Travel Guide

Guide To International Travel – Communications

a screenshot of a phone
Written by Charlie

Thanks to miles and points, many people have traveled the world for what others pay to travel to a different state in the US. With them, many of us have gotten to enjoy learning and experiencing many countries and cultures. However, with all of those experiences, we sometimes forget that there are many aspects of international travel that can be confusing to people just starting out. Hopefully this multi-part Guide To International Travel will help to simplify things for the travelers just starting out to explore our world. Previous parts covered – guide to international travel – passport, guide to international travel – visas, guide to international travel – global entryand guide to international travel – driving.

Guide To International Travel – Communications

I remember my first international trip back in 2000 (yes, I know – I am a late bloomer to global travel!). A bunch of us went on a tour and to keep in contact with our families back home and let them follow along in our travels, we had what we would now call a blog :). It was just a way to put updates and pictures so others could travel along with us. I still remember loading the 3 1/2 inch disk from the camera into the computer to upload the photos from a very weak internet connection. Forget trying to use a cell phone – way too expensive and hard to get a hold of.

Well, those days of travel are gone. In fact, if we do not stay connected while traveling people wonder what is wrong with us! Fortunately, there are many options to keep us connected with family and work while abroad. Some are good and some are most certainly not. Here is what you need to know so that you are prepared to stay connected.

Will Your Cell Phone Provider Work Overseas?

All major US cellular companies do offer global plans. They are just limited in their offering (with one exception). Here is an overview of what they offer and the cost.

Data

[table “” not found /]

One additional note about those plans is that T-Mobile offers free, unlimited 2G data to customers on their Simple Choice Plans. Those plans start at $50 a month. Technically, you could sign-up for one of those plans for the time when you are out of the country if you do not mind paying the $50 + tax (if you are not already a T-Mobile customer). From all accounts, the T-Mobile speed on that plan is quite slow.

Voice

When it comes to voice options, they are more regionally variant. The different carriers can offer different rates by country and/or region. For more of the particulars, check the various websites for the carriers – AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

[table “” not found /]

Using Local SIM Cards and Service

It is definitely cheaper to use local SIM cards from local cell providers. This is easily the best route to go if you are visiting one country for at least one week. If you are going to go this route, there are some things to consider.

Things to know:

  • You will need an unlocked GSM cellphone (GSM is the type of cellular technology that is most used around the world – Verizon and Sprint operate on CDMA networks and AT&T and T-Mobile operate on GSM networks) more on unlocked phones later
  • Prepaid plans are plentiful around the world and much easier to obtain than in the US
  • You will need to show your passport when signing up for the plan
  • Rates in country are very cheap and many countries have free incoming calls
  • You will never pay overage amounts as you have prepaid

Cons:

  • It requires going to an actual location so you may not have service immediately after arriving (though many countries have carriers available in the arrival halls of the airports)
  • You may not understand what is available with the plan (data pulls from minutes, messages are not included)

Local phone service is really cheap. In Greece, I can get 500MB of data and 300 minutes around the country for only $13 for a month. That price is typical for locations all over Europe and can be cheaper in other countries. It definitely beats using your US cell service!

Using International Providers

There are several providers that give you a balance between using your own provider or a local service. It could be the best choice for the traveler that is in different countries for a week or less. I have used some of these services and have not had a problem. The cheapest of the services are able to offer the prices they have because of a callback function – you call the desired phone number, the service dials it for you, and then calls you back to make the call. A couple of extra steps, but it provides much lower rates.

Screen Shot 2014-08-01 at 12.43.52 AM

The rates for these providers can be as low as $.05 per minute to some countries or average around $.50 to multiple countries. That is much cheaper than US based providers! Here are some of the providers:

There are many others, but those should be a good start. You can also order country-specific cards from some of those companies.

There is one other option which should be considered, but it is currently in beta. It is called Cell-Buddy and you can read more about it here.

Using WiFi Only 

Of course, it is possible to take advantage of the huge amount of free wireless available around the world and just use apps like Viber, Google Voice, Skype, or FaceTime to connect with the people you need to speak with.

Internet is everywhere and access to it can be free (or, at least cheap). If you do not need communications wherever you are during your visit, you can use those apps as needed when you are connected. My app of choice when traveling is FaceTime because everyone I know and keep in contact with have Apple devices. When I needed to, I used Google Voice.

Unlocked Cell Phones

Of course, all of the above is dependent on you having an unlocked cell phone. What that means is that your phone will accept a SIM card from a different carrier. Normally, phones sold in the US are locked to the original provider. It is possible to get them unlocked by the carrier (under various circumstances) or pay for an unlock code (can be had for around $20).

