Wednesday, November 14, 2007
How To Find The Right International Cell Phone For You
Having an international cell phone with you while traveling abroad can make things much easier you can be instantly contactable, either with the folks back home, or to deal with your trip plans and reservations as you travel.
However, if you research on the Internet it can be a little overwhelming with the different options available.
In truth you really only have 3 main options with international cell phones, and the major factor that will affect your decision is whether you want the easiest and most convenient option, or the option that has the cheapest call rates, because you can only have one or the other.
1. Check if you can use your own cell phone
If you have the right type of cell phone, you may be able to use it when you travel abroad. If you are unsure then your carrier should be able to tell you. The advantage of taking your own cell phone is that you will keep your own number so it will be easy for friends to call you. However, using your own cell phone can be more expensive due to roaming charges (the extra charge added for routing the call abroad).
Conclusion potentially this offers the greatest convenience but be prepared that your calls will cost you more. The most likely outcome will be that your carrier does not offer an international service, or if they do, you do not own the right type of handset.
2. Rent an international cell phone
If you cannot use your own cell phone abroad then you can rent an international cell phone that will work, just for the period of your trip. The cost of the calls will vary, depending on what type of SIM card the rental phone uses. If it uses a global SIM card then your calls will be higher priced, but if you are traveling to a number of countries you will keep the same number. If it uses a local SIM card your calls will be cheaper, but you will need a different local SIM card for each country you plan to visit.
Conclusion rental sounds like a good idea, but you can now buy your own second cell phone, just for traveling, for the same price as one or two weeks' rental charges, so that might be a more cost efficient option for you.
3. Buy your own international cell phone
The cost to buy your own second cell phone, just for international travel, has now come within the reach of all travelers. As with renting an international cell phone, the cost of your calls will depend on what type of SIM card your phone uses. If you use a global SIM card, you will keep the same number in every country but your call charges will be a little higher. If you use local SIM cards you will get cheaper calls but have to buy a different one for each country you visit in the future this can start to get expensive if you are a frequent traveler.
Conclusion If you cannot use your own cell phone, buying a second one is generally more cost effective than renting every time. If you want a system that is easy to use then a global SIM card will be the best for you. If you bottom line is cheaper calls, and you are happy to put in a bit of effort to get them, then buy and phone and use local SIM cards (but don't overlook the cost to buy each individual SIM card when you do your price analysis).
Michael Furniss is the copywriter and newsletter editor for http://www.mobalrental.com, home of the $49 Mobal World Phone, where he writes about tips and advice on all aspects of travel, including international cell phones.Palladium Vallarta Trip Advisor
06 10 Child Drowns In Pool
2007 Golf Master Tournament
Pay For Less Shoes
Quick Sale Share Time
Direct Fireplace Gas Natural Vent
Apply Card Credit Macys
Italian Soccer Apparel
Wooden Sailing Ship
Bag Book Sling
0 Points
10 Issue Ls Magazine
How To Get Made On Mtv
Career Technology Center Of Lackawanna County
