If you are a frequent traveller, the odds are that you use a mobile phone on a regular basis. With so many different plans and options available, there is sure to be one out there that suits your calling needs. If you currently only use your phone to make simple calls, or even just to send and receive messages, then a prepaid plan might suit you best. But what if you are looking to use your phone as a camera, or even for Internet browsing?
For these individuals, there are a few options. If you don't mind paying additional roaming charges, then consider a local call plan. Some companies will allow you to use your existing service with any network in the country, so long as the phone has an available data slot. This is great if you frequently use networks within your country, but are limited to using local phones. You can still send and receive messages and make calls without having to leave the area you are located in most of the time.
If you are travelling outside your country or have access to international data, then you will need a separate data plan. International data roaming services can cost quite a bit depending on which network you choose to use, so this is something to keep in mind before committing to anything. Most handsets designed for travel have at least one slot for international data. If there is not one available, then consider buying a separate mobile phone with a preinstalled slot for data only, rather than using a phone with a preinstalled SIM card.
A smart phone can be a great tool when traveling, but they are not meant to be used as a substitute for a regular cell phone. If you are thinking of buying a smart phone because it is portable and can help you stay in touch with your work team or stay in contact with your friends while on holiday, then you should also think about buying a separate GPS device. As long as your GPS can track your location and is robust enough to use alternate directions, you can travel with a smart phone without a cell phone.
If you are traveling abroad on business, then you will need to consider buying a dedicated GPS device. These handsets can be quite expensive, but are far more reliable and accurate than the generic GPS devices that most companies offer. They can give you accurate ground location information, as well as provide satellite and aerial imagery. This is a good investment if you are a contractor or an investor who needs to be able to navigate his investments around different countries. These GPS devices can also be used for personal navigation purposes.
The next step up from these dedicated GPS devices are smartphones. Smartphones are equipped with GPS technology and can easily become a part of your travel entertainment package. Many handsets designed for business use can also be used on the road, and there are even some handsets designed for kids who are able to keep track of their real world activities on their mobile phones.
At this point you might be thinking that all these devices are able to send and receive calls, but they can't do much more than that. The first and most popular application for a smartphone is called Android. Android is a form of software designed to interface with different mobile phone networks and allow users to use their phones as a remote control for a wide range of devices. For example, you can use your Android phone to control your television, your home theater system, and your laptop. With Android you can even make and receive calls. Many cell phone companies are currently working towards developing more advanced applications for their Android phones such as Google Now, which is supposed to combine the services of Google Maps with personalised search results to increase the experience on Google Android.
The other popular mobile phone operating system in use today is Apple's iPhone. iPhones are great phones for people who want to browse the internet, listen to music, take pictures, and text others all from the comfort of their handsets. One of the more unique features of the iPhone is its ability to turn the phone into a computer by downloading applications that work similar to those found on the iPhone's screen. These applications include games and productivity tools like Office, allowing you to use your iPhone as an all in one device.