Today the global village is meant to bring us all together - and cheaply. But whereas there are bargains galore to be had on flights and vacations, when it comes to getting in touch abroad, all too often we have to pay a king's ransom. To help stop you getting a nasty surprise when you open your phone bill back home, read on for Imagine's top five tips...
1. Normal Rules Don't Apply
Whereas at home you're normally only charged for calls you make, you have the pleasure of having to pay a percentage (sometimes nearly the full cost) if you accept a call using your network abroad. It's also likely you'll be charged for receiving and listening to your voicemail, so it's probably cheaper to pick up and have a very quick chat! Alternatively, tell people to text you, as it's free to receive texts abroad.
2. Pick Your Networks
Most phones are set on default to pick up the strongest signal from a local network. Be warned, this might not be the cheapest. Do your research; switch your phone to manual search, and choose a less costly option.
3. Switch Your SIM
If you're using your home network, and presuming your phone is dual, tri or multi-band (basically means you can phone from abroad), you'll be charged roaming fees for using the services of another network. These can be truly excessive. Your saviour is your SIM. This little card maybe the answer to your roaming woes. By switching to a local network with a temporary SIM and signing on to a prepaid service plan for your destination, you can save substantially. Another option are international SIM cards, which although not as cheap as local cards, let you receive calls for free - apart from in the US and Canada. Note that your provider may have to unlock your phone for you to use a different SIM card - which they can charge for. You'll also have a new number, so don't forget to tell friends and family (unless you really want to go incognito!)
4. Go Temp
Alternatively, leave your handset at home and rent a temporary pre-paid phone for your trip. This has the added advantage of having the local network built-in. Of course you'll have a new number and you'll have to remember to write down all your important contact numbers before you travel. One other thing, don't forget to give it back before you leave!
5. Check For Offers
As these days many networks fear they're going to lose clients abroad to the local or international SIM option, often they'll have international add-on packages to keep your custom. Many are free on request, so if you don't ask, you won't get!
