Communication
Contents
- Mobile Phones
- Text Messaging
- Internet
- Instant Messenger
- VOIP
- Calling Home
- Pay Phones
- International Calling cards
- Faxes
Mobile Phones
We highly suggest buying a mobile phone before you leave. Many students may not think that they will need one of these abroad but they are extremely convenient for several reasons.
- All incoming calls are usually free, the only person who gets charged is the caller, so they are extremely handy if someone at home wishes to get a hold of you during your trip.
- It is cheap to buy a prepaid service (SIM chip) usually costs between $20 -$40 but the service comes with the amount of money in minutes already on them.
- You can easily purchase more minutes all over the place (convenient stores, grocery stores, ATM’s, newspaper stands, etc.)
- Text messaging is extremely cheap (about 1-4 cents a message) and is another easy way to communicate.
- You will be making many new friends and you will want them to be able to contact you.
- When you are trying to arrange to meet with people it helps to be able to make plans on the fly.
- You can call home and brag to your friends when you are in cool places like the Eiffel Tower.
An excellent phone to get that is inexpensive, simple to use and ruggedly built is the NOKIA 3310 model. They are easily found all over the world and are quite inexpensive. If you buy a brand new one while abroad you will typically pay about $80.00. However, if you plan ahead and use E-bay you can purchase one for relatively cheap from the UK for about $20.00-$40.00. (*You need to ask the seller if the phone is unlocked otherwise you will have to pay about a $20.00 fee to have it unlocked when you arrive overseas) Also remember that the phones purchased from the UK will have a UK type charger (3 large prongs), if you are going to mainland Europe you will need a European type charger (2 circular prongs), and if you are traveling somewhere in Asia or the Pacific rim you should check for your specific countries plugs because they widely vary. You can try to purchase one of these region specific chargers online or when you arrive at your destination. It should cost about $15.00.
A note on US mobile phones- Even if your mobile phone utilizes a SIM chip it most likely will not work outside the US because it is only dual band. If your mobile phone has tri-band capabilities it should work but these phones are quite expensive and you might want to check with your service provider to see if it will automatically work overseas.
If you do buy a mobile phone then you must purchase a SIM chip and pre-paid plan upon your arrival overseas. There are a multitude of phone companies so you may want to check several of them out before you purchase your SIM chip.
Most mobile phone companies have reciprocal deals with other mobile companies around the world. By this we mean that if you buy a SIM chip and pre-paid plan in the UK it will more then likely have service while traveling to France. Just remember that when you are out of the phone services country of origin you will be charged for incoming calls and outgoing calls will cost even more then the usual rate. You also may not be able to purchase and add more minutes to your phone, so top- up on minutes before you travel elsewhere.
Rebtel
Rebtel is one of several new international calling services which offers the ability to utilize local numbers to make international calls. It can be used multiple ways, which includes making free mobile to mobile international calls in Rebtel countries. To use Rebtel you need to create an account on their website then add a small fee to your account $10 - $20 USD. You then add your mobile number to your account, which is verified immediately by Rebtel. After this, all you need to do is add your friends numbers to your account. Rebtel will then generate local phone numbers for each international number you save. These numbers stay permanent. If the person you are calling also lives in a Rebtel country they will see a local number on their caller ID as well. So, whenever they would like to get in touch they can also use a local number. A little confusing but really simple once you utilize it once or twice. The quality is great and it's nice to be able to always call your freinds directly from a mobile!
Text Messaging
Text messaging (SMS messaging) is the new rage all over the world especially in Asia and Europe. The text messages are cheap and you will see people constantly utilizing this new communication tool. When in Europe you will not be able to receive text messages from the US or vice versa. However, if your family and friends at home would like to text you they can do so via an “SMS gateway” on the internet. These are free or sometimes have a small charge. Check out this site
Internet
The easiest way to get online while traveling (if you do not have a notebook computer) is an internet café. These are easily found all over most major cities. If you intend on just using computers offered at your university abroad you should know that most foreign institutions do not have large computer labs like you may be use to in the States. Universities abroad tend to have small computer labs with lines outside of them for waiting students. This may be acceptable to you or may not be the case at all, but make sure to have other internet access options available for yourself.
Wi-Fi
If you have a notebook computer with wireless internet it would be advantageous of you to bring it along for your trip because there are many internet hotspots popping up in major cities around the globe, (try McDonalds, Starbucks, and T-Mobile hot spots, and most major airports)
Browse this site for a comprehensive listing of world wide internet hotspots.
You may also be interested in paying for the new service many airlines are beginning to offer that allows you ($15-$30 for the entire flight on average) to surf the web while in flight via a satellite link up. Check your individual airline on this one because not all carriers offer this new service. (right now these airlines offer in flight internet services; Lufthansa, Japan Airlines, Nippon Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines)
You should use some form of e-mail that is accessible from any computer, such as services offered by Hotmail, Yahoo, and AOL. If you plan on using the e-mail service that is provided by your home university then make sure that your account will remain open while you are studying abroad.
