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Choosing a carrier for your international calling can be an arduous process. Comparison shopping and research will give one the necessary data to make an informed decision. Budget, frequency of call and type of cell phone all make a difference to the final choice. Look below for some tips on compare international cell phone plans.
Instructions
1. Know first which countries and area codes you intend to utilize in your international cell phone plan. Getting a great rate for Japan will have little bearing if your intention is to call Germany. A list of the numbers will be useful when explaining your needs to potential carriers. Be aware that some countries have very high rates where others are often less than state to state calling charges.
2. Determine which cell phone carriers in your area offer international rates and plans.
3. Realize the scope or limits to your comparison shopping based on your geographical location. After a few calls you may realize that only one, possibly two, carriers in your area offer international rates and plans. A simple side by side comparison works best at this point although the consideration items in Step 4 are still important.
4. Create a checklist of necessities for your ideal international calling plan and write them down. Consider such details as the rate per minute, connection fees, monthly charges, plan charges, day and night rates, weekend rates, taxes and other fees. It is important also to find out whether your current cell phone uses your new plan or whether a new phone from the carrier is part of the economic equation.
5. Turn your checklist into a grid chart with potential carriers and their contact information in a column on the left hand side of the page and the specifics from Step 4 across the top of the page. Underneath each listed item leave a space for each carrier's information. The chart can be a paper and pencil affair or a fancy Excel document, whichever works best for you and your needs.
6. Call or contact by email each carrier on your list asking for specific details of their international plan and rates. Be sure to fill the information out in the correct column of your comparison chart. Try to stick to your own checklist even when the customer service operator has other ideas because you will be the one footing the bill.
7. Review your chart selecting the carrier and plan that best suits your calling needs and budget. It is good to remember that charts are great for comparison shopping across the board and do not have to be limited to choosing an international cell phone plan.
Tags: cell phone, international cell, area offer, area offer international, carrier your, carriers your
