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Communications Connecting - internet cafes, laptops, smart phones - how to connect, use, which one, and intercom/radio systems.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 9 Jun 2010
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mobile phones/sims
I`m planning on spending a year on the road riding through the Americas and want to take my mobile for emergencies. I`d love some advice on the best way of doing this. I`ve just cancelled my Orange contract and am now on a pay as you talk tariff. Does anyone know how the international sim works or is there a better alternative? Any info greatly appreciated!
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  #2  
Old 10 Jun 2010
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All the intl. SIMs I have seen mentioned (advertised) here seem pretty expensive to use. When you have a mobile you want to be able to use it, I found. Hotel full in late afternoon? Ring the next one. Make a booking, whatever, you get the picture.

In SE Asia we bought pre-paid SIM cards in each country.

You may want to check in advance: coverage by different operators, frequencies used so you buy the right phone.
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Old 10 Jun 2010
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There are various "Wolrd sim" type cards you can buy.

Any tri band phone will work in South America but don't expect coverage outside of large towns.

The cheapest (but not always the easiest) thing to do would be to just buy a local pay as you go sim when you arrive in the country.

You will get the best rates & best coverage.


In the UK i'm glued to my mobile, once i'm away though.. It's never turned on !!

I think i used it 2-3 times in 7 months and that was only being lazy.
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Old 11 Jun 2010
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local sims
Buy local sims and then get family to call you on one of those cut-price calling services. You'll be on a 'local' number, won't be paying for the calls and you can use the free texts you get with the sim to tell family when they can call you. Not perfect but it works.
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Old 15 Jun 2010
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Hi all.
I've used and old Unlocked Sony 810 all over the place to make calls home and the best thing i've found is to use internet shops as they generally have simms on the cheapest rates. Texting is another way to keep intouch with family and local simms will give you a good deal.
Mike.
Ps. Make sure your phone is US compatible.
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