www.cellularabroad.com +1 310 862-7100

Please be sure to read these instructions prior to departing for Kenya.

If you experience any technical difficulties with your phone or SIM card and you do not contact Cellular Abroad for technical support by phone or by email during your trip, we cannot offer any refund or compensation.

Dialing information
Your phone needs to be an unlocked dual-band, tri-band or quad-band GSM phone capable of functioning on the 900/1800 MHz GSM band in order to accept the SIM card.

Your Kenya Cell to US: 000 – 1 – area code – phone number
US to Your Kenya Cell: 011 – 254 – 9-digit number (drop the 0 in the 10-digit number)
Your Kenya Cell Number to Kenya: area code - phone number
Kenya to Your Kenya Cell Number: area code - phone number

Important: US toll free numbers are not accessible from overseas. Be sure to get valid international numbers prior to your departure.

Please Note: There is no support for service when roaming outside of Kenya.

Rental Setup

• Make sure the phone is charged and the menu settings are in English.

For SIM Card Purchases Only
Snap out the SIM chip from the SIM card and insert the chip into your GSM Phone with the metal portion facing down as to make contact with the contact prongs.

• Make sure your wall charger is variable voltage, your phone is charged and the menu settings are in English.
• Do not lose the card taped to your SIM card packaging. It is a recharge card which you'll need to apply when you arrive in Kenya.
• Enter the PIN1 number indicated on the envelope to have access to the phone menus.  Consult your phone's user guide under "security", "PIN", or "SIM" to disable PIN lock.

PIN and PUK codes
The PIN (Personal Identification Number) code prevents unauthorized access to the SIM card in your phone. If you enter the PIN code incorrectly 3 times in a row, the SIM card will be blocked. To un-block the SIM card, you will need to enter the PUK (Personal Unlock Key) code. Please consult your manual for how to disable the PIN-check feature.

Activating Your Service

1. Turn on your phone
2. Since there is no initial credit, add credit with the recharge card taped to the SIM card packaging.
3. Your first call activates your service

Voice Mail
To retrieve messages and activate the voice mail system:

• Dial 111
• Follow the spoken prompts
• The default PIN is 1234

Checking Your Credit

1. Send SMS to 144 with text "balance"
2. Your credit will be displayed on your handset screen
3. This is a free SMS

Purchasing More Talk Time
Call credit can be added by purchasing Safaricom recharge cards. They are sold in various denominations at gas stations, post offices, supermarkets and any convenience store displaying the Safaricom logo as well as Safaricom retail stores.

Adding Talk Time
Even if you have zero credit - since incoming calls are always free - you will still be able to receive calls. Once you have purchased a recharge card, simply follow these easy instructions:

• Gently scratch off the protective coating to reveal your voucher code
• Dial 141 from your mobile phone
• Follow the instructions you hear to enter the 12-digit code number
• Upon successful entry of the code, your account will be credited

Troubleshooting
If you are unable to make or receive calls switch networks on your phone.  Consult your phone’s manual.  The steps will be like these:

• Menu > Settings/Setup > Network > Available Network/Change Network > Search
• Select a different network carrier than the one currently shown.

If you are receiving no reception bars, emergency calls only, SOS, or no service
check your phones band setting:  Consult your phone’s manual. The steps will be like these:

• Menu > Settings/Setup > Network > Network Setup >Band
• Make sure you select 900/1800

Customer Service
For network or service issues:

• Customer service for your Kenya prepaid SIM card is available free 24 hr/day by dialing 100 at any time from your Kenya cellular phone.

For hardware issues:

• Please contact Cellular Abroad at +310-862-7100 (24/7 English speaking reps) or via email at support@cellularabroad.com.

Calling Rates
Rates are based on per-minute charges. Your Kenya SIM will be on the Taifa Tariff plan. For up-to-date currency exchange rates, use the Currency Converter.

*Peak Hours are 8am to 8pm (weekdays).

*Off Peak Hours are 8pm to 8am (weekdays) & weekends (Fri. 8pm to Mon. 8am) & public holidays. (All rates are inclusive of 16% VAT & 10% Excise duty.)

All incoming calls and SMS messages are always FREE
SMS messages to other Safaricom customers are $0.07 for up to 160 character message. International SMS messages are $0.15.

Service Life
You must add call credit to your SIM card at least once every 12 months or your account and corresponding phone number will be deactivated. The 12 month period begins from the date of last recharge or initial activation. For outgoing call credit:

• 100 KSH rechare gives you 15 days
• 250 KSH recharge gives you 30 days
• 500 KSH gives you 60 days
• 1000 KSH gives you120 days
• 2500 KSH gives you 240 days
• 5000 KSH gives you 360 days
• 10000 KSH gives you 485 days

To inquire about the possibility of extending your SIM card’s service life while outside the SIM card’s country of origin contact the telecom provider's customer service, Cellular Abroad does not provide support for this feature.

You will find a copy of these instructions on our website at http://www.cellularabroad.com/kenyaSIMop.php.

Cellular Abroad is not responsible for typos, misinformation, change of service or menu prompts, lack of coverage or other possibilities that result in a lack of service or otherwise resulting in not being able to make or receive calls. We try to supply the most accurate information possible.  Carrier rates, service plans and related information can change without notice. If you find any discrepancies between these instructions and your actual experience with the phone service or if you have useful additional information, we would appreciate any clarifications, suggestions or corrections. Please send your comments to comments@cellularabroad.com.