Flashing the cellular phone
by Estella
(Mountain View, Ca)
I am traveling to Guatemala in April, of this year, of course. Can someone tell me what does it mean the process of flashing a cellular?
Muchas gracias,
Ms. Lewis
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Thanks for your question! Flashing a cell phone refers to unlocking it so that the phone can be used by a company that is not its original carrier. For example, my wife acquired an Iphone in the United States while we were on vacation there. It's original contract was with AT&t, but when we returned to Guatemala, we took it to a local cell phone stand, and they "flashed" it. It cost 150 quetzales (less than $20) and took a day or so and it works fine.
In the US, this process can cost upwards of $40, so if you know you want to do it, bring it down and do it here, but ask around for a trustworthy shop, as cell phone theft is a problem here.
If you're planning to return to the US with the same phone, I would hesitate to do this, because it may not work with the original carrier (but probably will). A basic cell phone here can be purchase for Q100 with a SIM card - you just have to pay for the minutes.
Good luck on your trip, and be sure to tell us about it when you get back!
