How to Avoid Those Ugly Phone Charges in the South Pacific
Taking your phone with you is second nature, and you’re even more likely to bring it along if you’re sporting a
Don't let roaming fees ruin your vacation
smart phone. For many of us, our lives are in the mini-computers we carry on our hip but using those phones when you’re traveling internationally can lead to big bills. So what’s the best way to make calls when you’re traveling on South Pacific vacations?
South Pacific Vacations Tips – Roam by Changing SIM Cards
By a new SIM card online and avoid roaming fees by using an international SIM card. Most cards include starter minutes that can be topped up, just make sure that your phone has the right GSM frequency for your destination. A little research online can lead you in the right direction for this. Keep in mind that while incoming calls are often free, and the per-minute rate is less you can’t keep your existing number. You’ll have a new temporary number while you travel.
South Pacific Vacations Tips – Get Your Carrier’s International Roaming Plan
All major providers of cell service in the U.S. have agreements with foreign cell carriers that will allow you to use your cell in other international service areas (dependent on coverage). The benefit here is that you don’t have to swap SIM cards and you keep your number but the rate isn’t as low and local calls are billed at international rates.
South Pacific Vacations Tips – Turn Your Laptop Into a Mobile Phone
Skype lets you make free voice and video calls over the internet while giving you a free chat environment but it can also be used as a phone where you can purchase minutes. Skype lets you connect with other Skype users for free and the fee for calling cell or landlines numbers is very cheap. Major benefit includes the fact there is no service place but you need to be near your computer and it needs to be on if you want to make or take calls.
South Pacific Vacations Tips – Buy Prepaid Calling Cards
Before you leave for your South Pacific destination, shop online and buy international calling cards at discounted rates. Often it’s less than 10 cents a minute. The cards are easy to use and you prepay upfront. The downside of these cards is that there are a lot of strings attached: per-call fees, activation charges, minutes are rounded up, peak time surcharges and sometimes more. Not to mention it’s hard to find a pay phone these days.
There are a number of other options include satellite phones, which can be rented for upwards of $20 a day (the phones cost as much as $1500.00 to purchase) and cost anywhere from $1 to $2 per minute. While that might seem steep, if you just want to ensure that you have phone access for emergencies, a satellite phone is the best option for remote travel among many South Pacific destinations
Consider your travel plans and the locations where you’ll be traveling – this will largely determine the best option for you and what will save you the most money. Consider too that some travel destinations may require additional fees for internet access time which can factor into online phone options.
