Travel Tips: Cell Phone and Internet Phone Guide for Travelers

Cell phones have become a staple of American life. From kids to grandparents, nearly everyone has a cell phone. Whether it is used for convenience, social interaction or emergencies, we have become accustomed to having quick and easy access to family and friends. The utility is no different and perhaps even greater when traveling internationally.

Whether you need to notify a friend that you are running late for dinner or that your train is delayed, it can be useful. It is especially helpful if you are lost and need to call your travel companions or hotel for directions!

Use Your Current Cell Phone and Wireless Carrier Outside the US

If you have a cell phone, it may be possible to use your current phone when traveling outside the US. This is true of “tri- or quad-band” phones that work on multiple types of cell phone networks including GSM, TDMA and GPRS. These types of phones are sometimes called “international” or “world” phones because of their ability to be used internationally.

Having a tri- or quad-band international phone does not mean that your wireless service provider offers service in other countries. An example includes Verizon Wireless, which uses a proprietary transmission system (CDMA) that is only available in the US. Your Verizon phone may work in Europe, but Verizon does not provide wireless service outside of the US.

Other wireless carriers, including Cingular “The New AT&T”, Sprint and T-Mobile all provide international roaming with international phones. These services, however, are not without additional roaming fees, including calling charges of $1 to $4 per minute for both incoming and outgoing calls.

Some wireless carriers offer special discounts for international travelers. Cingular, for instance, allows subscribers to add an international calling plan prior to travel. Please visit http://www.cingular.com/international for more information.

Your cell phone number remains that same – friends in the US can call you using your local number but you will pay a per minute fee for the incoming call. Additionally, callers from outside the US will have to dial the US number and pay associated international long distance fees.

Use Your Current Phone and Purchase Foreign Wireless Service

Another option if you have Verizon Wireless or you just want a foreign wireless number for your travels is to purchase a pay-as-you-go plan at your destination. Virtually every wireless service provider offers this option. Purchasing the service is quick and can be completed easily at many electronics and wireless service stores available in most cities.

Be sure to ask about plan options, per minute costs for voice calls and SMS text messages, and other fees associated with roaming during your travels if you will be traveling through multiple countries.

After completing required paperwork documenting your name and address, (your passport may be required for proper identification) you will be given a SIM card. This card is placed in the phone, typically in a slot located under the battery. The SIM card connects your phone to the wireless carrier and provides your international phone number. SIM cards typically cost about 20 to 60 euros (€).

The pay-as-you-go service can be a little more expensive, but it offers the advantage of paying only for the minutes you need. Minutes can be recharged by calling the wireless provider, visiting a website or by purchasing a refill card available through many retailers.

Each wireless carrier has different requirements for keeping the number active. Typically, you have to use the phone credits within 6 to 18 months and keep the card “charged” with talk time or minutes.

Purchase or Rent International Phone

If you do not currently own a wireless phone or you are not able to roam internationally with your current wireless phone, another option is to purchase an inexpensive mobile phone. These can be purchased in the US prior to departure (see Phone Resources below) or once you arrive at your destination.

Internet Phone – Skype, Vonage, VoIP

For the tech savvy traveler, consider using Skype or Vonage services. Both services require a computer with a broadband or high speed internet connection. With Skype, you can communicate freely on the internet with other Skype users or you can “Skype-out” and use Skype to dial phone numbers around the world. International rates are very inexpensive.

Vonage offers a new service via a small device plugged into the USB-port on your laptop computer. For a low monthly fee, users can travel with phone access and place calls for low rates. Calls from the US to many European countries are free with unlimited calling plans.

International Travel with Your Phone

If you are planning to use your current phone while traveling, be sure to visit your wireless carriers website or call to confirm that your phone and service plan are set up for international roaming. You may need to add international service or adjust your phone settings.

Do you have other travel tips or suggestions? Please provide your feedback!

Safe and pleasant travels!

Thomas Talboy, PhD Classics, Director of Ubiquity International and Certified Destination Specialist for Italy and European Culture & Heritage.

E-mail Tom or visit http://www.ubiquityinternational.com/

Phone Resources

US Wireless Service Providers

Verizon

Cingular

Sprint

International Wireless Service Providers

GSM Operators & Coverage Maps

Purchase an International Phone in the US

Cingular

Mobal

Telestial

Rent Phone an International Phone

World Cell

Telestial

Planet Omni

Cell Hire

Internet Phone and VoIP Resources

Vonage

Skype