Now Available!
The Duet D888 Talk Abroad Dual SIM Card GSM Cell Phone from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Two SIM Cards Active at Same Time 
This highly anticipated travel Duet D888 Talk Abroad™ unlocked GSM cell phone from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ represents a major step forward in convenience and savings in overseas communications because it lets travelers maintain two active SIM card accounts in one phone simultaneously.
Imagine the convenience of keeping your T Mobile® or AT&T iPhone® number active while also being able to make or receive inexpensive calls from an Italy SIM or the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ international SIM card – at the same time without having to swap SIMs.
National Geographic™ Talk Abroad® Duet® Dual SIM Cell Phone Features:
- Tri-band GSM capabilities: 1900 MHz for N. America, 900/1800 MHz for international frequencies
- International battery charger, 110/220VAC, and plugs for US, Euro. and AUS
- Includes USB data cable and hands-free earpiece
- TWO batteries, pre-charged to 50% capacity included
- Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 player and stereo speakers
- 1 GB Micro SD memory card for storage of MP3s, phone book, calendar, photos, video and sound recordings
- Pre-loaded with stunning National Geographic™ videos, photos, wallpaper and ringtones
- Includes the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ international SIM card and $29 call credit! (see below for rates and zones)
Only $199
Also Sold Separately: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International Prepaid SIM Card
This multinational prepaid SIM is perfect for vacations, cruises, business trips, study abroad programs or any occasion when you need one phone number that roams seamlessly to multiple countries.
Key Features:
- The only international roaming SIM card from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™
- Pre-loaded with 30 minutes of talk time in 60 countries (in Zone 1 Countries)
- FREE incoming calls, calls to U.S. average $1 a minute (in Zone 1 Countries)
- Free 24-hour, U.S.-based customer service, balance check, credit top up
- Voice mail and text messaging service
- Pay-as-you-go service – no contracts, no overages, no bills
- Roams in 160 countries (rates vary)
- Comprehensive English language User’s Guide and wallet-sized pocket guide
- For use in SIM-unlocked, international GSM cell phones (GSM phone requires minimum 900/1800 MHz capabilities)*
*Product is SIM card only, GSM phone not included.
Only $49
Single Cell Phone Number in Multiple Countries
With a UK-based phone number, the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM offers cell phone service in over 160 countries around the world.
Regardless of where you are or when you cross the border your friends, family and business associates can reach you on a single overseas cell phone number. It’s simple and reliable.
Free Incoming Calls, Low Outgoing Rates
Did you know that most Europeans, Australians and others don’t pay for incoming calls on their cell phones? That’s because most overseas cell phones operate on a pay-as-you-go basis and under this system incoming calls are free to receive.
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ international SIM operates under the same type of service. In most countries in Europe, as well as in Australia, Israel, Brazil and all other Zone 1 countries [link to: zone 1 country list], incoming calls are free and outgoing calls to the U.S. and other Zone 1 countries are only $0.90 a minute to landlines, and $1.15/minute to cell phones.
Prepaid, or Pay-as-You-Go Service – No Bills, Fees, Roaming Charges or Overages
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM comes pre-loaded with $29 available outgoing call credit. When outgoing calls are made, per-minute charges are deducted from the available prepaid balance. When the outgoing call balance is low, you simply “top up” in increments of $29 using your credit card via a free call to the 24 hour customer service line. When your balance is zero, you can still receive free incoming calls in Zone 1 Countries [link to: zone 1 country list]!
Free 24/7 Customer Service
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM offers 24 hour, 365 day customer service from their U.S. call center. No matter where you are in the world, any time of day or night, you can check your remaining balance, add additional call credit and receive technical support.
Ultimate in Travel Convenience
With one international roaming cell phone number there’s no need for others to keep track of your travel itinerary, and you don’t have to inform anyone if there’s a change in your travel plans. Before you leave you can simply say, “While I’m overseas you can reach me on this number”.
