Spring break is coming up for many families and lots of you may be taking a trip out of the country. Of course you think to take your passport and clothes, but do you think ahead to how you will stay in touch with the people back home? You’re on vacation enjoying yourself, but you want to talk to your family and send them that picture of you zip lining through the rain forest. What is the best way to do this without costing you an arm and leg?
The first thing to do is check with your provider as to what your plan offers in terms of international status. DO THIS BEFORE YOU LEAVE ON YOUR TRIP. You may have more than you think (or less). Once you know what you have on your plan, then you can start searching for the best ways to use your phone to contact people back home.
If you don’t have an international plan here are some Apps you can keep in mind to use when you’re out of the country. This is just an Overview so always check on them in depth before using them and make sure you have spoken with your provider prior to leaving the country.
- VIBER- Send free messages, free calls, and video calls on any device and network in any country. Finds friends. However Viber crunches through your data plan.
- FRING-This one is for iPhone and android. This is used for buddy messaging and video chatting up to 4 people.
- WHAT’s UP-Free for the first year and $0.99 after that. Works on iPhone, android, blackberry, Nokia etc… This is for texting, attaching pictures, audio clips, emojis, Can only text people who have this app- Glorified chat option that uses the data plan.
- REBTEL 2.0-International texting App for iphone . Save 60% when used on international texting. Creates a local # to route text through. You’re charged by your local carrier for a local text depending on your plan.
Some other things you may want to look into are local SIMS cards and google voice. These just give you a starting point to research prior to you leaving the country. Always know how you’re going to stay in to with your family back home before you leave.
If you are going on vacation soon, I hope you have safe travels and an amazing, relaxing time with your family or friends. Hopefully this post will give you something to think about when you’re looking for phone options.
Yours Truly,
Jenn
