Cyprus-Forum.com

[Supertrotter]

Apologies if this has been covered off before but both my wife and I will need mobile phones when we move to Cyprus.

Which are the recommended networks and what is the availability of new high spec phones like?

I really fancy a Nokia N80.

Can you get phones in UK and make them compatible with Cypriot providers?

Thanks

[michalis5354]

I have 2 mobiles one bought in UK with a UK card and another bought in Cyprus with Cy card. I have been told that as long as my UK mobile is new - purchased recently- I can not make it compatible with Cyprus providers.

I have not tried placing the Cy card in the UK mobile yet but I will do this as I need to have my UK mobile unlocked for some reason.The man told me I Will not have any problem with it since my uk mobile was purchased 2 years ago and is not classified as new!

[alice_d]

I bought an Areeba pay and go sim card on my last visit to Cyprus and it worked in both of my Uk phones - a V3 Razr and Sony W810i

[Snad]

HI,
Always go for Areeba, you get so much more than with Cyta.
You get the same 3cyp free with a sim card, but on Areeba you get 30 text messages free, you can access delivery reports. you can't on Cyta and best of all, the Areeba shops don't close at 1 everyday, as they are not government run.

[Supertrotter]

What do most people do? Contract or pay as you go?

What would I need to be able to get a contract as niether of us will actually be working, but trading the markets with off shore money.

[wagster]

What do most people do? Contract or pay as you go?

What would I need to be able to get a contract as niether of us will actually be working, but trading the markets with off shore money.

I have had payg since i first arrived 4 years ago and the cheap call and text costs and not being a big user keeps me from going monthly.

Here is the link for Areeba giving info on how to signup to monthly plans
http://www.areeba.com.cy/Sub3.aspx?ID=139&MID=57&FirstParentID=53

Cyta mobile which is now run by Vodafone doesnt help very much but here is the link to help you http://www.cytamobile-vodafone.com/default.asp?id=83

Personally if you are going to have a phone line installed i would go with payg.

As to phone compatibility any phone should work as long as it has been unlocked to accept any sim card.

[coredump]

What would I need to be able to get a contract as niether of us will actually be working, but trading the markets with off shore money.

Areeba asks CYP100 deposit for local calls + CYP300 if you want international calls (and roaming?) to be enabled. They do not require deposits from Cypriot nationals and companies incorporated in Cyprus.

[cyprusgrump]

Most UK purchased ‘phones will accept a Cypriot SIM card unless they are PAYG in the UK in my experience.

I’m with Cyta – while Areeba are up-and-coming they don’t have the coverage of Cyta yet – especially if you are away from the big towns. It’s a bit like Orange in the UK when they first came out.

[bungle]

Europe adheres to GSM standards for mobiles so any combination of unlocked phone & GSM SIM card should work. If CYTA/Areeba say otherwise they're just talking nonsense and are simply trying to sell you a new phone which due to the lack of operator handset subsidies here in Cyprus makes them substantial $.

It is possible to get all the latest Symbian smartphones & toys such as the N80 and Nokia E Series over here from numerous sources. Alternaitvely buy it in the UK before you come over but prices are about the same from what I can see.

The one drawback of Areeba when we moved to Cyprus from the UK in Augutst 05 was the lack of integration with Vodafone - meaning you can't send/receive texts to Vodafone subscribers overseas. Given CYTA is now Vodafone branded I expect this is still the status quo but may be wrong.

Hope this helps.

[Snad]

Europe adheres to GSM standards for mobiles so any combination of unlocked phone & GSM SIM card should work. If CYTA/Areeba say otherwise they're just talking nonsense and are simply trying to sell you a new phone which due to the lack of operator handset subsidies here in Cyprus makes them substantial $.

It is possible to get all the latest Symbian smartphones & toys such as the N80 and Nokia E Series over here from numerous sources. Alternaitvely buy it in the UK before you come over but prices are about the same from what I can see.

The one drawback of Areeba when we moved to Cyprus from the UK in Augutst 05 was the lack of integration with Vodafone - meaning you can't send/receive texts to Vodafone subscribers overseas. Given CYTA is now Vodafone branded I expect this is still the status quo but may be wrong.

Hope this helps.