Easy Planning from the Road
Making and confirming reservations, calling a taxi, and tracking lost luggage become much easier with a single phone number that travels with you.
A multinational SIM makes it very easy to make plans and deal with common travel contingencies during your trip abroad. Single country SIMs, pay phones and hotel phones don’t provide nearly as much freedom when you’re on the move.
For Use in Unlocked, GSM Phone with 900/1800 MHz Bands
Simply install the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) in the back of an unlocked GSM phone with 900/1800 MHz frequency capabilities (more frequencies are ok) and enjoy low rate service with one phone number in more than 160 countries.
SIM Card and GSM Cell Phone Basics
SIM = Subscriber Identity Module
GSM = Global System for Mobile Communications
A SIM card is an integrated circuit inlaid on a rectangular plastic chip with a notched corner that is installed in the back of a GSM cell phone. In GSM phones the SIM is the brain of the phone and determines which carrier network the phone operates on, the phone number in use, and tracks incoming and outgoing calls.
Two U.S. Cell Phone Companies Use GSM Phones and SIM Cards
GSM/SIM based cell phone carriers in the U.S. include AT&T and T Mobile.
Verizon and Sprint do not use GSM phones and do not have SIM cards.
GSM Phone Frequencies Differ Outside the United States
While two cell phone carriers in the U.S. use the GSM technology, U.S. GSM cell phones operate on different frequencies from GSM networks outside the U.S.
In the U.S. and Canada, the two GSM frequencies used are 850 and 1900 MHz.
In Europe and the rest of the world where GSM is used, the common GSM frequencies are 900 and 1800 MHz.
In order for a GSM phone to make or receive calls outside the U.S. and Canada, the phone must operate on at least the 900 and 1800 MHz GSM frequencies. More bands are fine too.
Phone Must be SIM Unlocked
In order for the cell phone to work with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM Card the GSM cell phones must be SIM “unlocked”. This means the cell phone can operate with any SIM and is not tied to a specific individual carrier, usually the carrier it was purchased through.
How do you know if your phone is Unlocked? The most reliable way is to insert a SIM card from another carrier. If you have an AT&T phone, insert a SIM from T Mobile and turn on the phone to see if it works. Or vice versa. Or insert the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM.
If the phone says, “SIM Error” or “Insert SIM” the phone is locked and will need to be unlocked prior to use with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM.
Or ask your cell phone provider or the person from whom you purchased or borrowed the phone if the phone is unlocked.
Luckily most carriers will unlock their customer’s cell phone upon customer request. There may also be information on the internet for unlocking your model handset.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International Prepaid SIM Card Country Zones and Calling Rates
Please see the list below for Co below for complete lists of country calling rates by Zones, including incoming and outgoing calling rates from and to the U.S and Canada, and when dialing out from within a country in a specified Zone.
Please note that in some Zone 1, 2 and 3 countries, it is still possible to receive free incoming calls if country name is denoted with an asterisk (*).
ZONE 1: Country List and Incoming and Outgoing Calling Rates
All incoming calls FREE, whether from U.S. or anywhere else when phone is in a Zone 1 country.
Outgoing rates of $0.90 a minute to U.S. and other country landlines and $1.15 a minute to U.S., Canada and other cell phones.
| Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Belgium Benin Bosnia/Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Bulgaria Colombia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Croatia Egypt Estonia Faeroe Islands Finland France Germany Ghana |
Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Isle Of Man Israel Italy Kenya Latvia Lebanon Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Morocco Mozambique Netherlands Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan |
Poland Portugal Romania Saudi Arabia Serbia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Spain Tanzania Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Tunisia Turkey |
ZONE 2: Country List and Incoming and Outgoing Calling Rates
Incoming calls when in a Zone 2 country are $0.90 a minute, or free in countries marked with an asterisk.
