5 Ways to Communicate While Overseas

When preparing for a trip overseas, whether it's for business or pleasure, the issue of communication will arise. Keeping in touch with friends, family and coworkers while traveling can become a tedious and expensive task, if you are ill-prepared. Fortunately, technology has brought about a variety of forms in which to communicate that will keep your wallet and your loved ones happy. Before you start hopping from continent to continent, find out which form of communication is best for you.

Skype
Skype combines an instant messaging system with video chat and VoiP. You can use one feature at a time, or all of them at the same time. This is versatile tool is perfect for communicating no matter where you are. If you carry a notebook computer with you when you travel, Skype is easy to install and to use and it's free! The instant messaging feature works no differently than any other instant messenger, so there is really no learning curve for people who have used AIM, MSN, Google Chat or Pidgin. Phone calls and video conferences to people who have Skype are absolutely free. The video conferences are such a wonderful way to communicate with friends and family, as it is much more of an interactive experience when you can see someone's face. Phone calls to LAN line or mobile phones from a computer using Skype require that you add money to your Skype account. Once you have replenished funds in your Skype account, it works much like a prepaid calling card does (but on your computer). You can check out Skype's rates depending on the country you are calling here.

VoIP
While one aspect of Skype is VoiP, there are several other companies that dedicate themselves solely to VoiP. VoiP stands for voice over internet protocol. In simple terms it allows voice communication over the internet. There are free VoIP programs such as Skype, and there are other companies that setup VoIP in your home as a primary phone line. Some of the companies that provide this service include Vonage and BrightHouse Networks. Just as with a regular phone company, there is a monthly fee associated with using VoIP, but it is usually significantly less expensive than using a telephone company. If you're going to use VoIP via your computer and are looking for something a less feature-rich, check out VoIP news and their 102 Best Free Phone Services.

Email
Email is an easy and convenient way to keep in touch while abroad. Writing an email, rather than making a phone call, instant messaging or using VoIP, allows you to allot only as much as you have to the "conversation." You have more time to think about how you will phrase something instead of having a long-winded conversation to convey an otherwise terse point. If you are on a business trip and have a full schedule, email is definitely the least invasive way to communicate. It won't compromise your time and, if you're carrying a laptop, you can do it from almost anywhere. If you're traveling abroad and opted to leave your computer at home, you are likely to find an internet cafe where you can use the cafe's computers and internet connection for a small fee. Sending a few emails for a small fee is cost and time effective.

Long-Distance Phone Calls
Long-distance phone calls, though not the least expensive or most advanced method, are an effective way of communicating while traveling. If you're making calls from a hotel, caller beware. The rates are astronomical, even compared to a pay phone. If you must make long-distance phone calls, find out where you can purchase a calling card. Prepaid calling cards are the most economic and versatile way to make long-distance phone calls, no matter where you are. You can use the prepaid cards in a phone booth, from a hotel and even from the homes of friends and coworkers. There are a variety of prepaid calling cards on the market; depending on where you are going, one may be better suited for your needs than another. When your funds are depleted, be sure to save your card for next time-you can almost always replenish them!

Cellular Phones
Most cellular phone service providers will allow you to add an international plan solely for the time that you are abroad. Costs for this vary, as does the quality of your service. If you must use your mobile phone to communicate while abroad, be sure to contact you service provider for the details. If you don't call them before you go, the conversation you'll be having with them when you get your bill will be quite stressful on your mental health and your wallet. If you can go without using your cell phone while overseas, you will probably save yourself a pretty penny. If you are insecure about traveling the world without a phone in your pocket, prepaid cell phones are very popular and easily accessible in many other countries. You can easily purchase an inexpensive phone (around $20) and a phone card to use solely while you are abroad. Unlike having a contract with a cellular service provider, these prepaid phones require no personal information. All you need to do is purchase and activate.

It is likely that you will be able to use more than one of these forms of communication while you're off to see the world. Now it's just a matter of preference, habit and budget. Whether you opt for regular VoIP or multitask with Skype, be sure to send a post card the old-fashioned way!