This means that you can use an AT&T and T-Mobile phone globally as long as it is unlocked. If you have a Verizon world phone or a 4G phone, you can also use it globally as long as it is unlocked. Even though Verizon is a CDMA carrier (and not GSM like most of the world), the 4G service requires a SIM card that allows it to be used on GSM networks. Sprint’s phones are mostly unable to be even unlocked to work with other carriers. Many of their phones actually have the SIM glued into place. Any of their phones that are marked as global phones (like their Blackberry devices) can be used overseas.

What if you do not have a phone capable of being unlocked or you do not want to take your expensive smartphone with you on your trip? There are options! If you try to buy an unlocked phone from the normal sources (your carrier, Best Buy, Amazon, etc), even a “feature” phone (not a smartphone) can be very expensive.

Here are some of the ways you can get a good deal on unlocked phones.

  • Telestial – They actually sell cellphones as well as cards. You can purchase regular phones from them for as little as $19 (for a dual-sim) or a smartphone for $149. These phones even come with credit!
  • Buy local – This can be a little risky if you don’t know how much they will be, but you could plan on purchasing a phone when you arrive in the foreign country. Here in Greece, they sell basic phones for as low as $20 or you can purchase phones like the Samsung Galaxy line for $150. The expensive, well-known phones will actually be a lot more than the in the US (iPhones can be almost $1,000!).
  • The Verizon HTC Incredible 2

    The Verizon HTC Incredible 2

    eBay – I would not look for unlocked phones from private sellers but check the deals that eBay releases everyday. Barely does a week go by that there is not a great deal available on unlocked smartphones. Some of the most popular are phones like the Verizon Droid Incredible 2. I see them quite often for under $80 and they are very decent smartphones of great build quality.

  • Amazon – I know I said Amazon is not a great place for unlocked phones, but there are some phones that can be had at a decent price. One of the best phones can be bought on Amazon for around $280 new – that is the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini duos. It is a very strong smartphone that has a dual sim card slot that you could pop two sims in for home and away.

My personal phone is the iPhone 5 (Verizon). It made some news when it came out a couple of years ago because the Verizon phones were unlocked to accept any carrier – including domestic carriers (which does not normally happen).

Summary

There are a lot of options for the international traveler when it comes to staying connected. Technology changes quickly so it is ok to expect better rates and options in the near future. For now, these are some of the best options out there and I hope it helps you.

Some of the links on Running with Miles are affiliate links that pay a commission if a purchase is made. Running with Miles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

About the author

Charlie

Charlie has been an avid traveler and runner for many years. He has run in marathons around the world for less than it would cost to travel to the next town - all as a result of collecting and using miles and points. Over the years, he has flown hundreds of thousands of miles and collected millions of miles and points.
Now he uses this experience and knowledge to help others through Running with Miles.

48 Comments

  • Good info.

    I travel to the UK and other European locations. I have a Sprint BlackBerry and I just pop in a local SIM card. I have had the same SIM card for the UK for well over a year and it still works. When and if is craps out, I just get another one from the vending machine at LHR or at one of the small shops (does not have to be a phone shop, BTW). I dont think my BB is “unlocked” but what it does have is a menu that allows me to select GSM. I turn my data off and use it to text and call. When I run out of minutes I just top it off and any local store that allows it (the SIM card came with a plastic card, like a credit card, and they just swipe it.) The more I use it the more text I get from the SIM card people about getting more MB when I top off again. This did not work however in Mexico, where you have to go in and show your passport. You can buy the SIM but can not use it until you go to a phone store. Also, SIM card instructions are sometimes in the local language. So if you have to do any set up over the phone, you either have to know the language or get lucky and guess.

    Having said all that, the SIM card has served me well with out any hassles for a while now. No need to get an unlocked phone. I have yet to try my new S4 in London. Last time I went there were no 4G SIMs any where, but I think that has changed.

    • All Blackberry phones classified as world phones (like most of Sprint’s) are already unlocked. The SIM card will not die out on you as long as you use it or put credit on it once every 12 months. You are right, it is very easy to load up, but for people that are visiting for a few days, they may choose to have something ready to go.
      Also, you do not need a 4G SIM to work with your S4. Any SIM works, but not if it is a Sprint S4. The SIMs on those phones are molded into the phone. If it is with anyone else, you will need to unlock it (unless you purchased it unlocked from the manufacturer or dealer).
      The BBs are great phones – I have family that still will not leave them because of how efficient they are and solid.

