Kissing your loved one goodbye as they head overseas is not easy. Maybe your buddy is finally receiving that promotion, studying abroad, or simply on an extended vacation. How do you keep him or her abreast on all of the wacky things that are on this side of the world?
First, you need to research more than a few international calling plans. Start with the biggies, like AT&T and Sprint. If you don’t get any satisfaction from their international calling plans, branch out to lesser-known companies. You may be pleasantly surprised.
When you do embark on your search, you need to look for the following key items.
How many cents a minute?
Can you call Canada for 40 cents a minute with one plan and 5 cents a minute with another? Well, don’t sign up for the latter just yet. Make sure there are no hidden fees behind that miniscule price per call. Ask the company for the exact per-minute charge of the country you’ll call.
What are your packages?
Some international calling plans may vary because phone companies will try to divide them into several packages. The packages will probably vary in features. Of course, the most expensive plan will include the works: low minute calling rates, phone calls to anyone in any country, and a low monthly fee.
Are there any weekend deals available on any plan?
Many phone companies will sweeten the pot on the weekend, a time where many people are home. These are the times where your international calls will be significantly lower than weekday calls. If you need to contact a loved one, maybe you should call on the weekend. Be sure to tell them in advance. They may be out enjoying the wonders of the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, or Harrods department store!
Can you really call internationally from a cell phone?While it may not be a good idea to call foreign lands from your cell phone, many people do it on a constant basis, especially those who travel abroad for business deals. If you really have to call internationally, ask your cell phone company if they have any specific international calling plans. If you simply call without a plan, you may end up owing hundreds of dollars.
How much will I pay a month?
Remember, you may have to pay this rate in addition to your usual phone bill. Ask the phone company for a package that will include domestic and foreign calls. If you have that information, you will be able to make a sound decision about a new calling plan. Some companies may charge a little under $50 (or even less) for your services.
Before you even begin calling a phone company, be sure that you actually “need” a calling plan. If your loved one will be gone for only a few weeks, there’s no need to upgrade your current phone package. Write emails and letters if you’re afraid of the wrath of your phone company.
Once you get your new phone package, you can dial as much as you want—as long as your loved one won’t mind.
By Michelle Presbury