[AM2982]

I am thinking of changing to a blackberry because I am going abroad for 4 months and I heard you can BBM for free internationally. Can someone please give me some insight? Can I just use my phone for BBM while I am abroad? Can I use it with an international sim card or use the phone feature just for europe? Any information is helpful!

[joginder]

Yes, you can use the BBM while internation. Make sure that you carry a GSM quad band BB and the country provides BB Data plan. Also it needs to be UNLOCKED otherwise no other SIM will work on it.
What country you are heading to?

[AM2982]

Also would it be helpful to get an unlocked blackberry? Can u use bbm internationally with an unlocked phone?

[AM2982]

France so you what do you mean make sure the country provides BB data plan don't I set that up here?

[joginder]

If you are going to set up from here and use the SIM from US carrier there is no International SIM card as you mentioned in your post.
Basically if you are going to roan with you AT&T SIM then make sure that ATT enables the BB International BB data feature so when you land in France it will roam and you will have coverage..

I was thinking that you are going to get a local SIM card once you are in Paris and then use the prepay data plan or something likewise..

[Robi0413]

You need to change your ATT data plan to "Global Data" Package. Cost between 25$ and up, depends on how much you will use your email and BBM. Also change your phone service to ATT World for about $ 5.99. If your phone is NOT 3G capable you will not be able to send, receive or BBM both data and phone calls in most of the Eastern Euorpean countries. If you DO NOT add both of the above plans be prepared for a very expensive phone bill for at least 2 months after you return to the USA. And even with the plans, the international roaming charges from each country accumulates very quickly. Be prepared !

[Robi0413]

You should also know................nothing is ever for free !!

[zocster]

unless you are going to india or indonesia where they offer pay as you go blackberry by week, or month. Roaming charges on the BB is a real killer as we are talking data roaming, be warned!

[joginder]

Originally Posted by AM2982

Also would it be helpful to get an unlocked blackberry? Can u use bbm internationally with an unlocked phone?

Yes, once the blackberry is unlocked you can use any GSM SIM card and off course your will be able to use to BBM if the SIM card provider supports the data plan and BBM on its network.