Verizon International w/dual mode phone (CDMA/GSM)

[kilovolt]

Hi -

Is there anybody on the forum who has the dual mode (CDMA/GSM) feature activated on their account? I'd been with Cingular for years and used the international roaming just fine. But I moved this past summer and Cingular is incredibly awful in SF where I'm living, an I had to make the switch to VZ a month or so ago. VZ has been ok since I switched, but I haven't been overseas yet. I'm interested in getting one of the dual-mode phones, since I just got a cheapy phone to start with.

Here's my big question: when you are roaming overseas in GSM mode, do you still keep your same Verizon number that you have in the US? I've heard stories that they assign you a UK phone number and deal with the number routing behind the scenes. I want to make sure that people can dial my US Verizon number and have it route correctly to my phone while I'm overseas.

Also, when someone calls you while overseas in that country (ex: I am in Germany and a German coworker calls my while I am roaming) do they still dial the US number or does VZ assign you a new number to use?

I don't want to deal with the bs of prepaid sims, finding an unlocked phone, etc. I'm not as concerned about the phones themselves or the price since work pays for it(either the moto or sammy are fine), as to whether I keep the same number when roaming on GSM.

Thanks for your help

[Alias]

You have one phone number for the entire world as well as one voicemail linked to your US number. Go with the Moto unless you have specific reasons not to. My experience tells me the Sam had some issues. Cool thing is the roaming partner is Vodafone....I'm sure you are familiar....and I know you said cost was not the most important issue, but VZW has the lowest International rates.

[Sonic McTails]

In addition, if you don't go aboard too often, you can get a standalone GSM phone rental from Verizon I believe.

[Donkey]

If you want to own one, Verizon can order a Samsung duel band phone for you if they don't have one in the store. They used to have a Moto one as well, but discontinued.

[New2verizon]

I was on the web site and I believe I only saw 2 dual mode phones on there. Do you think they will make more models with CDMA/GSM?

[FullStrength]

Its cheaper just to get a prepaid phone, no matter what.

[classic695]

Its cheaper just to get a prepaid phone, no matter what.

While this comment didn't address the poster's question, prepaid phones may be cheaper, but not always the best option. There are many reasons for wanting one number that works everywhere, not wanting multiple phones, not wanting to bother with prepaid cards and recharging them, etc. If you or your company is willing to pay for the convenience, ease, and simplicity, then a prepaid phone is not a better option, even if cheaper.