When you’re traveling abroad, keeping in touch with your family and friends can sometimes be a bit difficult. Not only do you have to take the difference in time zones into consideration, you also have to find a way to keep in touch without it costing an arm and a leg. It’s not always easy finding a suitable Wi-Fi connection on the road, and if you use your mobile phone, roaming charges can be astronomical.
So here are 5 cheap ideas for staying in touch on the road:
1. Prepaid calling cards
International calling cards reduce the costs of your long distance calls. You can buy calling cards online from sites like Enjoyprepaid.com, which provides a choice of calling card plans offering low rates on long-distance calls. Once you’ve purchased the card online, you dial an Access code and then you’ll be prompted to enter the PIN for your calling plan, followed by the telephone number in international format. You can also download the Nobel Dialer app for your Android phone, iPhone or Blackberry so you don’t have to dial access numbers, enter PINs or key in destination numbers. If you have a PC you can use PC-2-Phone to dial any international number directly from your computer at the same low rates as a prepaid calling card.
2. Skype
Skype is a favourite amongst travellers as it allows users to make free Skype-to-Skype calls. You can make free voice calls and video calls, or instant message any of your friends who are logged in to Skype. Its major selling point is the ability to see the person you are talking to, and the fact that you can send and receive images and files. You can also buy Skype credit to call landlines and mobiles at low rates and set up your own online number. Obviously you have to have Wi-Fi to use it and a device that supports Skype, such as a computer with a webcam, or a smart phone. It’s not so great if you’re on the go all the time and you can’t get near a computer and/or Wi-Fi. If you want to make a free call you have to pre-organize a time with your friend so you’re both logged in and available to talk.
3. Mobile Apps
The mobile app Viber is a great app that you can download for your iPhone or Android phone. If someone else has Viber, you can call or message them for FREE no matter where they are in the world. It’s different to software like Skype because you don’t have to log in to use it, and it’s integrated with your phone book, so it’s just like making an ordinary call except it’s dialled through the app. The downfall is you need to be near Wi-Fi or have 3G reception to make a call and both callers have to have the application installed for it to be free.
4. Social Networking Sites
Social networking sites can be a great way to let all your friends and family keep track of where you are. You can Tweet about your adventures on Twitter and ask your followers for advice on what to visit and where to eat. You can post pictures to Facebook and keep in touch with other travellers you’ve met on the road. Social media is a great way to share photos and video, and arrange to meet up with people again.
5. Postcards
If you’re sick of technology and want to go back to a more traditional form of communication, send a hand written postcard. It’s always nice to receive a postcard from half way across the world, and it has a more personal, thoughtful touch.
viber screenshot by claudia.rahenmetan on flickr
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