roaming as the price is unbelievably high. This also includes receiving calls - you pay the cost of the call to be diverted. You must also remember to cancel all diverts (to mailbox etc) as even if anyone phones and leaves you a message - you are still charged for that call at roaming rates.
Reading on here, I gather the price of mobiles in Bali is not that much cheaper, but haven't tested this myself. The one thing to watch out for is that pre-paid phones from Telstra/Optus etc here are locked and you won't be able to use a bali sim card. Vodaphone is the only carrier I know that sells pre-paids which are not locked.
Clear as mud???