495Jacksonville Globetrotters Simply Can’t Do without Cellular Service
posted on June 25th, 2009
In this modern day and age, analog phones have become totally obsolete with the advent of global phones. Most Jacksonville, FL, residents prefer a global phone for their cellular service, especially those who frequently travel around the world.
If you’re looking a global phone, here are some practical guidelines in choosing and using one:
• If you love traveling abroad, or do it frequently on business, it’s best to get a GSM enabled (Global System for Mobile communication) phone so that you can obtain cellular service in most countries. Recommendable brands are the ones that are triband (GSM 900/1800/1900) or quadband (GSM 850/900/1800/1900). Your handset’s bands are readily accessible from your cellular service carrier or the phone’s manufacturer.
• Another bonus with a GSM global phone is that if you have an unlocked phone, you can usually buy a prepaid SIM card in the country you’re visiting. A prepaid SIM card allows you to have a local phone number, which also avoids expensive charges from your carrier. However, phone calls to your U.S. number will not go through; callbacks to the U.S. can be very costly, as well.
• Be advised that you need to activate your international roaming service through your carrier. And your carrier must have a roaming contract with a local carrier in the country you’re traveling to. Depending on the carrier and the country, roaming charges approximately run anywhere from 50 cents to $3/minute. So, it’s always best to check this in advance.
• You also need to remember that overseas calls are pricey. SMS or text messaging is always a cheaper alternative, but this may also cost more than at home.