Traveling? Stay in
Touch with a Global Travel Phone!Whether you're
traveling to any continent on business, as a tourist, or
learning f or one week or 50 weeks, just follow my
recommendations for a quality global cell phone, a
satellite phone, a phone card, and discount long
distance.
We all love the convenience of mobile phones. I carried this
to an extreme once...while riding a camel in Israel, I called
my wife, Lida, in Los Angeles!
My Travel Phone RecommendationsSelect
from the following scenarios:
My Money Saving TipsGlobal cell phone
costs vary around the globe because even with the increasing
popularity of cellular phones and technological advances,
countries have different cell phone standards, different cell
networks, or have limited or no cell access. You can save money
by making sure you know what to ask and by following my
recommendations. One international cell phone rental company
may have access to local rates in England, whereas another
company may not. This could save you $2.00 per minute in calls.
Is it cheaper to rent or purchase an international cell
phone? Humm, let's see.
- If you already have a GSM (Global System for Mobile
Communication) international cell phone, you can swap your
existing SIM card with a SIM card for the country you will
visit. However, your GSM cell phone must be unlocked
in order to use another type of CIM card. You can
buy the new SIM card before you go
on your trip.
- If you don't already have a GSM international cell
phone AND you are staying for at least a month and/or you
regularly travel internationally, you can buy a GSM phone, then buy or rent a
SIM card for the country you will visit. This would
still be less expensive than a straight rental and
paying the high rates per minute. Actually, owning your
own GSM international cell phone in the U.S.A. today is
easy since cell phone carriers in the U.S.A., such as
AT&T, Cingular, and T-Mobile now offer tri-band GSM
international phones from vendors like Ericsson,
Motorola, and Nokia. Just make sure you buy an
international cell phone so you can use the phone in
both the USA and other countries.
Are there different rates for short or long term
rentals?
Don't forget to check to see if the international cell phone
provider has discounts for long term rates. Also, they might
have free minutes as part of the long term rates. Some
providers will give a discount for students, too. Be sure that
if you are studying abroad for 10 months, don't sign up for a
year contract.
Are rates for calling home to the U.S.A. or Canada the
same for all companies?
An international cell phone company may offer low daily or
monthly rates or low local rates, but may have high per minute
rates to the USA and Canada for international cell phone
rental.
Can I get free or discount calls to cell phones on the
same carrier?
Some international cell phone carriers offer free or discounted
minutes when calling cell phones on the same carrier or between
walkie-talkie type calls. These discounts may vary between
short and long term contracts.
How can I compare prices on international cell phone
rental rates?
When comparing rates, compare apples to apples; phones to
phones, be sure to compare like models of phones. An
international cell phone that has a color screen, has Internet
access, or has PDA capabilities may rent for twice or three
times a simple model.
Free cell phone accessories
When renting an international cell phone, make sure that you do
not have to pay extra for the battery, battery charger, case,
and belt holster. Ask to have these items included in the
costs.
Free incoming calls?
Some international cell phone vendors don't charge for incoming
calls for select countries. Yes, zilch, zero, nada, shum
devar!
Will buying insurance save you money?
I recommend that you buy insurance in case you lose or damage
the international cell phone, otherwise you will be liable for
about $350. Some companies include insurance in their
international cell phone rental rates, while others have costs
starting at $0.25 per day.
Going on a cruise or where there is no international cell
phone service?
When traveling on a cruise or in remote areas, international
cell phones may not work. Fortunately, by renting or buying an
satellite phone, you are no longer at
the mercy of non-existent or limited local wireless
telephone infrastructure. Because of their special
technology, international satellite phone rates are usually
higher than other types of phones -
Weekly rental fee = $149.00
Outgoing calls = $2.49 / minute.
Incoming calls = Free
How can I save money when calling an international cell
phone from a U.S.A. landline phone?
I can save you money when you, business associates, family, or
friends make direct-dial long distance calls or when
using a phone card. Rates are unbelievable low
-- from 2 cents per minute!
Cheers, Adios, Adieu, Ciao, Aloha, Sayonara, Shalom,
Paul Nisenbaum
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