Time zones alone can make keeping in contact challenging, so what is the best way to stay in touch while traveling internationally?INTERNATIONAL CALL PLAN
Most US carriers offer an international calling plan that provides you with a discounted rate for incoming, outgoing calls and text messaging. For example, ATT's international calling plans costs @ US$5.99/mth which would reduce a call from Argentina to the US from $2.29 to $1.99 a minute. Frankly there are better deals... read on...
RENT A CELL PHONE
You can rent a mobile (cell) phone that has a local phone number for the country you are visiting. If you are visiting multiple countries, or traveling there often, this may not be a good option (as you may want a more permanent phone number). Also signing a contract in a foreign language is not recommended! HOWEVER, there are companies where you can rent or buy the phones and plan in advance of your travels, and receive your phone prior to your departure. This is a good option... check out Telestial.
VOIP
Companies like Skype.com allow you to make and receive phone calls and text message via the internet (technically called voice over internet protocol or VOIP).
If you have internet access and are going away for a long time or travel frequently, a service like Skype may be the most cost effective, and offers continual service with the same phone number (especially important for business).
How it works... you buy a Skype online number (SkypeIn) in your home country, and download the Skype application to your computer (iPhone app also available- super cool!). When people in your home country dial that number they only pay for a standard call; you can pick up the call at no cost to you wherever in the world you are logged into Skype (or it goes to Skype voicemail). In turn you can make a phone call to anywhere in the world at very low rates @$0.02/minute! Skype to skype calls are free.
Drawback... you need internet service (on computer or iPhone) for it to operate.
PHONE CALLING CARD
Most phone cards have access numbers in nearly every country, which make them a great option for travelers. They can be used from nearly any phone, you can easily keep track of how much you have spent, and recharge without too much difficulty. Some phone card companies also have a VOIP service too (you log in to their web site to make a call). Note: some cruise ships, hotels and cell phone carriers block phone card use- check before buying. Just don't lose the card/number- treat it like cash! A prepaid calling card is always good to have as a backup to other options mentioned herein.
SIM CARD
That's the little removable rectangle card in your cell phone. Think of it like a phone card (with a lot of info on it) inside your mobile phone. You can purchase prepaid SIM cards that work in a specific country at their local phone rates, or a regional sim cards. Simply replace your existing sim with the one for the country you purchased.
SATELLITE PHONE
If you are traveling to a remote location where cell phone or land line service is not available, you can rent a satellite phone and be connected anywhere on the planet!
Your communication device decision boils down to -
a) how much you want to spend
b) is internet readily available
c) how long and frequently do you travel
d) frequency/length of communication
e) do you need easy incoming AND outgoing call access
... at the very least, you should always carry a prepaid calling card as a backup.
For more information and to purchase prepaid phone or SIM cards, rent international cell and satellite phones Click here
Happy trails!
kelsey@earhartadventures.com
Earhart Adventures LLC
You can rent an Iridium satellite phone from Cellhire. Incoming calls are free and rental is only £89 a month.
ReplyDeleteThey also have a good selection of SIMs and cell phones for foreign travel providing local numbers/airtimes and lower roaming charges. Incoming numbers are also often free.