Company Phone Quest Site Web
0n Line Banking
Soccer Fields Johnson County
04 Beach California Rental Vacation
Bravo Farms Visalia
Dance High School Windsor
Chipotle Restaurant Menu
0 Down Home Loans
Leg Cancer
Chocolate
1 6 Doll Furniture House Scale
Air Flight Pet Travel
Making Halloween Dog Costume
Lyric Wildwood Flower June Carter Cash
1 2 Collar Dog Flea In Tick
1 102 Edge Radio Station
California Mobile Home Loan
Snow
Business Legal Travel
York Medical
No Direction Home Bob Dylan Dvd
Mobile Home Mover California
07 Toyota Truck Tundra
Camo Pool Ball
Jewelry Stone Setting
Kaunas Hotel Lithuania
Espn Radio Pittsburgh
0 3 Baby Costume Halloween Month
Wisconsin Dept Of Corrections
Weight Gain Diet Plan
1 A Day Weight Smart
Dallas Tennis Lesson
Bow Fishing Reel
Electric Coffee Mug
Repair Sail Tape
Magic Tree House
Global Management Marketing
1 Furniture Kid Pier Pier
Tumi Wallet
Insurance Long Island
Date Advice
1 800 Coupon Discount Flower
Airline Delta Flight Song
Macaroni Shrimp Salad
Bad Bad Credit Credit Fair Loan Mortgage Mortgage Refinance
Archaeology History
Pool House Design
Television
Real6
Property Garden Ridge Texas
Association Construction Florida South
Carlyle Restaurant
Freebies
Dying Of Cancer
Cosmetic
A New Pair Of Glasses
Cambridgeside Galleria
History Pilates
Airline Cheap Cheap Dirt Discounted Flight Fly Kho Samui Thailand Ticket Ticket Ticket Travel
2 Cordless Line Panasonic Phone
White Hot Chocolate
Bc Ranches
Shirt Table Tennis
Sea Creast Cape Cod
0 3885 Forex Learn Online Trading
Health Care Management Services
Sarah Mclachlan Remixed
Carona Hobbies Toys
Real16
Jesus And Mama
Sweet Potato Recipe
06 Can Dance So Think Tour
04 Gsxr
1 Furniture Kid Pier Pier
Affiliate Business Internet Marketing Online Program
Wooden Toy Pirate Ship
Plano Texas Real Estate
San Jose Massage Parlor
Farcry Walkthrough
Relationship Management
Panama Sailing Charter
Pokemon Toy For Sale
Philadelphia Daily News Obituary
1968 France Gall Music Shopping Yahoo
Com Mtv Tyrese
Asheville Nc Massage Parlor
Dead Sea Mineral Salt
Freebies
Chaise Lounge Design
Construction Defect Law
Midtown Grill Indianapolis
Luxury Villas Portugal
Corner Plasma Stands Tv
Marc Jacobs Perfume
0 Finance Credit Cards
Vob To Mp3
Food To Avoid On Low Cholesterol Diet
Will M
Hyannis Inn Travel
A Professional Conference Call
Contractor Lafayette Plumbing
Coffee Seed Kona
Minnetonka Fur Lined Moccasin Slippers
Holiday Inn Select Oakville
Lifetime Fitness Katy
1 Corinthians Chapter 13
Apartment Arizona Furnished Rent
Camera Computer Security Video
Duluth Georgia Home For Sale
Malignant Mesotheloma Asbestos Annapolis
Cosmetic Surgery Financing
Mud Wrestling Video
0844 Numbers
Psychic Line Employment
Code Free Funny Myspace Video
Psychic Contact
Lasik Manhattan
1 Apartment Cat Search
Vending Machine Bulk Candy Supplier
Crystal Mountain Lodge
Chinese Medicine Cancer Chemotherapy Detox
Night Club In Hollywood California
04 Cable Provider Tv
4 98 Fm Mirchi Radio
Cystic Fibrosis Disease
Red Carpet Hotel
Herpes Simple
Are We Living In The End Times
Benefits Customer Relationship Management Bpm
Hilton Head Beach And Tennis Club
Las Massage Outcall Vegas
Znp Bar
Car Snowing Beer
Tulip Art
Jamaica Port Antonio Villa
Luggage Golf Travel Bag
Personal Web Site Directory
Carpet Ma
Angeles California Halloween In Los Store
Dance
Joe Castillo
80 Black Ipod
Goal Hockey Mini Set
20 Mtv Top Video
2 Interleukin Malignant Mesothelioma Treatment
Best Advice
Business
100 Authentic Nike Air Jordans
Apartment
Purdue University West Lafayette Indiana
Condominium
Free Popular Piano Music
Ge Trash Compactor Bag
Fun Wheels
Chart Elliott Stock Theory Wave
Nm State Employee Credit Union
World War 2 Tank Commander
Care Dog Mukwonago
Asbestos Helpcom Attorney Peritoneal Mesotheloma
