Thursday, November 20, 2008

Using Cell Phones On Vacation


Using a cell phone on a cruise ship can be deceptively easy. You need to find a place where the signal is strong onboard, but once you've found good reception, you can make calls, answer calls and check messages. However, be aware that you will be charged a roaming charge by your cellular carrier. For example, ATT Mobility charges $2.49 per minute, and that includes times when you lose coverage or when you receive a telemarketing call. If you're going to check messages, it is best to do that at a time when you are unlikely to receive calls.

A less expensive alternative is to use international roaming when in port. In the case of ATT, for example, the roaming charge is $1.29/minute in much of Europe, and only 99 cents per minute in Mexico. For a small additional charge ($5.99 for up to a month with ATT), you can decrease your per minute charges. With ATT, this international package brings the price down to 99 cents per minute for Europe and only 59 cents per minute in Mexico.


In other words, it is crazy to sacrifice the convenience of your cell phone while traveling. If you have ever made an international call from a phone booth in Europe, you know it is not only expensive but very inconvenient and occasionally frustrating. You can stay in touch with folks back home by cell phone for a fraction of the cost of using pay phones. You no longer have to be Maxwell Smart to stay connected by phone wherever you go.

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