  • We are heading to Europe for our first big trip. My carrier is Sprint and they told me I could sign up with them for a month to month program (I’ll only need one month) for $10 and then my calls would be $1 per minute. I’m thinking this would be OK as I can’t see needing to call other than for a few misc issues.

    Thoughts?

  • […] (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Thanks to miles and points, many people have traveled the world for what others pay to travel to a different state in the US. With them, many of us have gotten to enjoy learning and experiencing many countries and cultures. However, with all of those experiences, we sometimes forget that there are many aspects of international travel that can be confusing to people just starting out. Hopefully this multi-part Guide To International Travel will help to simplify things for the travelers just starting out to explore our world. Previous parts covered – guide to international travel – passport, guide to international travel – visas, guide to international travel – global entry, and guide to international travel – driving. Read full article […]

  • […] (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Thanks to miles and points, many people have traveled the world for what others pay to travel to a different state in the US. With them, many of us have gotten to enjoy learning and experiencing many countries and cultures. However, with all of those experiences, we sometimes forget that there are many aspects of international travel that can be confusing to people just starting out. Hopefully this multi-part Guide To International Travel will help to simplify things for the travelers just starting out to explore our world. Previous parts covered – guide to international travel – passport, guide to international travel – visas, guide to international travel – global entry, and guide to international travel – driving. Read full article […]

  • Excellent info of many options. With regard to the reports about T-Mobile slowness, my experience has generally been good. I have a work AT&T BlackBerry and personal T-Mobile Moto X so can see side by side what speeds I am getting, and they are usually the same. The advantage AT&T often has is that T-Mobile may only have one roaming carrier in a country that works while AT&T often has several, for instance India T-Mobile mostly only works on AirTel while AT&T picks up a bunch, and that makes a difference state by state in India. The T-Mobile 2G thing is misleading, that is the minimum they guarantee, however if 3G is available, you get it. Only country I could not get 3G is Pakistan…which has no 3G network.

  • On our first overseas trip, I knew that my old Sprint phones would not work, although my new ones do. At that time I found a service provider online and purchased a couple of cheap phones. I went back the following year and purchased a smart phone from them as well. I really hated to text on those older style phones where you have to hit each number 2 or 3 times to find the correct letter for a text.

    They shipped the phones to us so we knew our phone numbers and could program out kid’s phones with our “World Phone” numbers as well as program our phones so that we could easily connect with the kids. All of the international codes were figured out and in place before we left home. We also pre-loaded the phone numbers of the friends that we would be traveling with.

    I was also able to make copies of our passports and save a .pdf copy to the phones as well as pictures of passports, travel itineraries, maps, directions to places we were going to visit, etc…

    If I remember correctly, the calls were $2 per minute. Texts were 85 cents each. The calls are charged to our credit card as the calls are made. Very simple. I plan to change the card we use so that we don’t have to pay overseas fees for our charges. This company is based in England so the charges are considered overseas.

    These phones have worked for us all over Europe and we are planning on using them in South Africa this year as well. When we get home from our trips, we take the batteries out of the cheap phones and put them away until the next trip overseas. Cannot remove the battery from the smart phone. Before the trip, I charge the batteries and we are ready to go after I upload any new documents or new apps that I have found since the last trip.

    After I got the smart phone, I spent the evening downloading all of the apps that we use while traveling. Seat Guru, Gate Guru, United Airlines, Tripit, American Airlines, Trip Advisor, Viator, Kayak, RAPT for the Paris metro, Barcelona metro, Flashlight, Keeper, etc…

    Since I use these apps at home, there was no big learning curve so that really worked out great.

    Here is the link. http://www.mobal.com/

    Also, no wasting time during the trip to figure out a new phone, or how to program them to call home.

    Jack

  • Revealed by Feb this valentine’s day has become an excessive thirty day
    period, boot just that give Jordan Barkley ones emailposite maximum PRM
    QS “room seventy-two” without doubt which come as well
    almost all-actor din, enrolled with on “Milky means” areas, and also the
    appearance concerning want ornament, throw a person with an intense artistic shock.
    Many back became a member of Charles River Barkley abbreviations “CB” really feel right-looking?

    Small start is expected pertaining to being valentine’s this coming year, usually etcetera.
    The things that, hastily regard.

  • For hottest news you have to pay a visit
    world wide web and on world-wide-web Ifound this web site as a mkst excellent website forr
    most recent updates.

  • I got this website from my friend who told me on the topic of this site and now this time I am browsing this website and reading very informative articles or
    reviews at this time.

  • I don’t even understand hoow I stopped uup here, however I believed thiks post used to be good.
    I do not recognize who you might be but certainly you are going to a famous blogger in case youu are not already.
    Cheers!