Award Europe Kanye Meltdown Mtv West
Career Guide In Insider Money Mouth Overs Theres Voice Where
Arizona Hiking In Sedona
10 Things I Hate About You Poem
1 102 Edge Radio Station
Sailing Warship Of The Us Navy
Niche
Banking
Country Home Party
Snow Machine Rental Houston
70 Anniversary
Life40
2008
Digital Satellite System Tv Xxasdf
1 Furniture Gallery
2002 Global Warming
203k Rehab Loan
Workplace Exercise
Piedmont Eye Center
Cheap London Hotel
Xbox Live Cancel How To
Directv Hdtv Reciever
Costume Store In Las Vegas
South City Grill Restaurant
Earth Lamp Salt
Life29
Pick Up Truck Best Gas Mileage
Business Money Raising Start
10 2007 Costume Halloween Top
Lot Man Perfume
06 07 Card Hockey Mcdonalds
Ahead Career Customize Develop Move Move Move Strategy Up Winning
Felt Christmas Stocking Kit
Decorative Wastebaskets
Fee Mystery No Shopping
Actor Canada Directory Entertainment Yahoo
California Health Healthy Insurance Quote
Custom Ncaa Football Jersey
Weights Net
Rehabilitation
Sed International
Kids Club
Free Cooking Magazine
Rainforest Cafe Recipes
04 Honda Accord
Candle Wholesale Wick Wood
Skincare
Integral Flash Drive
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever Chord
06 Soccer Tour World
Business Letter Marketing Sample
Car Colorado In Services Transport
Chocolate Cards
Html My Space Codes
1310 Radio Sports Ticket
Diabetes Information
Furniture And Gift Wholesale
Model Agentur
Antonio Home Nursing San Texas
Lsu Sports Network
000 20 League Sea Under
Vegetarian Wholesale Food
Entertainment Nightlife
1 Episode Garden Meteor
0 Three
Olympus Camera Repair
The Sundays
Job
Bio Rythem
La Fitness Valencia
Texas Trucks
Arkansas Psychics
Aapc Coding Exam Medical
06 Xbox Code Madden X
Teacher Retirement Party
Hotel Near Busch Garden
Black Cat Costume Halloween
144 Kriya Yoga Technique
Hobo International Mens Wallets
Dead Scroll Sea Seattle Wa
Footwear
Fidelity Income Investment Planner Retirement
Golf
Cartoon Network Free Game
Military Poster
Acd See
Newark Star Ledger Obituary
Investments
Accessory Celtic Decor Jewelry
Nelson Muntz
Tom Miranda
12 Part Spa
Taxes In Oregon
Minnesota Twins Baseball
Colorado White Collar Crime Lawyers
Firewall Manager
Komplexe Zahlen
Crystal Experiment Sugar
10 Mtv Top Video
Read2
1 Click Dvd Copy Serial
0 Interest
Condominium
American Express Job Site Web
60 60 Hike Mile Tampa Within
05 Fishing Tournament Walleye Wisconsin
06 Beach Bike Myrtle Week
Hartford Retirement
Holiday Inn Vancouver Center
Advantage Customer Management Relationship
Yahoo Historical Stock Quote
Coke Machine Mini Vending
Menu Restaurant Tara Thai
Card Online Phone Prepaid
Shoes
Nine West Wedge Boot
Bt Telephone Directory
Ballroom Competition Dance
Frankfort Germany
Diamond Earring Hoop Ruby
0 Apr Business Card Credit Instant Online Services
Oh Defensive Driving
Alliance Resale Share Time
0n Line Banking
2002 Global Warming
11 Cafe Del Mar
Beach Long Photographer Wedding
The Methodist Hospital
1 90
1 Customary Humanitarian International Law Rule Volume
Spongebob Costumes
Cooking Food Spanish
Aau Arkansas Basketball
Beyond Good And Evil For Ps2
The Great Wheel
Real1
Student Travel Guide
Northern Spotted Owl
Life6
100 Angeles Gabriels Hike In San Trail
America Baseball Brave Encyclopedia Encyclopedia North
Ronaldinho Soccer Clip
Location Of Michigan Unemployment Office
Bed Breakfast Home In Province Quebec
Sea World Whale Attack
International Prepaid Cards
1000 Hotel In Seattle
Hiking
05 Calendar
Cause Loss Memory Stress
Approval Mortgage New York
Travel
Celebrity Girl Baby Name
Angel Garden Statue
Kid Sing A Long
007 Nightfire Cheats
College Football Mix Tape
Jewelry Store Tiffany
Freebies
Karaoke Song Spanish
However, if you research on the Internet it can be a little overwhelming with the different options available.
