Travelling internationally, for many can be expensive. Not just because of the cost of flying and transport to and from the airport. But there are many other hidden costs that quickly add up.

Specifically the cost of keeping in touch. It can begin within the airport using a payphone, and can end in constant updates throughout the trip, in the form of quick calls and several text messages each day. Before leaving it is wise to learn how much extra each individual text and call will be. Especially if any data is being used. A top tip for all smart phone owners is to switch off their data completely. But, those who have an international tariff in place can keep in touch without the worry of the cost.

If you have spoken to your network provider and plan on keeping the same network and SIM, a better tariff can be arranged. But an often forgotten aspect of travelling internationally is ensuring that the phone will be able to work in whatever country you are visiting.

For example, if you purchased you smart phone in USA, there is a chance it will not work in Europe or Asia. The same goes for those who purchased their smart phone in Europe, Asia or even Australia. There is a chance this phone will not work when visiting USA.

If you are planning on travelling internationally, and across several borders then it is recommended to check the GSM frequency that is used within the destination country.

But, before doing any leg-work. Find out the specific frequencies that your phone operates, can help determine which country it will be suitable to travel with. There are several types of banding. These being Dual band, tri-band, quad-band.

Dual-band phones operate on both the 900 MHZ and 1800 MHz spectrum. This spectrum is unique for the following countries: Africa, Europe, Australia, Asia and New Zealand. This also includes small part of South America also.

Tri-band phones operate on three different frequencies. These bands are 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz. This allows any tri-band handset to be used within any of the following countries: Africa, Europe, Australia, Asia, New Zealand and North America.

Quad-band phones allowing almost global roaming, without much problems on connectivity. Therefore covering the following frequencies: 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz.

Alternatives

Discovering that your smart phone is quad-band will be great news. But for those who have a handset that is unusable in the desired country, don’t worry. There are many different alternatives to the traditional frequencies.

There are many VoIP and cross-platform communication apps that provide instant access and texting and calling from anywhere in the world. The only requirement is that there is a suitable internet connection. That many can find within their hotels and any local café, in the form of Wi-Fi.

This is a free platform that will not require a suitable band of phone that works within a certain frequency, or any of the hassle that is often involved when trying to obtain low cost roaming.

Lastly, there is one more solution that can save you from purchasing a new handset to use whilst on your travels. This is simply having those you are leaving behind to contact you. Here in the UK, there are many different cheap international call providers. Who provide access to international calling cards and online access numbers that will enable your loved ones to get cheap calls to Bangladesh, China, the USA and even France.

No matter where you are travelling to and what handset you currently own. There is a means of communication to cater to everyone’s needs.