Calling from the Middle East with an American cell phone isn't the easiest task. But it's your cell phone, and if you want to make calls from Iraq or Jerusalem or Turkey or another Middle Eastern country, you should be able to use it. The key is to unlock your phone.
Instructions
1. Make sure your phone is enabled for GSM (Global System for Mobile communications). This means that your phone is identified by a SIM (subscriber identity module) card that is stuck in the back, usually behind the battery. Ask your provider or check the manual to see if you have a GSM.
2. Check to see if your phone is locked. This means that your cell phone company has restricted your service to their network. You can test this by popping out your SIM card and plugging in a friend's to see if you get on their network instead. If you get an error message, your phone is probably locked. If your phone is unlocked, skip to step 10.
3. Find an unlock code. Call your cellphone company, they might give you an unlock code (sometimes they'll charge a fee.) If this doesn't work, try the next steps.
4. Download software. Check around on the Internet for unlocking codes for your model of cell phone. There are also some sites that will charge a fee and help you through the process.
5. Find the serial number on your phone. This is usually printed underneath the battery. If you don't see it then look on the box or in your manual for a special number to call to find out your number.
6. Figure out your model number. This is usually somewhere in the name of the phone or printed on the box or included on your phone's information page.
7. Enter your serial number, manufacturer, model number and your serial number into the software you downloaded. You'll get a series of codes that contain letters, numbers and other characters.
8. Reboot your phone. The goal is to get to a place where you can enter your unlock code. Your manual might tell you how, or you can check the Internet. Try removing the SIM card and turning on your phone, too.
9. Enter in a code. If you bought a code, use that one. If you generated codes, you might have to try several before you find one that works.
10. Get a prepaid SIM card. You can buy these in country or beforehand. They work like prepaid phone cards, just plug them into your unlocked phone and you should be good to go.
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