In truth you really only have 3 main options with international cell phones, and the major factor that will affect your decision is whether you want the easiest and most convenient option, or the option that has the cheapest call rates, because you can only have one or the other.
1. Check if you can use your own cell phone
If you have the right type of cell phone, you may be able to use it when you travel abroad. If you are unsure then your carrier should be able to tell you. The advantage of taking your own cell phone is that you will keep your own number so it will be easy for friends to call you. However, using your own cell phone can be more expensive due to roaming charges (the extra charge added for routing the call abroad).
Conclusion potentially this offers the greatest convenience but be prepared that your calls will cost you more. The most likely outcome will be that your carrier does not offer an international service, or if they do, you do not own the right type of handset.
2. Rent an international cell phone
If you cannot use your own cell phone abroad then you can rent an international cell phone that will work, just for the period of your trip. The cost of the calls will vary, depending on what type of SIM card the rental phone uses. If it uses a global SIM card then your calls will be higher priced, but if you are traveling to a number of countries you will keep the same number. If it uses a local SIM card your calls will be cheaper, but you will need a different local SIM card for each country you plan to visit.
Conclusion rental sounds like a good idea, but you can now buy your own second cell phone, just for traveling, for the same price as one or two weeks' rental charges, so that might be a more cost efficient option for you.
3. Buy your own international cell phone
The cost to buy your own second cell phone, just for international travel, has now come within the reach of all travelers. As with renting an international cell phone, the cost of your calls will depend on what type of SIM card your phone uses. If you use a global SIM card, you will keep the same number in every country but your call charges will be a little higher. If you use local SIM cards you will get cheaper calls but have to buy a different one for each country you visit in the future this can start to get expensive if you are a frequent traveler.
Conclusion If you cannot use your own cell phone, buying a second one is generally more cost effective than renting every time. If you want a system that is easy to use then a global SIM card will be the best for you. If you bottom line is cheaper calls, and you are happy to put in a bit of effort to get them, then buy and phone and use local SIM cards (but don't overlook the cost to buy each individual SIM card when you do your price analysis).
Michael Furniss is the copywriter and newsletter editor for http://www.mobalrental.com, home of the $49 Mobal World Phone, where he writes about tips and advice on all aspects of travel, including international cell phones.Palladium Vallarta Trip Advisor
06 10 Child Drowns In Pool
2007 Golf Master Tournament
Pay For Less Shoes
Quick Sale Share Time
Direct Fireplace Gas Natural Vent
Apply Card Credit Macys
Italian Soccer Apparel
Wooden Sailing Ship
Bag Book Sling
0 Points
10 Issue Ls Magazine
How To Get Made On Mtv
Career Technology Center Of Lackawanna County
Company Phone Quest Site Web
0n Line Banking
Soccer Fields Johnson County
04 Beach California Rental Vacation
Bravo Farms Visalia
Dance High School Windsor
Chipotle Restaurant Menu
0 Down Home Loans
Leg Cancer
Chocolate
