Thoughts from the Excursion Spot

A cell phone will be your key communication tool when your traveling abroad. I've had a few trips where I didn't have a cell phone, and although I was able to manage, cell phones really make life a lot easier. From calling a cab, to keeping in touch with foreign women, when your traveling abroad, it's going to be very important to have a cell phone that works locally, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Depending on what carrier and service you use, you may a cell phone that will work while "roaming" in foreign countries. However this is probably the single most expensive way to use a cell phone abroad and you should avoid it at all costs. While cell phones offer a great level of convenience, operating a cell phone in foreign countries can bring up a few surprises. Even if you current phone works, you may not be able to access your voice mail. Depending on which phone you have, coverage may be spotty. If you make the wrong choices, such as roaming abroad, you might end up footing a large bill. The right way tactics to avoid these headaches all depend on your carrier, the length of your trip, and your destination.

GSM Vs. CDMA
GSM is the most widespread cell phone technology in use, across the globe today. In the United States, the major carriers use CDMA and GSM systems. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA technology, while Cingular and T-Mobile use GSM technology.

CDMA technology is used throughout North America, as well as some Asian countries, but not in Europe. Therefore, Sprint and Verizon customers can use their cell pones in approximately 26 countries accross Asia and North America. However, AT&T and T-Mobile customers can potentially use their cell phones in over a hundred countries including many in Eastern Europe, South East Asia, and Latin America.

When traveling in non-CDMA countries, which is most likely where we will be traveling, you can rent or purchase GSM phones before you travel. When buying or renting your GSM travel phone, try to get one that operates on 900 and 1,800 megahertz which is the worldwide standard for GSM. This is especially critical for Americans, as the United States GSM standard is 850 and 1,900 megahertz.

To use a cellphone abroad, your phone must be tri-band or quad-band and able to operate on one or both of the frequencies used outside the United States. You can usually find information on the frequencies used in each country, at your local carrier's website, and this will show if your phone can operate on one or both overseas bands.

If you're going to buy your phone before you travel, make sure it doesn't have any locks on it, that prevent it from making phone calls abroad.

About the Author:

Dan DeLa Cruz is a traveler, author, and international dating coach. He is most well known as the author of the The Global Dating Revolution a guide to foreign women and brazilian women.

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