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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...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 9 Jan 2009
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Satellite Phones
Ok, getting a satellite phone seemed like a good idea in case something went really wrong and we had no mobile signal to contact anyone. But let's say, for example, you roll your vehicle and break a leg in a rain forest in Gabon, then who on earth do you phone to get help? Or any other country?

Any hints and tips on getting emergency assistance in undeveloped countries would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Will
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  #2  
Old 20 Jan 2009
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Location: Den Haag (expat)
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Me too
I'm looking at getting one too...for an RTW trip.

I plan to have local emergency numbers & Embassy numbers for each country, a sat nav for acurate position fixing, and if all else fails, do an ET and Phone Home. Much easier for someone on a landline to get the home emergency services/ embassies/ foreign Office to get in touch with the country through channels that are not open to us.

Sat Phones are notoriously expensive for calls too, so make sure you have a good credit balance and use it only in emergencies.
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  #3  
Old 20 Jan 2009
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When I did get into difficulties in the desert, the satellite phone I had with me was invaluable.

They do seem to have another big unforseen use though. I found it very useful as a stage prop. Overlanding in Africa, I had one that was an older model of the 'brick' design, with a big chunky extending aerial. I found that when negotiating with surly corrupt policemen at checkpoints, the satellite phone was great for encouraging them to let me pass unhindered. Having it in my hand seemed to give them the impression that I was far more important than I am, and that I was therefore to be left to continue my journey. Subsequently I found myself reaching for it at every checkpoint. (Mostly Mauritania, Senegal and The Gambia).

I spoke into it often, but only on one occasion was anyone actually connected and talking back to me.
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  #4  
Old 20 Jan 2009
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A good investment I would suggest. Who to call? The assistance company with whom your insurers have their contract and the embassy of your nationality.

SW
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  #5  
Old 15 Feb 2009
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embassy and emergencies
It's difficult for me to consider an embassy realy respond to emergencies... (more with real physical problems,(bike out of use, or healt emergencies)).

They are probaly open 35-40 hours a week, if there is no hollydays, over a (24*7)=168 hours in a real full weak
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