Globalization, as defined by rich people like us, is a very nice thing... you are talking about the Internet, you are talking about cell phones, you are talking about computers. This doesn't affect two-thirds of the people of the world.
- Jimmy Carter

Getting a cell phone that will work in the country you are visiting can be the most daunting task the computer nomad will face. If you want any hope of having a phone that will work in more than one country it will likely be a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) phone. GSM phones use this international standard to insure operability with all mobile phone providers who use the standard. It is a digital technology that offers clear and secure calls. GSM users have the ability to roam internationally, meaning that (at least in theory) you can use one phone in any country to call anyone in any other country. For example, you can use the Telephone Systems International network in Afghanistan with your GSM phone to call your friend who is using the Tashi InfoComm Limited network in Bhutan with theirs. GSM phones use this international standard to insure operability with all mobile phone providers who use the standard. Many of the prepaid phone plans available overseas will only work on a GSM phone as well. So you may still need to purchase an international phone on your trip. It is a digital technology that offers clear and secure calls.

The United States did not, generally speaking, adopt the international GSM standard. You can buy a GSM cell phone, but it still may not work with providers overseas because U.S. GSM uses a different frequency than the rest of the world. If you use an U.S. international roaming provider, like Cingular, prepare to mortgage the house. Overseas rates start at US$1.00 per minute. Consider buying a phone in the country you plan to visit. If you do buy a cell phone you plan to take overseas, make sure it's not just a GSM phone, but a "tri-band" GSM phone so it works with overseas frequencies. Then you might get by just having to buy a SIM card unless you have a generous client.

Even so, if you don't mind getting a new phone number, sometimes it's actually easier and cheaper to just buy a new, cheap cell phone after you arrive in a country. This is particularly attractive if you know you're going to stay in that country for a long while. Another alternative is to purchase a new SIM card, which will also give you a new phone number, and place that in your phone. This often works if you have a GSM phone. It involves removing the battery and replacing the existing dime-sized card with the new one. If you insist on keeping the phone and number from your home country, good luck. It will probably work in major metropolitan areas worldwide, but when you get near the boondocks a local phone or SIM card is a better bet.

Overseas, the roaming charges of local providers vary wildly, so the only way to know your costs is to research the service providers and costs in the country you plan to visit. In Thailand, for example, prices are simple and logical. One provider dominates the market. You simply by a phone card just about anywhere, from a local 7-11 store to a mom and pop grocer, and add time to your phone by calling in the coded number on the card. The cost for calls anywhere in Thailand is about one baht, or less than 3 cents per minute. Other countries, especially developed countries, do not have such a user friendly pricing scheme. If you look at the confusing jungle of pricing schemes in the United States you'll know what I mean.

Cell Phone Alternatives

1. Rent a phone before you leave your country. There are several companies that provide this service. They offer phones specifically for the countries you plan to visit. Compare their rates with the other options listed here first. The prices are kind of high.

2. Rent a phone after you arrive in a country. In some international airports you can rent phones as soon as you get off the plane. As always, prices are higher in airports. Try searching on the Internet before you leave by typing cell phone rental and the name of the city. See if you can find a service that will deliver the phone to your hotel.

3. Take your existing phone and phone number. Check with your cell phone provider and see what kind of overseas roaming they offer. Chances are, it'll be expensive.

4. Put your old SIM card in a new or rented phone. For those who must keep their phone number and contact list; then pay your provider's outrageous overseas roaming fees.

5. Switch SIM cards. Take the old one out, put in the new one and buy some minutes. This is probably the cheapest way -- if your old phone accepts the new SIM. If it's not a GSM phone it probably won't. You will have a new phone number if you do this and lose your contact list, though you may be able to transfer the contact list using your computer.

6. Buy a cheap, used phone overseas. You should be able to find a clunky, older model with a SIM card and a few hundred minutes for around $50.

Cell phones are so ubiquitous worldwide even provincial shopping malls often have an entire floor packed with cell phone shops with thousands of choices. I would advise choosing a provider in a country you choose for a base. For example, if you plan on exploring Southeast Asia, Bangkok would be the logical choice for a base; if Eastern Europe is your destination, maybe Prague. Once you choose your base then research cell phones and SIM cards in that country.

If you're still confused, I don't blame you. Here's another article worth reading that may help clear things up.

Satellite Phones

These are essential if you need to make calls from the top of Mount Everest or the middle of the Sahara Desert. They work anywhere in the world. Iridium satellite phones start at about US$1,000. They are bigger than cell phones, the smallest being about 13 ounces compared to less than five ounces for typical cell phones. Even with the price, if you or your client is willing to pay the extra money for unrestricted global access, this is the best telecommunications option available for the computer nomad. Iridium doesn't post prices on their site (at least I couldn't find any), so I guess if you have to ask you can't afford it. Rental phone companies, though, charge around $4.00 per hour.

Renting Cell Phones Overseas

While it is generally less expensive to rent a cell phone after arriving in a foreign country, you must use the phone number of the phone issued to you. You also must spend the time and hassle finding a business to rent one from. It is easier to rent before you go from one of the international GSM cell phone providers mentioned here, but you will have to pay big time:

Action Cellular Rent a Phone
They'll deliver to your hotel room in more than 200 countries. Rates in Germany, for example, are $99 for the phone and $1.99 per minute. In the Philippines it's the same monthly and $3.99 per minute. In Laos you'll have to lug around an Iridium satellite phone for $349 a month and $4.49 per minute.

Mobal
This rental phone outfit will sell you a GSM phone for $49 good in 140 countries. That's a bit cheaper than renting one for $99 a month (see above). Local calls are $1.75 per minute in Germany, $1.95 in the Philippines.

Local prices will be way cheaper. Remember that in Thailand, for example, local cell phone calls are one baht (about 3 cents per minute). Compare rates before you buy or rent to save big bucks.

Telecommuting Jobs Abroad | Global Travel | Backpackers | Technomads | Flashpackers The Place for No-Collar Vagabonds

International Cell Phone Guide

Cell Phone Alternatives

Satellite Phones

Renting Cell Phones Overseas

Mobal This rental phone outfit will sell you a GSM phone for $49 good in 140 countries. That's a bit cheaper than renting one for $99 a month (see above). Local calls are $1.75 per minute in Germany, $1.95 in the Philippines.

Telecommuting Jobs Abroad | Global Travel | Backpackers | Technomads | Flashpackers
The Place for No-Collar Vagabonds

Mobal
This rental phone outfit will sell you a GSM phone for $49 good in 140 countries. That's a bit cheaper than renting one for $99 a month (see above). Local calls are $1.75 per minute in Germany, $1.95 in the Philippines.