1 6 Doll Furniture House Scale
Air Flight Pet Travel
Making Halloween Dog Costume
Lyric Wildwood Flower June Carter Cash
1 2 Collar Dog Flea In Tick
1 102 Edge Radio Station
California Mobile Home Loan
Snow
Business Legal Travel
York Medical
No Direction Home Bob Dylan Dvd
Mobile Home Mover California
07 Toyota Truck Tundra
Camo Pool Ball
Jewelry Stone Setting
Kaunas Hotel Lithuania
Espn Radio Pittsburgh
0 3 Baby Costume Halloween Month
Wisconsin Dept Of Corrections
Weight Gain Diet Plan
1 A Day Weight Smart
Dallas Tennis Lesson
Bow Fishing Reel
Electric Coffee Mug
Repair Sail Tape
Magic Tree House
Global Management Marketing
1 Furniture Kid Pier Pier
Tumi Wallet
Insurance Long Island
Date Advice
1 800 Coupon Discount Flower
Airline Delta Flight Song
Macaroni Shrimp Salad
Bad Bad Credit Credit Fair Loan Mortgage Mortgage Refinance
Archaeology History
Pool House Design
Television
Real6
Property Garden Ridge Texas
Association Construction Florida South
Carlyle Restaurant
Freebies
Dying Of Cancer
Cosmetic
A New Pair Of Glasses
Cambridgeside Galleria
History Pilates
Airline Cheap Cheap Dirt Discounted Flight Fly Kho Samui Thailand Ticket Ticket Ticket Travel
2 Cordless Line Panasonic Phone
White Hot Chocolate
Bc Ranches
Shirt Table Tennis
Sea Creast Cape Cod
0 3885 Forex Learn Online Trading
Health Care Management Services
Sarah Mclachlan Remixed
Carona Hobbies Toys
Real16
Jesus And Mama
Sweet Potato Recipe
06 Can Dance So Think Tour
04 Gsxr
1 Furniture Kid Pier Pier
Affiliate Business Internet Marketing Online Program
Wooden Toy Pirate Ship
Plano Texas Real Estate
San Jose Massage Parlor
Farcry Walkthrough
Relationship Management
Panama Sailing Charter
Pokemon Toy For Sale
Philadelphia Daily News Obituary
1968 France Gall Music Shopping Yahoo
Com Mtv Tyrese
Asheville Nc Massage Parlor
Dead Sea Mineral Salt
Freebies
Chaise Lounge Design
Construction Defect Law
Midtown Grill Indianapolis
Luxury Villas Portugal
Corner Plasma Stands Tv
Marc Jacobs Perfume
0 Finance Credit Cards
Vob To Mp3
Food To Avoid On Low Cholesterol Diet
Will M
Hyannis Inn Travel
A Professional Conference Call
Contractor Lafayette Plumbing
Coffee Seed Kona
Minnetonka Fur Lined Moccasin Slippers
Holiday Inn Select Oakville
Lifetime Fitness Katy
1 Corinthians Chapter 13
Apartment Arizona Furnished Rent
Camera Computer Security Video
Duluth Georgia Home For Sale
Malignant Mesotheloma Asbestos Annapolis
Cosmetic Surgery Financing
Mud Wrestling Video
0844 Numbers
Psychic Line Employment
Code Free Funny Myspace Video
Psychic Contact
Lasik Manhattan
1 Apartment Cat Search
Vending Machine Bulk Candy Supplier
Crystal Mountain Lodge
Chinese Medicine Cancer Chemotherapy Detox
Night Club In Hollywood California
04 Cable Provider Tv
4 98 Fm Mirchi Radio
Cystic Fibrosis Disease
Red Carpet Hotel
Herpes Simple
Are We Living In The End Times
Benefits Customer Relationship Management Bpm
Hilton Head Beach And Tennis Club
Las Massage Outcall Vegas
Znp Bar
Car Snowing Beer
Tulip Art
Jamaica Port Antonio Villa
Luggage Golf Travel Bag
Personal Web Site Directory
Carpet Ma
Angeles California Halloween In Los Store
Dance
Joe Castillo
80 Black Ipod
Goal Hockey Mini Set
20 Mtv Top Video
2 Interleukin Malignant Mesothelioma Treatment
Best Advice
Business
100 Authentic Nike Air Jordans
Apartment
Purdue University West Lafayette Indiana
Condominium
Free Popular Piano Music
Ge Trash Compactor Bag
Fun Wheels
Chart Elliott Stock Theory Wave
Nm State Employee Credit Union
World War 2 Tank Commander
Care Dog Mukwonago
Asbestos Helpcom Attorney Peritoneal Mesotheloma
Award Europe Kanye Meltdown Mtv West