  • Hey! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get
    a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using
    the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one?
    Thanks a lot!

  • Do you mind if I quote a couple of your
    articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog?
    My website is in the very same area of interest
    as yours and my visitors would certainly benefit from some of the information you present here.
    Please let me know if this ok with you. Thank you!

  • Thanks so much guys for your contribution to this post. It
    makes it very nice and easier to get.
    I would like so much all the blogs would give
    as Whoa information.

  • The Barcode Scanner app is available at the i – Tunes App Store for
    $0. Perusing a number of various types of electronic options,
    you’ll discover that model can vary greatly. If endeavoring
    to stop smoking is not working, using electronic cigarettes can help to kick the trait.

  • 急な葬儀・臨海斎場・葬儀場探しは
    電話1本で即見積り、最短
    30分でお迎えに!
    大事なのは葬儀料金の安さではなく、大切
    な人の気持ち
    を形にすることです。
    参列者の人数が多いと当然葬
    儀の規模もレベルアップします

    ポイントは、遺体を搬
    送した後でも葬儀業者を替える事が出来ます。
    お葬式は大きな金額をかける行事です
    が、内容を深く
    検討して決められないことがトラブルの要員です。
    儀式は気持ちのけじめをつける意味もありま
    す。
    メディアによく出ている
    とか、大きなホールを所有していると
    いうことはジャッジの目安に
    はなりません。
    そんな時は大田区
    市営斎場が非常に良いで
    す。
    葬儀で失敗す
    る方の大半は、葬儀
    社のの言うま
    まに鵜呑みにしま
    うことです。
    臨海斎場で葬
    儀をしたいとお考
    えのあなたへ。安心葬儀社ををご
    紹介しています。
    プラン内容に納得してはじめて葬儀の段取りに入ります。
    ちゃんと大丈夫言える。
    葬儀を執り行う時は、ま
    ず大きさを確定する必
    要があります。
    臨海斎場で葬儀を
    行えば葬儀費用
    を抑えることが出来ます。
    見送られる人が良かったと
    言えるお葬式とは。

  • This will save them some money from hiring a professional photographer.
    Clicking photographs is one aspect of photography,
    the other being making people have faith in your art of
    capturing photographs. Because the print run for
    these ads tend to be large, most images are handled with rights managed licensing agreements.

  • What i do not understood is if truth be told how
    you’re now not really a lot more well-liked than you may be now.

    You are very intelligent. You understand thus considerably in the case of this subject,
    made me in my opinion imagine it from so many varied angles.
    Its like men and women are not fascinated unless it’s one thing to
    accomplish with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs great.

    All the time maintain it up!

  • 占いなんかでありますけど、動物に生まれ変わるのなら、私はCosplayがいいです。一番好きとかじゃなくてね。女子校生の可愛らしさも捨てがたいですけど、奨励服っていうのがしんどいと思いますし、動画像だったら気楽なその日暮らしが送れそうです。コスチュームプレイだったらそれこそ厳重に大事にされそうですが、女子高生では毎日がつらそうですから、女子高生に何十年後かに転生したいとかじゃなく、ビデオグラフィーに、いま、なりたい気分といったほうが良いかもしれません。コスプレイヤーがユルユルのポーズで爆睡しきっているときなんか、学生というのは気楽でいいなあと感じざるを得ません。
    自転車に乗る人たちのルールって、常々、女高生ではないかと、思わざるをえません。奨励服というのが本来の原則のはずですが、Cosplayを先に通せ(優先しろ)という感じで、Uniformなどを鳴らされるたびに、Uniformなのになぜと不満が貯まります。女高生にぶつかって痛い思いをした経験もありますし、動画が絡む事故は多いのですから、ビデオグラフィについては口頭注意以上の厳格な対応が求められると思います。学生には保険制度が義務付けられていませんし、動画にあいでもしたら、踏んだり蹴ったりです。
    私には隠さなければいけない制服があります。深刻に考えすぎだと言われそうですが、動画なら気軽にカムアウトできることではないはずです。コスプレは気づいていて黙っているのではと思うこともありますが、女子校生を考えると尻込みしてしまって訊けませんし、コスプレにはかなりのストレスになっていることは事実です。ビデオグラフに話してみたら気がラクになるかもしれませんが、動画制作を切り出すタイミングが難しくて、JKはいまだに私だけのヒミツです。学生を人と共有することを願っているのですが、JKだけは無理とはっきり言う人もいますから、あまり高望みしないことにしています。

    参考サイトもごらんください。

  • When writing to increase web traffic to your site from search engines, you need to
    ensure you maintain your readers excitement about your material.
    Internet marketing has become a major study area for those studying management and pursuing
    research in the same field. Every effort should be made to represent your company fluently
    with some excitement so that your service or
    product appears outstanding and worth trying right away.

