International Cell Phone Plans

2007-10-29 12:16:02

( Telephony )



Importance of Staying Connected

Keeping an open communication with your loved ones and business associates is quite important, especially when you're out of town or abroad. There may be matters which you need to discuss with them, or you just want to stay in touch to assure them that things are in order.

The best way to stay in touch is by using a cell phone. A cell phone can be used almost anywhere, and even in places where there are no pay phones.

But using your own cell phone for communicating from another country can skyrocket your phone bills because of international roaming charges. Moreover, your cell phone may not be able to call back home from another country.

Types of International Cell Phone Plans

Now you have several alternative cell phone plans to use while you are abroad. Each alternative is much cheaper than just using your own cell phone account.

You can buy a prepaid international cell phone card from any provider. This enables you to make phone calls from any part of the world without the tariffs that normally accompany long-distance calls. Rates vary between providers. For instance, Sprint international calling card charges an average of about a dollar per minute, and its competitors may either charge slightly higher or lower. The only disadvantage is that the prepaid calling card also gets depleted every time you make a phone call, so you have to use it wisely.

Some cell phone companies offer you a GSM phone for a one-time fee. You only pay for the calls that you make, and don't need to pay fixed monthly charges or activation fees. The only catch is that you cannot make phone calls within the USA with this phone. If you want a phone which you can use anywhere including the USA, then you pay twice as much.

If you are staying abroad indefinitely, you can also use an international call back service which allows you to use your phone at lower-cost US long-distance rates.

How to Choose from International Cell Phone Plans

Since there are many providers who offer various international cell phone plans, you may find it tedious to choose the right one.

The best thing to do is to start from your own provider, who may be able to give you an international calling plan at a discounted rate because of your patronage.

You should remember that calling rates are not the only factor for choosing your international cell phone plan. You should also consider the quality and speed of connection, as well as its availability in the most popular areas of the world.

You should also browse various sites for online surveys and blogs to know how other customers have rated the different international cell phone plans. Friends and business colleagues can also recommend the best international calling plans based on their own experiences.


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