International GSM Roaming

WhatsApp iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Nokia App
Download of the Day

Download of the Day: WhatsApp

If you're an avid text messager, you've probably learned that texting internationally can add up .
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If you're an avid text messager, you've probably learned that texting internationally can add up . . . fast. Most providers charge for both sending and receiving international texts, which you may not even realize until the bill shows up. For example, AT&T charges $.25 to send an international text and $.20 to receive one. And given that the typical text message conversation can easily last 10 messages to figure out something as simple as where to meet for dinner, the charges can pile up exponentially in a month.

Enter WhatsApp, a text messaging app for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, and Nokia phones that allows you to message contacts on any device, completely free of charge. Well, free of charge after paying the $1 to download the app, which will pay for itself in approximately one conversation. Even Savvy approves! Learn more about WhatsApp after the jump.

Carrie and Charlotte Spent How Much Calling From Abu Dhabi!?
International GSM Roaming

Carrie and Charlotte Rack Up the International Calls in SATC 2

I've posted a few tips regarding international roaming before, but user beware — you could rack up quite the bill if you're using your phone on a foreign network abroad.
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I've posted a few tips regarding international roaming before, but user beware — you could rack up quite the bill if you're using your phone on a foreign network abroad. Even on a cruise just outside of the US with a cellular service available, charges can skyrocket if you can't keep things short. Although Charlotte may not need to worry about the cost of international roaming charges, she does spend quite a bit of time plugging in text messages and making calls to Harry back home in Sex and the City 2. Even Carrie takes in a long convo in Abu Dhabi, which left me wondering just how much they spent on wireless calls during their fabulous vacation in the desert.

See what I came up with after the break.

Cellular at Sea Keeps You Connected
Travel

Going Cruising? Cellular at Sea Has You Covered

I just got back from a fab trip — a bunch of friends and I boarded a Carnival Fun Ship in honor of their birthdays.
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I just got back from a fab trip — a bunch of friends and I boarded a Carnival Fun Ship in honor of their birthdays. I have to admit, although I was looking forward to a relaxing vacation, I was nervous because I knew I would be out of cell range while we were spending the day at sea. What is a geek girl to do when she is totally disconnected!? Sure there are those iCafes aboard the ship, but who wants to spend money on those shared computers? So of course, I was ecstatic when I picked up my phone to see full reception – 23 miles off the coast!

Cellular at Sea is the Wireless Maritime Service that provides you with reception on a number of cruise ships, even when you are in the middle of nowhere. There are plenty of roaming partners that work with Cellular at Sea, so you should be able to make your calls while on vacay. But let's get real, you should keep it short – you're supposed to be relaxing!

How did my Cellular at Sea experience go? Find out when you read more

Tips For International GSM Roaming
Geek Tip

Tips For International GSM Roaming

If you are planning to travel across the border this holiday season, there are some tricks of the trade when it comes to GSM (global system for mobile communications) cell phones and long distance calling.
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If you are planning to travel across the border this holiday season, there are some tricks of the trade when it comes to GSM (global system for mobile communications) cell phones and long distance calling.

  • Calls to voice mail when roaming internationally are billed at international rates.
  • When you are abroad and turn on your wireless phone, it will automatically search for a wireless network. Registration usually occurs within 30-40 seconds. When the name or network number of the local operator is displayed, your phone should be ready to use.
  • Charges for calls placed while roaming internationally will appear on your regular wireless bill. Sometimes charges for international usage take several weeks to process and appear on your bill.

    • For more tips, just read more