| g an international cell phone with you while | | | | of SIM card the rental phone uses. If it uses a |
| traveling abroad can make things much easier | | | | global SIM card then your calls will be higher |
| — you can be instantly contactable, either | | | | priced, but if you are traveling to a number of |
| with the folks back home, or to deal with your | | | | countries you will keep the same number. If it |
| trip plans and reservations as you travel. | | | | uses a local SIM card your calls will be cheaper, |
| However, if you research on the Internet it can | | | | but you will need a different local SIM card for |
| be a little overwhelming with the different options | | | | each country you plan to visit. |
| available. | | | | Conclusion — rental sounds like a good idea, |
| In truth you really only have 3 main options with | | | | but you can now buy your own second cell |
| international cell phones, and the major factor that | | | | phone, just for traveling, for the same price as |
| will affect your decision is whether you want the | | | | one or two weeks' rental charges, so that might |
| easiest and most convenient option, or the option | | | | be a more cost efficient option for you. |
| that has the cheapest call rates, because you can | | | | 3. Buy your own international cell phone |
| only have one or the other. | | | | The cost to buy your own second cell phone, just |
| 1. Check if you can use your own cell phone | | | | for international travel, has now come within the |
| If you have the right type of cell phone, you may | | | | reach of all travelers. As with renting an |
| be able to use it when you travel abroad. If you | | | | international cell phone, the cost of your calls will |
| are unsure then your carrier should be able to tell | | | | depend on what type of SIM card your phone |
| you. The advantage of taking your own cell phone | | | | uses. If you use a global SIM card, you will keep |
| is that you will keep your own number so it will | | | | the same number in every country but your call |
| be easy for friends to call you. However, using | | | | charges will be a little higher. If you use local SIM |
| your own cell phone can be more expensive due | | | | cards you will get cheaper calls but have to buy a |
| to roaming charges (the extra charge added for | | | | different one for each country you visit in the |
| routing the call abroad). | | | | future — this can start to get expensive if |
| Conclusion — potentially this offers the | | | | you are a frequent traveler. |
| greatest convenience but be prepared that your | | | | Conclusion — If you cannot use your own |
| calls will cost you more. The most likely outcome | | | | cell phone, buying a second one is generally more |
| will be that your carrier does not offer an | | | | cost effective than renting every time. If you |
| international service, or if they do, you do not | | | | want a system that is easy to use then a global |
| own the right type of handset. | | | | SIM card will be the best for you. If you bottom |
| 2. Rent an international cell phone | | | | line is cheaper calls, and you are happy to put in a |
| If you cannot use your own cell phone abroad | | | | bit of effort to get them, then buy and phone |
| then you can rent an international cell phone that | | | | and use local SIM cards (but don't overlook the |
| will work, just for the period of your trip. The | | | | cost to buy each individual SIM card when you do |
| cost of the calls will vary, depending on what type | | | | your price analysis). |