How to Travel with a cell phone by Reid Travel

Today about 61.2 million Americans own a smart phone and most likely could not live without it.  However, using email and other features while abroad could double or triple your bill.  Here are some tips on how to avoid a steep bill while traveling.
       Before you leave:  

• sign up for an international plan.  Cell phone service providers charge users who do not have roaming packages significantly more for international calls and data usage.
• Look for hot spots.  JiWire (jiwire.com) has a directory of free and paid hot spots around the world.
• Turn off data roaming.  If needed you can turn it back on temporarily.

While you are gone:

• Use your Wi-Fi connection whenever possible in a hot spot to get/send email and internet connection, this is normally free.  Just remember that connecting to a ship's Wi-Fi usually has a charge associated to it
• Stay in airplane mode.  If you do not, every time you receive a phone call or voicemail you will be charged 
• Use the Internet as your phone.  An application such as Skype could save you money.
• If you accidentally use up your entire roaming allowance, call your service provider to increase your roaming coverage while you're away.

After you get home:

• keep your roaming package on.  If you have used up your data allowance while on vacation, then you should keep your roaming cycle to avoid overage charges

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