Your Cell-Phone - Don't Leave Home Without It!

If you are planning to travel abroad this holiday season, the last thing you want to think about is cell-phone shopping. Keeping in touch with family and friends is also cheaper than it once was. International cell phones and calling rates have dropped dramatically in recent years.

Many options are available for holiday travelers looking for cheap cell-phone service. You can save time, money and aggravation by buying a special phone and international calling plan before you leave home.

Cell phones in North America use different frequencies or a different technology from what is used in other parts of the world. Some American phones are capable of accessing the frequencies used in other places; some are not. Most countries use GSM (global service for mobile) technology.

Even if your cell phone is operable in other parts of the world, it might be locked into your network provider, meaning you are tied to its international rates and service.

Unlocked international GSM phones are available that aren't tied into any one service provider. GSM operates on the multiple spectrum frequency bands used around the world. Make sure that the cellular phone you are interested in is compatible with the GSM band of the country you will use it in. As a general guideline:

· Dual-band - Dual-band works in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and much of South America.

· Tri-band - Can be used it in Europe, Africa, Asia, nearly all of North America, Australia and New Zealand.

· Quad-band - A quad-band phone allows you to roam almost anywhere globally. Many countries in South America only have 850 MHz GSM service while both 1900 MHZ and 850 MHz GSM services are supported in the USA. 99% of all countries use the GSM standard.

These phones operate with removable SIM (subscriber information module) cards. The SIM card holds all of a subscriber's personal information and phone settings. SIM cards can be purchased that work in individual countries or in many. The card can be switched from phone to phone, making the new phone receive all calls to the subscriber's number.

International unlocked GSM phones can be rented. If you will be using your phone more than once it is more economical to buy a cell phone package.

Buying a cell phone at a destination is always an option. But for the typical traveler, buying an international phone before the trip usually is a wiser decision. By buying before the trip, travelers know their new phone number and the rate they will pay. More airtime can always be purchased if needed.

If you prefer, use the phone you have. More American cell phones are compatible with international systems. Providers are expanding their line of international-compatible phones. Check with your provider before buying or renting an international phone. Phones often need to have their international capability enabled and many offer special international rate packages.

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