Review: WorldSim – Global Roaming Sim

WorldSim is one of a number of service providers seeking to reduce roaming telephone call costs for travellers.  WorldSim is sold via their web site and also on a number of airlines.

The service is based upon a pay as you go Sim card, so you will need an unlocked GSM mobile phone.  It is a standard Sim card so won’t operate in your IPhone unless you get out the scissors!

The Sim comes with both UK and US telephone numbers so it is possible to receive calls in these countries without having to pay.

Outbound calls are made via the WorldSim service and not directly from the telephone.  To make a call the users dials the required number using the full international dialling code and a + at the start.  The call will then drop, an incoming call will be received from WorldSim which will then connect to the required number.  In other words, an outgoing call becomes an incoming call.

The service operates on the basis that the cost to receive a call plus the cost to make the call to your required destination, is lower than the typical cost to make a roaming outbound call.

This type of service has been available from PBX manufacturers such as Avaya and Alcatel for some time and works reasonably well.  However, it takes a bit of getting used to and can be frustrating given the extended time it takes to set-up a call.  However, in our limited tests, we had poor call quality on calls made via the WorldSim service.

The main limitation of WorldSim is the lack of data options, which are often the biggest cost when travelling.  However, it does work for voice calls and can reduce costs but the specific cost case needs to be compared carefully against the corporate roaming tariff.

WorldSim is available from www.worldsim.com.  Many other options similar to Worldsim exist ( e.g. Truphone ), BBW we can help you assess the most appropriate solution for your travelling users.