If you’re planning to travel abroad, it’s not necessarily the cost of the plane ticket or hotel that can hose you … it’s your cell phone. Here’s how you can avoid getting nailed by international roaming charges.
First, check with your phone company to see if you have a phone that will work abroad. More and more U.S. are now on the more common GSM cellular network.
But watch out: When you turn on your phone, it will try to connect. If your cell phone can pick up coverage, it will. Translation … roaming fees.
If you’re only planning to travel abroad for a short period of time, call up your phone company. before you leave. Many providers now have temporary international plans, like Verizon’s Occasional Global Traveler Program for travel less than 21 days. But again, watch out: these plans differentiate between voice usage, and data usage such as text messaging and the Internet, so be specific.
Skype now makes apps for smartphones that operate over Wi-Fi and or a cellular network, and of course, you can always use it on your laptop. The cost to call a land-line varies, but Skype to Skype calling? Absolutely free.
