Alternatives to GSM Cell Phones
If you need to contact your loved ones every day and don't make millions, you will probably want to look at alternatives to buying or renting an unlocked cell phone. Your options will vary, depending on where you plan to travel and the technology available to you and your family and friends back home. Here are some options to consider:
- Prepaid Phone Cards. In many countries, you can purchase prepaid international phone cards from tobacco shops or other outlets. These cards can be used at pay phones or from your hotel. To use them, you dial an in-country number and then enter a multi-digit PIN. Once you get a second dial tone, you can dial a telephone number and you'll pay the rate on your phone card's plan. Be sure to ask your hotel's staff about per-call fees before you dial from your room.
- VoIP / Skype. If you're taking a laptop or netbook on your trip, get a Skype account, buy a headset and have your family and friends do the same. Turn on your laptop and you're ready to make phone calls. You'll be able to talk with other Skype users for free via VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Skype works for military families with deployed loved ones, and it can work for you, too. Remember that you'll need some kind of international Internet access for your laptop, which, unfortunately, probably won't be free.
- Email. Again, you'll need some way to get online periodically to send emails and photos, but you can type up your emails before going on line to keep your usage to a minimum. Your emails, when compiled, will also serve as a wonderful travel journal.