Outgoing rates to the U.S. and Canada and other countries are $1.45 per minute when calling from a Zone 2 country
|
Albania |
French Guiana Faroe Islands (Denmark)* French Guiana (France) Gambia Georgia Guam (U.S.) Guatemala Guinea Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong (China) Jordan Kenya* Venezuela Yemen Zambia |
Lebanon* Lesotho Liberia Libya Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malta* Martinique (France) Mauritania Mauritius Moldova Monaco Mongolia Morocco* Namibia New Zealand Zimbabwe |
Niger |
ZONE 3: Country List and Incoming and Outgoing Calling Rates
Incoming calls when in a Zone 3 country are $1.45 a minute, or free in countries marked with an asterisk.
Outgoing rates to the U.S. and Canada and other countries are $1.95 per minute when calling from a Zone 3 country.
|
Afghanistan |
Gabon Guadeloupe (France) Indonesia Iraq Kazakhstan Liechtenstein Malaysia Maldives Mali Montenegro Montserrat (U.K.) |
Mozambique* Nepal Nicaragua Panama Papua New Guinea Philippines Réunion (France) Russia Rwanda San Marino Sierra Leone |
Syria |
ZONE 4: Country List and Incoming and Outgoing Calling Rates
Incoming calls when in a Zone 4 country are $2.65 a minute.
Outgoing rates to the U.S. and Canada and other countries are $2.70 per minute when calling from a Zone 4 country
|
Anguilla (U.K.) |
Bermuda (U.K.) Bhutan Cambodia Canada Dominica East Timor |
French Polynesia Grenada Laos Macao (China) Mayotte (France) Mexico |
Myanmar/Burma |
Communication HQ FAQs
About Us
What Are Your Hours?
Is Sales Tax Charged?
What is Your Return Policy?
When Will My Order Ship/Arrive?
Does Someone Have to Sign for the Package/Can Package Be Left?
What is Timeline for Processing Online Orders?
Can I Use My Own FedEx Account Number?
Can I Choose UPS or USPS Shipping?
May I Pick Up My Order Near LAX?
How Can I Track My Order?
How Do I Cancel My Order?
What Are Your Cancellation Charges/Policy?
Do You Also Sell GSM Phones?
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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM Card FAQs
How do I Use the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM Card?
How Do I Make an Outgoing Call?
How do I call customer service, check balance, add Call Credit?
Is this a callback service?
How Do I Dial Customer Service from My GSM Phone with NG SIM in it?
Is it Cheaper to Use a Country Specific SIM Card?
How long does the Sim Service last?
How Does this Compare with Roaming with my U.S. Carrier?
Can I keep My U.S. Phone Number?
General GSM Cell Phone Prepaid SIM Card FAQs
What is a GSM Phone?
Will My Phone Work Overseas?
How Do Prepaid SIM Cards Work?
Communication HQ Answers
What are Your Hours?
When calling please leave a detailed voicemail message if your call is not answered and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Orders shipped to California addresses are charged 9.25% sales tax, regardless of credit card or payment billing address.
What is Your Return Policy?
Unopened SIMs may be returned within 60 days for refund
To be eligible for refund consideration, the perforated tear-open strip on the SIM packaging must be completely intact and unopened and SIM packaging must show no other signs of opening and/or tampering.
SIMs considered for refund must be new, unused and unopened and in “resalable as new” condition
The best route to a full refund is to communicate with us by phone quickly and honestly that a return is incoming and the reason for the return.
When will My Order Ship/Arrive?
Orders are shipped within 24 hours of payment Sunday through Thursday. This means they are given to UPS for shipment one day after order date (Monday through Friday).
UPs does not consider Saturday or Sunday a shipping day. “Overnight” packages ordered on Thursday will ship Friday for delivery Monday (next business day).
As a result, please ADD ONE DAY to order processing time when selecting shipping options.
For example, a 2-day shipment will usually arrive 3 days after the order is placed (to most urban and suburban addresses) due to one day for order processing, and 2 days for shipping transit time (to most zip codes).
