Over the past two days I’ve run into two major tech issues. First of all, the guy at the Source who sold me this “universal” European power converter, obviously never had been in Switzerland. The Swiss have opted to use their own, very uniquely shaped double prong plug. Note to future travellers: don’t bother trying to find this plug in Canada, just buy it at the Airport or train station you arrive at. My new one cost me 30.- CHF.
Now, my major concern has been in finding a way to get my phone to work. Thinking I could outsmart Telus, I unlocked my Blackberry Bold 9780 before I left and dropped in at a Orange Switzerland (similar or Telus or Bell), to pick up a new SIM card and a minor prepaid plan. My major item of interest was to ensure that I had ample Internet connection as to communicate with the Whatsapp messenger, avoiding expensive international SMS fees. Well, Telus won the battle, as no matter how hard myself or the many Orange representatives tried we could not sync my Blackberry to their network. One employee stated that they had never seen a wireless company lock a phone in to such a level.
Luckily, I was able to pick up a surprisingly useful Acer Liquid smartphone, for just 120.-CHF. So far, I’m loving the Android system, and how helpful these Orange employees are. They even gave me instructions how how I could ditch their system when I go to Ireland. Now that’s caring for customers.