Everything there is to know about international SIM cards
International travel SIM cards are used by frequent and fast travellers who do not have the time to buy prepaid local SIM cards wherever they land. Even if they did have the time to pick one up, they tend to avoid the hassle by going for the alternative. Travel SIM card is pretty popular amongst the savvy travelers around the globe. They helps cut down on international roaming charges to a certain extent. Let’s find out how international SIM cards work before you opt for one.
The first question that comes to mind is how are they different from the regular SIM cards that you use on a daily basis? The regular SIM card is designed to work on a single network whereas the world SIM card providers are associated with major network providers worldwide in order to offer services to their customers. Global roaming SIM card is designed to work with different networks across the world in order to enable you to communicate without being outrageously charged on roaming. Many SIM cards designed for travelling exploit call-back technology that converts outbound calls into inbound calls. Carriers put this mechanism in place to reduce the cost incurred by the customers. This means that the carriers do not have to hire agents to manually intercept calls and reduce their customer’s bills. Recharging these SIM cards has gain popularity amongst travelers as they can revisit a familiar place for a quick top-up. Although, Global SIM cards are not so cost effective and can cause a major hole in your pocket even after keeping all the factors in mind. If you do not wish to be tensed by the heavy bills then you can opt for alternatives which can help you save more.
· Buy a local SIM: - When you hit the foreign land, one thing that you can do is buy a local SIM card. It will help you save money while you communicate back home or at your office for business purposes. Although you might have to unlock your phone if it has a network lock. This is very common in regions like America and Australia, where you can get a phone at very low cost on subscription basis. Other thing you need to keep in mind is the compatibility of your smart phone with available local SIMs. If you possess a phone that supports GSM than you are more likely to be able to use a foreign SIM.
· Only use WI-FI: - The other thing that you can do is, just use WIFI on your phone, tablet or similar device. You can use applications like SKYPE, GOOGLE voice and whatsapp for calling. You can use whatsapp for texting as well, obviously. The voice clarity is just great and also free.
· Use AJURA mobile app: - It can help you save a fortune on your mobile bills. They can assist you save up to 90% on your mobile bills. You can use this app with your current no. while travelling without experiencing the hassles of buying a new international travel SIM card and then forwarding the no. to your contacts. They can place a call locally, without being charged for international calls.
Negatives of international SIM cards
SIM cards for international travel may not be the best thing that you can opt for. Yes, they surely do help save some amount of money, but then again there are better alternatives now available in the market. Some of the negatives are as follows;
· Your contacts are charged for international calls: - When your contacts back home place a call on your number, they are charged with international call rates.
· The possibility of you needing to switch to a local number: - There is a possibility that you may have to switch to a local number. In case it is not a local number of the country then you may end up being unreachable to your guide, friend or hotel of the country you went to visit.
With the advancement in technology, there are loads to offer. You can choose contemporary ways over the conventional ones. You no more need to rely on SIM cards in the near future. Connectivity would not be an issue.