Orders received on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will ship on Monday. Therefore the earliest an order placed on Friday, Saturday or Sunday will arrive is Tuesday, IF Overnight shipping is selected.
Does Someone Have to Be Home to Sign for the Package/Can Package Be Left without Signature?
The UPS driver has discretion over whether packages can be left out of the weather and in a safe location in terms of potential theft.
Packages left without signature are considered delivered.
What is Timeline for Processing Online Orders?
Typically orders are shipped within 24 hours of order placement and receipt of funds, especially if purchaser is a Verified PayPal Customer.
However….
Due to the prevalence of online and credit card related fraud, Communication HQ reserves the right to hold and not ship online and phone product orders until legitimacy of order is verified to the satisfaction of Communication HQ.
Instances of delayed shipping of online orders are rare and Communication HQ will work diligently to verify validity of order and process orders to ensure timely delivery whenever possible.
However, Communication HQ reserves the right to reject or refund online and phone orders at its sole discretion. Order rejection or refund may occur prior to product shipping without explanation and without incurring any responsibility, financial or otherwise, on the part of Communication HW to prospective customers under any circumstances.
Again, the best way to avoid shipping delays is to be responsive to, and communicative with, Communication HQ in verifying the shipping, ordering or payment details or other aspects of an order.
Stated simply: We Reserve the Right to Refuse Service to Anyone.
Can I Use My Own UPS Account
Due to potential fraud we cannot ship packages under another party's shipping account number. Customers in the Los Angeles area can schedule pick up near LAX by calling 1-800-383-9545.
Can I Choose another shipping company?
Not at this time. Currently we use only UPS for their speed, reliability and tracking abilities.
May I Pick Up My Order Near LAX?
Perhaps. Our office is near LAX. Please call (310) 464-7609 several days prior to pick up date to make pick up arrangements. Pick up orders do not pay shipping, however they do pay 9.25% local sales tax.You may track your order by entering the UPS tracking number you received via email from UPS.com.
Call us at 1-800-383-9545 to cancel your order.
What Are Your Order Cancellation/Order Change Policies?
Canceled orders that have not been picked up by the shipper will be fully refunded, including all shipping charges.
Orders in transit will have purchase price refunded, less shipping charges, upon receipt of unopened and unused product at our location.
Not at this time, however it is expected that NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ will soon release a dual SIM card GSM phone (capable of two active SIM cards at the same) called the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ Duet before the summer of 2009.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM Card Answers
How do I Use the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM Card?
(This question and all operational details are covered in the included User Guide)
First, after purchase and before use it is necessary that you register your NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM card with the service provider by calling 1-800-287-5072 from the U.S. or +1 310-862-7100 from any country. Activation service is available 24 hours a day.
How Do I Make an Outgoing Call?
(This question and all operational details are covered in the included User Guide)
To make an outgoing call, first dial 00 to gain an international line, and then enter the country code of the country you are calling, then the remainder of the phone number.
For example, the country code for the U.S. is 1. Therefore, to dial a U.S. phone number you would dial, 00 (or “+”), then 1-area code and seven digit phone number (+/00 1 310-555-1212 for example).
The “+” symbol often signifies the international calling prefix of “00”. In many phones simply press and hold the “0” key to obtain the “+” symbol prior to making an outgoing international call. With the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM Card all calls will require the full international dialing procedure, even calls within the U.K. or within the same country.
If pushing and holding “0” does not bring up the “00“ or “+” shortcut, simply enter “00” and the country code of the phone number you are dialing.
Again if you are calling the United States, dial “00” (to register an international call) then 1 (1 is the country code for the U.S.), then area code and phone number.
If you are in the U.K. and are dialing a U.K. number it is also necessary to dial “00” (or “+”) 44 (44 is the country code for the U.K.) and the rest of the phone number.
The country code is always required, even when making a call within the same country.
How Do I Call Customer Service, Check Balance, Add Credit?