Make sure to always Log out of your e-mail account and never save your password or log-in information. The computers at internet café’s are used by hundreds of people a day and you probably do not want a stranger having access to your account and friends.
It is also a good idea to scan a copy of your passport, driver’s license, and home university ID (save them as JPG files) then attach these files to an e-mail and send it to yourself. This will help you to receive a temporary passport faster from a US embassy if yours is lost or stolen during your travels.
Instant Messenger
Another way to communicate with home is to use some form of instant messenger program such as MSN, Yahoo, or AOL messenger. Most of these programs have already been downloaded onto computers at internet café’s so it should be simple to sign on. But if you find that the program is not on the computer and you are unable to download the program then try the web messenger versions of those programs, which will allow you to sign on and access your messenger contacts without having to download anything.
Make sure to always Log out of the messenger programs and never save your password or log-in information. The computers at internet café’s are used by hundreds of people a day and you probably do not want a stranger having access to your account and friends.
VOIP
VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is simply the transmission of voice traffic over IP-based networks. The Internet Protocol (IP) was originally designed for data networking. The success of IP in becoming a world standard for data networking has led to its adaptation to voice networking. For International calling, the monetary savings to the consumer from switching to VOIP technology can be enormous.
VOIP Telephones
There are three methods of connecting to a VOIP network:
- Using a VOIP telephone
- Using a "normal" telephone with a VOIP adapter
- Using a computer with speakers and a microphone (or a headset)
Types of VOIP Calls
VOIP telephone calls can be placed either to other VOIP devices, or to normal telephones on the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).
Calls from a VOIP device to a PSTN device are commonly called "PC-to-Phone" calls, even though the VOIP device may not be a PC.
Calls from a VOIP device to another VOIP device are commonly called "PC-to-PC" calls, even though neither device may be a PC.
Skype
If VOIP interests you and you plan on bringing a notebook computer to study abroad, we suggest using the services provided by Skype. First thing you should do is follow the link to Skype from this site and download the program or go to Radio Shack and pick up a Skype program disk + headphones package (costs around $5.00). After registering for Skype we suggest you purchase a Skype-In number. You do not have to purchase this number but it allows your family and friends to use their mobile and home phones to call you free of cost for both them and yourself. This phone number costs only $30 a year to retain and really is a good deal. After you pay this fee Skype will secure you a phone number (in any area code that you wish). After several days the number you chose will be activated allowing anyone to use a mobile phone or landline to call that number at a local rate. When they make the call it goes through Skype and then calls your computer. What you will then hear is your computer ring like a telephone while displaying who is calling. You can then choose to pick up, let your voicemail answer the call, or you may opt to forward the call to another number. You can also make phone calls with your Skype account (You can do this with out purchasing a Skype-In phone number). This will cost you about a penny a minute when calling a land line in the US. In all Skype has great sound quality and can be an extremely cheap way to communicate with people at home. The staff here at World Flex Studies all use Skype and we highly recommend using it as well, especially if you will be traveling with a notebook computer.
VOIP stick
If you do not have a notebook computer and still want to VOIP this cool new gadget is for you. Basically a VOIP stick is a USB memory stick with a soft phone program embedded in its memory. What is a soft phone program you ask? Well basically when you plug the gadget into a USB port on any computer, say at an internet café, a phone pad pops up. Next you just plug in your small headset to the audio/microphone jack on the computer (headset comes with the stick), type the phone number you want to reach any where in the world and voila, extremely cheap, sometimes even free international phone calls.
*It is possible to make your own Skype voice stick. However, you will need to purchase a USB jump drive then download and install a special program on your own. You will have to be a little tech savvy for this but it is not that hard.
You can try one of these two ways to make your own Skype stick.
Useful Skype software and programs for the Skype phone
Calling Home
*Realize that to initiate a call to any country while outside the US you need to first dial +00 this lets the phone know that you are calling internationally (the US international access code just happens to be 1.) so if you call the US you would dial +00 1 (555) 555-5555 when calling say the UK from France you would dial +00 (44) (UK’s international calling code) then the rest of the number.
International access codes- If you would like to speak to an English operator at AT&T or MCI you need to know the international access code (basically a toll free number for the country you are in that connects you to an AT&T or MCI operator in the states) you can download these access codes at
Pay Phones
When traveling abroad you may notice two kinds of pay phones coin operated and card operated.
Coin Operated
Using the coin operated pay phones is easy, First lift the receiver and make sure you get a dial tone (Do this simply because many pay phones are vandalized and you could lose your money). If there is a dial tone then continue otherwise find another phone. Next you should look for a button on the phone that may have a flag with an “I” in the middle of it or an “L” this is to change the language of the phone instructions which may or may not be scrolling in front of you on the phone. (You may have to hit this several times to get to the language of choice). Next all you do is simply drop in whatever amount of coins the phone says then dial +00 1 (area code) phone-number (ex. +00 1 (555) 555-5555). It might take a couple of seconds to connect but you should then hear the phone ringing. If you begin to run out of minutes the phone will either say this, scroll the message across the screen, or simply beep during your call. Just add more cash or say your goodbyes quickly. Remember that when calling internationally it costs significantly more to call mobile phones then land lines.