Career Guide In Insider Money Mouth Overs Theres Voice Where
Arizona Hiking In Sedona
10 Things I Hate About You Poem
1 102 Edge Radio Station
Sailing Warship Of The Us Navy
Niche
Banking
Country Home Party
Snow Machine Rental Houston
70 Anniversary
Life40
2008
Digital Satellite System Tv Xxasdf
1 Furniture Gallery
2002 Global Warming
203k Rehab Loan
Workplace Exercise
Piedmont Eye Center
Cheap London Hotel
Xbox Live Cancel How To
Directv Hdtv Reciever
Costume Store In Las Vegas
South City Grill Restaurant
Earth Lamp Salt
Life29
Pick Up Truck Best Gas Mileage
Business Money Raising Start
10 2007 Costume Halloween Top
Lot Man Perfume
06 07 Card Hockey Mcdonalds
Ahead Career Customize Develop Move Move Move Strategy Up Winning
Felt Christmas Stocking Kit
Decorative Wastebaskets
Fee Mystery No Shopping
Actor Canada Directory Entertainment Yahoo
California Health Healthy Insurance Quote
Custom Ncaa Football Jersey
Weights Net
Rehabilitation
Sed International
Kids Club
Free Cooking Magazine
Rainforest Cafe Recipes
04 Honda Accord
Candle Wholesale Wick Wood
Skincare
Integral Flash Drive
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever Chord
06 Soccer Tour World
Business Letter Marketing Sample
Car Colorado In Services Transport
Chocolate Cards
Html My Space Codes
1310 Radio Sports Ticket
Diabetes Information
Furniture And Gift Wholesale
Model Agentur
Antonio Home Nursing San Texas
Lsu Sports Network
000 20 League Sea Under
Vegetarian Wholesale Food
Entertainment Nightlife
1 Episode Garden Meteor
0 Three
Olympus Camera Repair
The Sundays
Job
Bio Rythem
La Fitness Valencia
Texas Trucks
Arkansas Psychics
Aapc Coding Exam Medical
06 Xbox Code Madden X
Teacher Retirement Party
Hotel Near Busch Garden
Black Cat Costume Halloween
144 Kriya Yoga Technique
Hobo International Mens Wallets
Dead Scroll Sea Seattle Wa
Footwear
Fidelity Income Investment Planner Retirement
Golf
Cartoon Network Free Game
Military Poster
Acd See
Newark Star Ledger Obituary
Investments
Accessory Celtic Decor Jewelry
Nelson Muntz
Tom Miranda
12 Part Spa
Taxes In Oregon
Minnesota Twins Baseball
Colorado White Collar Crime Lawyers
Firewall Manager
Komplexe Zahlen
Crystal Experiment Sugar
10 Mtv Top Video
Read2
1 Click Dvd Copy Serial
0 Interest
Condominium
American Express Job Site Web
60 60 Hike Mile Tampa Within
05 Fishing Tournament Walleye Wisconsin
06 Beach Bike Myrtle Week
Hartford Retirement
Holiday Inn Vancouver Center
Advantage Customer Management Relationship
Yahoo Historical Stock Quote
Coke Machine Mini Vending
Menu Restaurant Tara Thai
Card Online Phone Prepaid
Shoes
Nine West Wedge Boot
Bt Telephone Directory
Ballroom Competition Dance
Frankfort Germany
Diamond Earring Hoop Ruby
0 Apr Business Card Credit Instant Online Services
Oh Defensive Driving
Alliance Resale Share Time
0n Line Banking
2002 Global Warming
11 Cafe Del Mar
Beach Long Photographer Wedding
The Methodist Hospital
1 90
1 Customary Humanitarian International Law Rule Volume
Spongebob Costumes
Cooking Food Spanish
Aau Arkansas Basketball
Beyond Good And Evil For Ps2
The Great Wheel
Real1
Student Travel Guide
Northern Spotted Owl
Life6
100 Angeles Gabriels Hike In San Trail
America Baseball Brave Encyclopedia Encyclopedia North
Ronaldinho Soccer Clip
Location Of Michigan Unemployment Office
Bed Breakfast Home In Province Quebec
Sea World Whale Attack
International Prepaid Cards
1000 Hotel In Seattle
Hiking
05 Calendar
Cause Loss Memory Stress
Approval Mortgage New York
Travel
Celebrity Girl Baby Name
Angel Garden Statue
Kid Sing A Long
007 Nightfire Cheats
College Football Mix Tape
Jewelry Store Tiffany
Freebies
Karaoke Song Spanish