(This question and all operational details are covered in the User Guide included with SIM card)
Dial 101 from the handset anytime to reach NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ customer service. This is always a free call from the handset from any country and will connect you with the customer service center located near Seattle, WA.
Is This A Callback Service?
(This question and all operational details are covered in the included User Guide)
In order to offer prepaid roaming service in over 160 countries, the phone will dial out, and then ring the handset back with an incoming call.
When an outgoing call is placed the service will check the available balance and after a few seconds (sometimes a few minutes) the phone will ring. Answer the phone as if answering a normal incoming call to connect the outgoing call.
Between dialing the outgoing call and the ringing of the phone as the call is connected, messages may appear on the phone display including, “call failed”, “please wait”, “number has been modified” or “not available”. This is normal.
Why do these messages appear? Because most unlocked GSM phones are not programmed to function with a SIM that operates in 160+ countries. Due to the unique worldwide service this SIM provides various GSM handsets will display pre-programmed messages during the SIMs outgoing call procedure.
How Do I Dial Customer Service from My GSM Phone with NG SIM in it?
(This question and all operational details are covered in the included User Guide)
- This question and all operation details are covered in the included User Guide
Dial
Is it Cheaper to Use a Country Specific SIM Card?
If you are traveling to only one country, and wish to have a local (to that country) phone number it may make sense to obtain a SIM from a local GSM carrier for that country.
The things to consider are whether you will cross the border at all, at which time your country-specific SIM may not function at all.
Another consideration is when is the next time you will travel abroad?
How Long Does the SIM Service Last?
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM phone number, service and remaining call credit is valid for one year (12 months) from the last time credit is added.
How Does this Compare with Roaming with my U.S. Carrier?
Whether You Have International Service Depends on if You Use a GSM Carrier and Have a World Phone
Whether you have service overseas at all depends on the cell phone and cell phone carrier you use in the U.S.
T-Mobile and AT&T use SIM cards and offer international roaming service, however, your phone must operate on the 900/1800 MHz frequencies for use outside the U.S.
Verizon, Sprint, Nextel, Cricket, Metro PCS and Boost Mobile handsets are not usually configured to work overseas.
IF your AT&T or T Mobile phone operates on the 900/1800 MHz frequencies it should operate in Europe and other overseas destinations. Rates will vary depending on country, but in Western Europe (comparable to Zone 1) the rate is likely to be about $1.00 a minute for incoming and outgoing calls.
The advantage of roaming with your U.S. cell phone (if you have the right phone and carrier) is being reachable on your U.S. phone number.
However many people prefer to avoid mundane local calls on their cell phone when they are on vacation overseas.
Roaming with a U.S. phone number overseas means remaining connected to the usual contacts from home during your time abroad. And paying about $1.00 a minute for all incoming calls.
Roaming with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM card allows you to establish a U.K. phone number. If contacts from home wish to reach you, they must dial a U.K. phone number. And the incoming call is free to you, regardless of how long the conversation lasts!
Also, the prepaid service means there is no bill with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ SIM card. All incoming calls are free in Zone 1 Countries and outgoing calls to the U.S. are deducted from the available $29 initial credit balance.
When the outgoing call credit balance runs out you can simply add another $29 of talk time, or take advantage of the free incoming calls (in many countries) when people call you.
Hey, it’s your vacation. Why should you come home to a big cell phone bill because your chatty brother in law called while you were in Italy?
With the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ Talk Abroad International SIM service you get free incoming calls in Europe and more. Let those chatty callers decide how long they want to talk with you when it means calling a number in the U.K. at no charge to you!
Can I keep My U.S. Phone Number?
At the moment you give up your U.S. cell phone number to take advantage of the low rates offered by the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM card, including free incoming calls in Zone 1 countries.
In the near future, Communication HQ expects to offer a Follow Me phone number that allows you to receive incoming calls when overseas from people dialing your normal U.S. phone number (additional international forwarding charges will apply).
