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Mobile Phone
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Posted by: Torontoguy

Hello people. I'm a little stuck in my situation and I'm hoping if this forum can help me.

I've met a girl from Russia online for over 3 months now and no sign of scamming has been shown by her. We hope to meet sometime soon this summer. She recently moved back to her hometown and calling her has been difficult, as the connection isn't great and she is out and about most of the week. She wants to be in touch with me but said that it would be ideal if I got her a mobile phone so I can call her anytime.

Does anyone here know how much a mobile phone costs in Russia? She mentioned around $200USD.

I really don't want to think this is a scam as she has been very honest up to now, but life can kick you in the balls sometimes.

Thanks
Torontoguy

Posted by: AkMike

It probably would be high IMO. I saw phones going for 110ish
but they were top of the line ones. No clue though about the cost per minute in Ukraine.

Posted by: searcher

It depends upon where she lives.

In some cities, even medium size cities, the cost for certain items can be inflated.

I have seen some nice phones there for $400.... there are some that are less but they may not work well.

For example my lady HAD a Sony-Ericcson T-68. Some times she had problems receiving calls and SMS messages and I later discovered that the T-68 has some firmware problems.

I noticed when I was in Omsk some of the phones I saw in the stores had rather inflated prices.

Also, if a particular phone is easy for your lady to operate. It may be worth the cost, especially if she is not a person who understands technical matters

Posted by: rtking

In Kiev, the cheapest phones I saw were around 459 Gryvna... about $92 US Dollars. The most expensive were around 2900 Gryvna (almost $600 US Dollars.) You can buy a "djuice", "ace&base" SIM card (Kyivstar service) or UMC service SIM card for around 50 Gryvna, but I don't know how many minutes that gives you.

I might suggest that she borrow a home phone from her friends or parents and that you arrange a time each week that you call. And after you meet in the summer, you can buy her a phone if you'e so inclined.

Bob

Posted by: rtking

Quote:

Originally posted by searcher
For example my lady HAD a Sony-Ericcson T-68. Some times she had problems receiving calls and SMS messages and I later discovered that the T-68 has some firmware problems.

My T68i (that I used here in Los Angeles) sucked so badly that I retired it after 3 months even though I spent over $500 for it and the bluetooth headset. I have not encountered an acceptable Sony-Ericsson phone yet.

On the flip side, the NEC515 I have (quad-band GSM phone) is fantastic with AT&T's service being horrible. Olga's Siemens and Nokia phones have been very reliable for her in Ukraine.

Bob

Posted by: FlashingEyes

I would not buy a mobile phone for someone I haven't even met. Maybe you think this will make her like you more? But for most FSU women, such foolishness on your part will make it harder for them to respect you. After you meet her, you can take her out and buy her a phone. Don't even think about trying to buy one of the cheapest models. Most of these women are extremely style-conscious and would rather not have any phone than a cheap one.

Posted by: searcher

Quote:

Originally posted by rtking
My T68i (that I used here in Los Angeles) sucked so badly that I retired it after 3 months even though I spent over $500 for it and the bluetooth headset. I have not encountered an acceptable Sony-Ericsson phone yet.

On the flip side, the NEC515 I have (quad-band GSM phone) is fantastic with AT&T's service being horrible. Olga's Siemens and Nokia phones have been very reliable for her in Ukraine.

Bob

Yes, Nelly had a T68 but we got her a new phone.

A few weeks ago I got a Nokia 6600. It is a tri-band GSM phone. I wanted something that would work internationally and would work with my iBook (laptop).

Also, I agree with FlashingEyes, if you haven't met her it wouldn't be prudent to buy her a phone.

Posted by: mtbclay

I bought my GF a Siemens A60, or I should say I sent the money. She shopped around and bought it for about 100USD. I offered to buy her a more expensive phone but the is the one she chose. I consider this about the best 100 I have ever spent.

However given the brief time you have been corresponding I would avise against sending the money until you have met her in person.

Clay

Posted by: Torontoguy

Thanks for all your input as it confirms my gut feeling on what I should do. However, it would be hard to not feel her anxiousness to want to talk to me, and how hard it will be because I didn't buy her a phone. But despite this hardship, I know buying a phone without meeting is not right.

Anyone send birthday gifts to a RW without meeting yet? My lady friend's birthday just passed and I was thinking of sending her a little something. Would that be a bad idea?

Thanks
Torontoguy

Posted by: rtking

Torontoguy,

I'd recommend sending flowers for her birthday. Sure it may be a little expensive using a flower delivery service in Russia, but it serves two purposes: 1) You send her flowers for her belated birthday (and do so through a 3rd party); 2) you request that they take a photo of your lady with the flowers so you can a) verify that she received the flowers and, 2) verify that she does indeed exist at the address she gave you.

Bob