We all want to reduce cell phone charges while we travel, which is why it’s important to stay educated about all the options available. Here are five ways to minimize communication costs while traveling, whether you are traveling for work, pleasure, or a combination of both.
I’m always saying how much I love WhatsApp, which for me has been a life-saver when it comes to minimizing communication costs while traveling. The best part is that regular messaging rates don’t apply, so if I am in a WiFi zone abroad, I can use it without a problem and I won’t incur any costs. I like the voice record feature when I’m too hurried to type, and also the fact that photos/ videos upload quickly.
This is a great option if you need to do more than just text. If you are traveling abroad and need to work, you may want to get a prepaid SIM card or mobile Wi-Fi device. Transatel is an international mobile operator. The Transatel DataSIM is an international prepaid data SIM card that currently works in 46 countries and there are more coming every month. All you need is an unlocked device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop).
Transatel DataSIM offers customers:
Within a week, Transatel DataSIM will launch new data bundles for Europe, Asia, and specifically for France, UK, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan with rates of 10 euro per 1GB. Travelers would be able to convert their credits to data bundle and customize it based on their own needs.They also have a Pocket WiFi hotspot device (pictured above) that shares internet connection between your devices.
I recently learned about Lounge Buddy (not sure why I hadn’t heard about this amazing service before) and I’m excited to use my lounge passes this October during my layover in Frankfurt. Lounge Buddy is an app that helps you find and arrange access to airport lounges across the globe. The best part is that you don’t need to be a frequent flyer or have a Business Class ticket. Simply search the destination and Lounge Buddy will tell you book your lounge access through them, plus let you read up on reviews and see other travelers’ photos so you know exactly what to expect.
If you absolutely need to use your cell phone for business while traveling, consider bumping up your cell phone plan so that you don’t get hit with insane roaming charges. Once you arrive back home you can switch it back to your original plan. For example, I always get an international plan before leaving on a trip, which increases my data usage limit so that I can update my social medias. AT&T has a variety of plans like this one for Europe:
Citrix’s GoToMeeting is a videoconference service for small businesses that was recently upgraded to include free VoIP and audio conferencing for PCs and Macs. It’s a great way to see your colleagues face to face in HD, all at the same time, so that you don’t have to miss out on any team meetings while you’re away.
So what do you think? Do you have any other suggestions of ways to minimize communication costs while traveling? We would love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below!
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