The question to ask yourself is if you want to receive all your normal cell phone calls when paying roaming rates, and dealing with a time difference, during your vacation!
General GSM Cell Phone Prepaid SIM Card FAQs
GSM stands for "Global System for Mobile communications, the second generation digital technology originally developed for Europe but which now has in excess of 71 per cent of the world market. Initially developed for operation in the 900MHz band and subsequently modified for the 850, 1800 and 1900MHz bands. GSM originally stood for Groupe Speciale Mobile, the CEPT committee which began the GSM standardisation process." (source: gsmworld.com).
GSM phones operate by using a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card or chip. The SIM determines which carrier's service the phone is using. AT&T and T-Mobile are GSM carriers in the United States. All AT&T and T-Mobile phones have their company's SIM card installed in the back of their users' phones.
The SIM in a GSM phone determines the carrier providing service to the phone. The rates and contract depend on the agreement made between the customer and the carrier. The SIM simply makes the phone work on the carriers network. SIM cards can also store things such as address book phone numbers and contact information if the user has set those details to be stored to the SIM instead of the handset's memory.
Phone Must Operate on 900/1800 MHz GSM Frequencies
If your phone operates on the 900 and/or 1800 MHz frequencies (or "bands") your phone should work overseas. The service with which your phone operates overseas depends on the SIM card installed in the back of the phone at the time.
For example, AT&T and T-Mobile operate using SIM cards and GSM technology. However it is important to note that the GSM frequencies used in the United States are 850 and 1900 MHz and overseas GSM networks use 900/1800 MHz frequencies. Many phones today are "quad band" which means they operate on all four GSM frequencies used around the world, however consult your manual or call your service provider to be sure.
Phone Must be SIM Unlocked to use the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM.
A quad band phone with an AT&T SIM (such as the iPhone) will work overseas at the AT&T international roaming rates. The same is true with a quad band phone with a T-Mobile SIM. That phone will work overseas at T-Mobile's international roaming rates.
However whether these quad band phones will work with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM depends on whether the phone is "unlocked". An unlocked phone is a phone that will operate with any SIM card. The best way to know if a handset is unlocked is to insert another carrier's SIM and try to make a call. A locked phone won't allow the call and will display an error message such as "Insert SIM" or "SIM error". Usually T-Mobile and AT&T are willing to unlock their handsets and if not, there are sites online that provide unlocked codes.
With a unlocked, quad band cell phone you can roam with world without having to worry about coming home to a big phone bill. Remember, most carriers will charge international roaming rates for incoming calls to your cell phone when you are out of the country. The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM has free incoming calls in Western Europe and many other locations!
How Do Prepaid SIM Cards Work?
SIM cards are small plastic chips that fit in the back of GSM cell phones and allow the phone to connect to a carrier’s network. SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. It comes from the phone company and determines the carrier, the phone number, the rates charged and all other customer and account details.
Prepaid SIM cards begin with an initial credit balance. As calls are made, the per minute charges are deducted from the available balance. A voice or test message will usually alert customers when the balance is low. Or a free call can be made from the phone to check the balance. In most Western countries incoming calls are free, therefore customers can still receive unlimited incoming calls even when there is no available balance for outgoing calls.
To add more money to the account on a local country-specific SIM card (a SIM card from Italian cell phone company TIM, for example) you simply purchase a scratch off voucher, sold in various denominations, from any convenience store, magazine kiosk or cell phone store. The recharge vouchers look like prepaid calling cards sold at supermarket checkouts here in the U.S. They are small cardboard cards with a scratch-off panel on the back. Simply call the access number, enter the code from the voucher, and the card's denomination of credit is added to the account.
Since most Europeans, Australians, (Thai, Chinese, etc.) cell phone users use prepaid cell phones, the recharges vouchers are widely available and easy to find.
To add more credit to the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™ International SIM simply call the toll free customer service number any time and buy credit in $29 increments using a credit card.