5 Ways to Save Money on International Roaming Rates for Cell Phones

Use these 5 tips so you don't get caught with a huge cell phone bill


Today, it's not only airline flights or trips themselves that can cost a lot. If you're not careful, it's easy to find a huge cell phone bill sitting in your mailbox when you get back home.


Unfortunately, the proliferation of smartphones and the increased use of data and texting has only made it easier than ever before to rack up huge communications bills while traveling overseas, even if it's only for a short trip.


The High Cost of International Roaming


"U.S. travelers were already getting hammered with expensive voice calls that start at $1 per minute and with data rates that start at $20 per MB," said Ken Grunski, CEO of Telestial Inc. (www.telestial.com), a company that provides wireless services for travelers, who notes that web pages can be .5 MB each, meaning accessing 2 can cost up to $20 using standard international data roaming rates. "iPhones and smartphones only make it worse."


Business travelers can't simply leave their cell phones behind and deal with things when they get to the office. And in this day and age, they're not likely to want to put log off email for a days or weeks at time. That's why it's important for people to make sure they're not paying too much to use their cell phones when they travel overseas or internationally.


Of course, before you can start saving money on your international cell phone usage, you need to make sure your cell phone will actually work internationally. This getting started guide to traveling with your cell phone is a great starting point for making sure you know what to do and what steps to take before you travel with your cell phone.


Top Five Ways to Save Money


Here's a collection of the that consumers and business travelers can save money on international cell phone roaming and data fees when traveling. But before you leave, find out if your phone will work internationally


- Sign up for International Roaming Plans through your cell phone provider


- Purchase or rent a discounted international travel phone


- Replace your phone's SIM card with one from the country you're traveling to


- Use Internet telephone services such as Skype or Truphone


- Using international calling cards


Suggested Reading
International Cell Phone Plans
Saving Money on Cell Phone Bills
Comparison of Using Your Cell Phone Abroad, Renting Mobile Phones, and More


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source: About.com