Card Operated
These phones basically look the same as their coin operated versions except that they will have a card slot on the bottom of them instead of a coin slot. For these you will need to purchase a telephone card from a convenient store, post office, grocery store, newspaper vendor, etc. You should make sure to look at the card before you buy it because it should have a small embedded chip on it that you can easily see. The cards will come in different minute increments or just the price of the card. You need to then take this card and insert it into the card slot. (*some phones are chip side up and others are down so try both) A number should appear in a little digital screen that is on the phone. This number represents how many minute units that you have, these will slowly or quickly dissipate depending on where you call. Next all you do is simply dial +001 (area code) phone-number (ex. +00 1 (555) 555-5555). It might take a couple of seconds to connect but you should then here the phone ringing of the number you dialed. If you begin to run out of minutes the phone will either say this, scroll the message across the screen, or simply beep during your call. Just add more cash or say your goodbyes quickly. Remember that when calling internationally it costs significantly more to call mobile phones then land lines.
Calling locally (While Abroad)
To call another local number in the city you are at can be tricky sometimes. As a rule try to remember to drop the country code and add a “zero” if there is not one at the front of a number given to you. For example if you are in Paris, France and wish to contact the American Embassy you might be given this number +33 1 43 12 22 22 The first thing you should do is look at the first two numbers and realize that +33 is the international code for France. You are already in France so you no longer need those first two digits. Next add a “zero” to the front of the number, so you would have 0 1 43 12 22 22 then simply dial that number which should connect you to the American Embassy switchboard in Paris. This method will not work all the time, if you have a situation when that occurs try not to get to frustrated and simply find someone to help you make the call.
Calling another country (Non-US) While Abroad
To call a number in another country that is not the US, you will need to first know the international calling code for that country. As an example Say you are in France and you want to phone the US Embassy in London. The number you are given is +44 131 556 8315. First of all remember that you are making an international call so you have to dial +00 first, then the country code (+44 is the country code for the UK). You should not have to do anything to the rest of the number unless it was given to you like this (44) (0)131 556 8315. If this is the case then the (0) will need to be dropped (it would only be used if calling from with in the city of London).
**If you are still confused after these explanations try this website.
International Calling cards
You can typically purchase cheap international calling cards from what ever country you are in. They are usually easy to find and purchase at gas stations, corner convenient stores, grocery stores, and many other locations. These often give you more minutes then cards purchased in the US but deals and prices widely vary.
AT&T
Information on using AT&T calling cards
If you plan on using an AT &T calling card bought in the USA it can be kind of confusing. This is because to use one you first need to call the AT&T access number for the country you are in. These numbers are toll free but are different for every country. (The numbers are all found at the website link below) First you dial the toll free access number from any phone which will connect you to the AT & T calling center in the US. Next the system will say “Please enter the number you are calling” **At this point Do not enter the number you are trying to reach (ex. Your parents in the US) instead enter the toll free number on the back of your calling card. (This should be a 1-800 number or some other toll free number) The system will then forward you into your specific AT &T calling card system, which will then prompt you again to “enter the number you are calling” (will sound exactly like the first prompt but it is actually different) This is when you enter your parents number or whom ever you are trying to contact, then you will be finally connected. These AT & T cards are commonly purchased at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club near the cash registers.
MCI
Information on using MCI cards
Tips
When using calling cards minutes go quicker because you are making an international call from outside the US. These minutes will be used up even quicker if you call a mobile phone instead of a land line. You will save money and minutes if you first call a mobile phone to speak quickly to whomever you are calling on their mobile. Then have them hang up and go to a landline where you can call them back.
If you are in an emergency and just need to call home all you have to do is dial the AT&T or MCI access code for the country you are in then choose the “collect call” option or speak with the operator directly. In the least it may calm you to be able to speak with an operator in the US that can help you get connected to whomever you may desire.
Print out all the AT&T or MCI calling codes before you leave and keep them with you at all times, there are programs that even help you condense then print these numbers on to a small business card size piece of paper. You can do this at the AT & T and MCI websites listed on this page.
Keep the phone numbers of the American embassy and emergency services in what ever countries you are in at all times.
Carry a USB jump drive with you with all of the above info saved on it.
If you are an ISIC member (highly recommended) you should carry your ID card and calling card with you at all times. Not only will it get you student discounts it will help you out in emergency situations.
You may also find all kinds of international calling options at public pay phones- usually these are posted all over the inside of the phone booths or on the phone receiver.
Worst case scenario- look for any other foreigners who may have a mobile phone then beg and plead until they allow you to use their mobile phone.
Faxes
Faxes can be quite expensive from overseas, but inevitably many students will have to fax a document at some time or another. To do this we suggest using PamFax. It’s a new add-on for Skype (it’s free). All you have to do is upload a file (PDF, Word, etc.) and fax it through Skype.
