Could Cheap International Calling Rates End Up Costing More?

International Communication Options

Are you preparing to travel abroad and wondering how to maintain contact with your family and friends, while away? There many options available that vary from cheap to expensive, convenient to difficult. To  name a few options there is the:

• Calling Cards
  -A very non high tech solution that pre-dates the internet 
  -They need a land line phone to make a call
  -Outgoing calls only since you don't get a phone number that people can call back to
• Skype and other Online Chat Programs
  -You'll need a laptop and an internet connection
  -The calls can be free from PC to PC, but it's not very portable or convenient for day to day use
• Buying a wireless international phone
  -You have to buy a phone when you are only using it for the one trip
  -Research the frequencies the phone supports and the destination country…they need to match up
• International Cell Phone Rental
  -Nothing to buy
  -Rent a phone and choose a service for exactly when you need it to start and end
  -Low rates from reliable international phone service companies

Calling Cards
These really aren't good solutions anymore since you don't have a phone number people can reach you at and you need to have access to a phone to make a call.

Skype and Online Chat Programs
This is a good option if you're on the computer is on 24/7 and it gives you a local phone number for your destination  country.  Many study abroad programs require students to have a working cell phone number in case of emergencies.  These programs don't usually offer overseas phone numbers or any phone numbers at all.

Buying a Wireless International Phone
This is a good option for someone with an unlimited budget since they are buying a phone for one trip.  Even the cheapest unlocked GSM world phone starts at about $100.  If you have a phone that is compatible and unlocked you could use that as well.  For either option you will need the unlocked phone that supports the destination country and an international sim card.

Buying Prepaid in the Destination Country
Buying a prepaid phone in the destination country usually means signing up for a much longer contract then you need or to pay out of pocket for a phone that you'll only use for this trip.  The phone won't work back home so it doesn't make much sense unless you're going to be there for at least a year or more or an ideal 2-3 years.  Most people change their phones every 2-3 years.

International Cell Phone Rental
Renting an international cell phone is the best option for the short term traveler or study abroad student.  There is nothing to buy.  You rent a phone and choose a service for exactly when you need.  You pick the start and end dates with no long contract to sign, it's as long or short as you want it to be.  The company negotiates deals on your behalf with local service providers through bulk buying and passing on the savings to you.  This can be as cheap or even cheaper than local companies.  Lastly, they offer options you simply can't  get with other companies like: Shipping the phone package to you before you leave, special options like a second number for the phone…a virtual local US phone number that your friends and family use to call you with nothing more than a local phone charge for them, manuals and instructions in English, phones in English, and the right power supply for your destination country.

Each option has it's own plusses and minuses.  Pick the one that best suits your needs.  Most travelers end up with a travel cell phone rental because of it's cost savings, convenience, and contract flexibility.  Frequent travelers may opt for purchasing a cell phone since they can pick the specific model and features they want, but they will still need phone service from a reliable international phone service company that offers an international sim card for their destination.