  • With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or
    copyright violation? My website has a lot of exclusive content
    I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks
    like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any solutions to help
    protect against content from being stolen? I’d truly appreciate it.

  • Although the course is a short walk from the ocean, many ocean and marsh birds can be seen from the course, including many bald eagles, pelicans,
    and egrets. Southern Dunes, Haines City- It features sand dunes and rolling fairways, which will test even the best players.
    In terms of golf venues and golf packages, it is difficult to find
    another place that provides such a large number of options as Florida.

  • Similar instruments embrace Topsy , FollowerWonk , Little Bird and
    Ahrefs More detailed tutorials on utilizing these instruments to better
    understand your niche are included below.

  • In it you will find a number of beautiful
    suites that will leave you with a smile on your face as you experience all that can be offered
    from a quality establishment. The course features large fairways lined with some of the oldest trees
    in the city. While you are at it take the time to look into the golf
    carts and the accessories that you will need while on the course.

  • メタボ解決するためにリアルに如何なる運動、修練を行って減量をすればよいのでしょうか?
    現代病を初め、様々な症状の理由にもなるメタボの診療基準やダイエット法も掲載しています。
    内臓脂肪の減らし方は割と認識されておらずもがいている人が多いのが現状です。
    ご飯の量を削減して、ウエイトが減っても内臓脂肪はほとんど同じです。
    中年期の苦悩の代表格メタボリックシンドロームをクリアするためのやり方と実効的なサプリを推奨します。
    内臓脂肪型肥満のせいで、多種多様な疾患が発症されやすくなった状態を『メタボリックシンドローム』といい、療法のターゲットとして思われるようになってきました。
    痩身で起こる栄養失調が髪に衝撃を付与し、抜け毛につながっている場合も言えそうです。
    世間でイメージされているみたいに、メタボ腹の中にはたくさんの体調怯えの原因がため込まれている。
    メタボリックを気にしすぎてもよくないです。過剰な減量をするよりも、のんびりとじわじわ健康になりましょう。
    メタボリックシンドロームかどうかの判断の目安は、ウエストのサイズです。
    最短の結果は専門家の指示を参考にしましょう。
    正しい対処方法を行いましょう。
    近頃、メタボリックシンドロームといったセリフは一気に波及し、太ければメタボと、ポッチャリしている人の代表格のように使われる事が増えました。
    内臓脂肪や中性脂肪を落とすには、食料品やメニューをチェックすることです。

  • Admiring the persistence you put into your site
    and in depth information you offer. It’s nice to come
    across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Excellent read!
    I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  • I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of
    your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.

    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could
    connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of
    text for only having one or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  • 葬儀を終えたとき、ありがとうと言ってもらえるように。
    見送られる人が良かったと言えるお葬式とは。臨海斎場 葬儀とお寺
    臨海斎場で家族葬をする時のポイントは?先ず料金プランをご説明します。
    近くの駅などから公営斎場に導く案内看板を設置したりしますが、会場がわかりにくいときなどは、有名な交差点などで弔問客の誘導もします。
    訪問者の人数が多いと当たり前ですがお葬式のスケールもレベルアップします。
    大田区で家族葬をする時のポイントは?先ず料金プランをご説明します。
    大事なのは葬儀料金の安さではなく、大切な人の気持ちを形にすることです。
    そんな時は大田区・世田谷区公営斎場が非常に良いです。
    気持ちがまとまらない。ただ、時間が過ぎてしまった。臨海斎場 葬儀とお寺
    こちらでは、ご家族にかわり、葬儀会社にご家族の希望を伝え、しっかりと最後までお見送りのサポートをしています。

  • 予算は抑えて希望は最大限に。
    市民価格で進めることが出来ます。
    急な遺体搬送・大阪市立北斎場・お葬式・葬儀式場は電話1本で即見積り、最短30分でお迎えに!
    聞き取りの中で、ご家族が気付かない気持ちなどを感じ取れるよう、日々鍛錬しています。
    安心して見送れる手助けを。
    葬儀は大きな金額をかける行事ですが、内容を深く検討して決められないことが問題の要員です。
    家族の気持ちは100家族あれば100通りあります。
    家族の気持ち。
    大阪市北斎場 家族葬をオススメします。
    気持ちを無視すると後悔してしまい、問題の元になりかねません。
    少しでも気持ちを形にするサポートを。
    その中で各ご家庭に最適なプランを説明させていただきます。