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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is difficult these days to find an inexpensive cell phone for purchase in Argentina and Uruguay. We therefore encourage students to consider the following:
\u2022 Students can opt to bring a cell phone from home. Before leaving for abroad, take the phone to your cell service provider and have it “unlocked” so that the SIM card can be switched out when you arrive. Students are advised to acquire a local SIM card during orientation with the assistance of the assistant director.
\u2022 If you choose to bring a phone from home, it is strongly advised that you bring an older phone with you. Cell phone theft is fairly common and you run a lower risk if you carry an older model with you. Students are also strongly encouraged to purchase insurance for their phone in the event of theft.
\u2022 Keep your domestic SIM card with you abroad so that you can switch the card when calling home. Calling internationally with a local SIM card is very expensive.
\u2022 WhatsApp is extremely common and it is mandatory that students download the app. Nevertheless, in an emergency situation, students should not send a WhatsApp message, but rather make a phone call. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For safety reasons, you are expected to have a local number and keep your phone charged, on, and with you at all times.<\/strong>\u00a0 The cost of this has been accounted for in your estimated personal expenses.\u00a0 It is of vital importance that the director and staff in Argentina and Uruguay always have your current phone number. For students in Argentina<\/strong>, if your cell provider in the U.S. offers an international plan that assures you will have access to service while abroad regardless of whether or not you are on WiFi, you may opt to maintain your U.S. phone number instead. However, if the program staff have any difficulty in contacting you with your U.S. number, you will be required to obtain a new SIM card with a local phone number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your cell phone is lost or stolen, it should be immediately reported to the program staff. In the event of an emergency, you should do your best to contact the program staff to let them know if you are alright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electronic products are often more expensive in Argentina and Uruguay than in the U.S., so if you use your regular phone from home while abroad and you lose it, it will be very costly to replace it with a similar model. If possible, bring an older phone to minimize the loss if it is stolen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not recommended that students have a cell phone shipped to them from the United States, as such a shipment will be subject to very high import and customs taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n