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2 Jul 2008
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
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... but sometimes...
A mobile was very handy when we got stuck between the Kazakh and the Uzbek border. The Kazakh stamped our Single Entry visa and wouldn't let us trough (we didn't give them 'present' so they returned the favour). The Uzbeks simply didn't had immigration police at that border post and couldn't let us trough.
So first we called the Uzbek consulate in Brussels. He would fix something in an hour or so. Phoning over and forth between the customs guys and somwhere in Tashkent started, but no go... . Next day we tried the French embassy in Tashkent. They where very concerned about us having food, a place to sleep and means to charge our phone. After three unsuccesfull days we got a phonecall from the Belgian embassy in Moscou (ooops,the french don't get us out here, but hey, at least foreign affairs know where we are), they would involve interpol, the Belgian consul in Astana and a guy in Almaty. Two days later we where escorted trough Kazakhstan to a different border post, and processed into Uzbekistan.
Not sure how long it would have taken without a phone... .
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3 Jul 2008
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Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney
Mobiles are great!
Have used mine several times to get my bike transported when it broke down. The alternative would have been VERY long hikes to get to a garage/public phone.
Also, on the occasion you want to phone home when travelling they are a lot handier than going to one of those phone shops.
Matt
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Yes this is the way to use the mobile.....not for the usual chitchat, but to avoid trudging miles to find a phonebox. 99%of the time it's off. Not that you can find a phonebox now anyway, since everybody got a mobile.
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3 Jul 2008
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Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Caminando
..., but to avoid trudging miles to find a phonebox. 99%of the time it's off.....
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Some people would argue, that this is part of the journey? Part of discovering the world?
Having said that some people say we should go back to the trees, there's are even some people who say that was a step too far and we should have staid in the oceans. (see Hitch Hiker's Guide for this brazenly stolen semi quote).
Incidentally I take my phone with me when-ever I go traveling as I'm the soppy sort who needs to talk to the wife back home every now and again.
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3 Jul 2008
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Worcester Park
Posts: 174
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Be carefull!!
UK mobile contract, in Namibia on way to South Africa.
I receive a call from my mother in SA. I little drunk I decide to chat for a while. That call alone cost me £100. My bill for 2 months was £589.....
As I now ride a KTM, that could have paid for alot or repairs!
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9 Jul 2008
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: North Herts, UK
Posts: 20
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Hi,
I have a basic nokia, but after downloading Opera Mini it makes the web browser quite usable. Handy for weather reports etc.
Regards
Robin
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9 Jul 2008
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Stockton-on-Tees England
Posts: 139
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Quote:
Originally Posted by orrin
UK mobile contract, in Namibia on way to South Africa.
I receive a call from my mother in SA. I little drunk I decide to chat for a while. That call alone cost me £100. My bill for 2 months was £589.....
As I now ride a KTM, that could have paid for alot or repairs!
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Been there - done that
Last trip to Nam, Bots and ZA Mike used roaming to receive only from home while I had local SIM cards that cost virtually nothing to make local calls when necessary and used the free text service to message the girls back in the UK.
There are ways and means
Margaret
You're never too old
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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