How To Use A Cellphone Abroad

March 19th, 2007 by Pia Taylor

Cellphone - photo by ratnesh bhatt

So, you’re heading off into the great unknown.

You have a few important things booked: flight ticket over, place to stay the first few nights, a few nights booked in all the likely-to-be-booked-out places (Munich around Oktoberfest, Pamplona during the Running of the Bulls).

You’re planning to wing it, mostly, and you’ll keep in touch via email, the occasional postcard, a social networking site like TripUp or travBuddy and occasionally even Skype.

But, you’re thinking, why not bring along a cellphone with you – just in case. Better to have it than not, after all.

These days cellphones aren’t just a way to get in touch, they’re also places to store travel guides and music, digital books and much more.

If you’re planning on using a phone, though, you’re going to need to make sure (before you go) that your phone is going to work overseas, what it’s likely to cost you, and what alternative sim card options are available where you’re going.

The New York Times has published guidelines for using cellphones abroad, covering everything from GSM vs CDMA technologies (incompatible with one another), temporary sim cards (cheaper than international roaming costs) and how to unlock a blocked cellphone.

Of course, if you haven’t already got a phone, you could always get hold of National Geographic’s affordable global travel cellphone, a global roaming device that’s perfect for the roaming backpacker.

Useful resources for backpackers:
Travel Insurance – instant, cheap travel insurance for backpackers
Cheap Hostels – find and book cheap hostels online.

(photo by ratnesh bhatt)

Posted in General Travel, Staying In Touch, Travel Tips & Planning