A Guide for Using Mobile Devices When Traveling Abroad

Going without a phone isn't an option for international business travel, and this is where big carriers can make big money. Roaming calls are often charged at several dollars per minute, text messages can cost up to 50 cents each and data plans are similarly pricey. If you aren't careful, what at first seems like a few phone calls, text messages and basic Web searches can end up costing more than your airfare.

But there are ways to mitigate these expenses. However it requires careful planning then in advance of traveling also as managing communications throughout your trip.

Know the basics. Mobile use is different everywhere you go. The acronyms to know are CDMA and GSM -- the most widely-used wireless networking standards around the world.

When traveling abroad, your cell phone needs to be compatible with the wireless research in the country you are visiting. Verizon and Sprint Nextel use CDMA research, during AT&T and T-Mobile tend to use GSM. CDMA-enabled phones will work in Mexico, Canada and many non-European nations just as Japan and India. GSM is as a rule available worldwide, nevertheless different frequencies are used in the eastern and western hemispheres.

The basic international calling plans with carriers

Nothing will replace researching the basic international calling plans with carriers. Make sure you understand how voice, text and data are billed depending on your destination country. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile have detailed international travel pages that show country-specific international roaming, text and data rates, wireless standards used and compatible devices.

Work with your carrier, know your options. There are numerous factors that make up international mobile charges -- some of which you may not have thought of. The smart way through this maze is to contact a support representative who can confirm that your phone is enabled for global usage, and ask your carrier about options for activating global roaming previously your trip. If it can't be enabled, you don't necessarily have to buy a new phone. Rental phones are often available through the major carriers as so then as third-party sites including Playa del Rey, Calif.-based CellularAbroad and Boston-based Telestial. Both as well rent SIM cards that can work in unlocked phones and give your phone a local number for affordable in-country calls.

Confirm voice, text and data coverage and rates for your destination. Not every country offers the same services, just as 3G data access. Understand what you will be charged for, including the cost for calling in-country versus abroad. For instance, AT&T doesn't charge additional long-distance on top of its international roaming rates, however it does charge international roaming minutes for calls that go to voicemail, unless the phone is off.

Ask about international business packages. Especially with data, look into buying a "capped" plan, meaning you can use only so much data. For instance, Verizon offers international data plans starting at $30 per month for 50 MB.

Also, talk through the specifics of using global roaming on your device. Find out how to enable service, turn sometimes data roaming and sync the data on your phone.

The easiest way to stay on top of your overseas mobile usage is to set guidelines. Keep conversations simple and, for instance, tell customers you will send a detailed follow-up over email. To keep smartphone data usage to a minimum, know which of your apps connect to the wireless network. Data tracking apps just as Mobidia's My Data Manager show what you've used and when. Know how to disable global data roaming and make sure it's off.

Consider using Web-enabled communications tools that route international calls over the Internet using a research called voice over Internet protocol. VoIP apps just as Microsoft-owned Skype make it possible to place international calls for pennies on the dollar compared to using the wireless network. These calls can even be free if the person you are dialing is as well using a VoIP client.

Separate mobile data plan or Wi-Fi connection

Be aware even though these services can require a separate mobile data plan or Wi-Fi connection, and require you use a different number than your normal business phone, which can be confusing.

Bottom line: Affordable overseas calling is possible if you spend the time making it work for you previously you travel. Anticipate the issues, and traveling abroad won't result in unexpectedly high mobile bills.