Staying Connected
23. Some telephone providers have cell phones that can be used globally, but the monthly fee to activate universal usage is often high. Rent or purchase a prepaid cell phone before you travel internationally to avoid these charges altogether (make sure it can be used in the country you're traveling to, and that its service extends to any destinations you might want to call). Check out Telestial, which offers prepaid phones that work in 200 countries. Alternatively, buy an international calling card. You might have to use pay phones, but the savings are worth it.
24. Look into the London Business Card. It's intended for business travelers in London and sells for $10. Users get discounts on photocopying, mobile phone rentals, and at restaurants, theaters, and shops.
25. Somewhere in the middle of instant messaging, video chatting, blog posting, sharing digital pictures, and sending out e-mails, we wonder how people stayed connected before lightweight laptops made travel with a computer easy and fun. If you're bringing a laptop along, check sites like wififreespot to find outlets at your destination that have free Wi-Fi, and Travel Post for a handy list of free Wi-Fi carrying airports. Downloadable software like Skype lets users call or video conference computer-to-computer for free, and saves travelers from spending money on both Internet cafés and expensive international calling plans.
26. Public computer services are often easy to find. Internet cafés (a directory can be found at http://cybercaptive.com/) usually offer rates by the quarter hour—look for places that don't seem to cater to tourists. You might have to negotiate your time in the local language, but they often charge less than the touristy places. Some local libraries offer free Internet facilities. Edinburgh City Libraries in Scotland, for example, offers free computers with Internet in 26 locations across the city. The computers are available by the hour, and individuals must bring a passport, driver's license, or ID card to sign up. Check your destination's city council or public library site for similar services.
