Traveling? Stay in Touch with a Global Travel Phone!
Whether you're traveling to any continent on business, as a tourist, or learning for 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 Recommendations
Select from the following scenarios:
My Money Saving Tips
Global 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
International Cell Phone - Great Service & Price
Traveling? Learn which travel phone company is best for your needs. Rentals from $0.69 / day. Free incoming calls.
|
Traveling to Israel? Save money on an international cell phone!
Traveling to Israel? Save money on an international cell phone. Free incoming calls!
|
Going on a Cruise or a Remote Place? Save on an International Satellite Phone
Going on a Cruise or Some Remote Place? Read recommendations and tips on an International Satellite Phone. Free incoming calls!
|
Group Travel Phones
Find your group's travel phone registration page.
|
Travel Insurance
Compare travel insurance from companies for the best deal
|
Hey! Save money on a phone card
Phone card money saving tips . Save up to 60% on phone cards.
|
Save money on long distance rates
Money Saving Tips on Long Distance. Discount Rates on Domestic U.S.A. and International Long Distance Calls
|
Las Vegas Coupons -- No Cost!
Las Vegas no-cost coupons for casinos, restaurants, shops...These really are no-cost.
|
Discount vacation with nearly free resort hotel stays and discount books
Discount vacation with nearly free resort hotel stays and travel discount booklets from $10. Have fun in over 20 cities including Las Vegas, Orlando, Anaheim. 2 night hotel stay just $10, plus tax.
|
Flight tracker
Flight tracker. You can Watch a flight's trip progress in real-time. And, yikes, it's free.
|
Virtual Travel via Global Web Cams
Virtual travel around the world via global web cams - Free. See where you are going before you leave.
|
Country Profiles, Travel Security and Weather
See the profile, security issues, and weather of most any country in the world before you visit.
|
Passport and Visa Information
Don't wait...get no-cost passport & visa info before you travel abroad
|
Designated Giving
Add your disgnated giving charity to this list. I donate a portion of profits to charities designated by clients.
|
GlobalPhoneWiz Newsletter Signup
Subscribe to money saving travel tips e-zine newsletter.
|
Travel Agent - Rent Travel Phones 10% Commission
Travel Agent...Rent travel phones for 10% commission on both rental and usage.
|
Contact
Contact
|
|
