I just got a calling card from where I will be studying abroad but as far as cell phones, does anyone know what I would need to get in order to stay in touch with home while I'm away in Japan? I know I can't use my regular cell phone. Would it be best to buy a chip that will work in my phone or just a whole new phone once I get to Tokyo? Thanks! :}
I am facing the same challenge! A lot of the international cell phones I look at are primarily for use in Europe, which is of no use to me since I will be in South Africa. If your cell phone has a SIM card I think there is a way you can get a chip with a local number. Here is the website my program recommended:
http://www.aifs.ekit.com/ekit/home
Best of luck and let me know if you find an option that works for you!
Thanks for the site! I will definitely look into that
I asked my friend, Rina, who is from Japan and travels there often. She said I could get a chip for my regular phone but it isn't always reliable :/ She said it's probably just better to go into any electronic store and buy a prepaid phone. They're better to use and they're cheaper. I'm hoping South Africa would be the same. Hope that helps!
Where in South Africa are you traveling by the way? Sounds interesting :}
This answer may be a little late, depending on whether or not you're studying in Japan right now, but if your laptop or computer doesn't already have one, communicating with your friends and family back at home via Skype or i-chat may be a little less hectic than using cell phones.
If your computer doesn't already have a built-in camera, then you can buy the separate Skype computer camera system and just install it. Back at home, I use it to talk and see my family in the Philippines. Not only do you hear their voices and get to catch up with them, but you also get to physically (or virtually, if you want to be technical), see your loved ones.
My laptop doesn't have a built-in camera either. So that's what I'm doing for my study abroad in Italy next semester!
I definitely agree that using Skype will be very convenient and useful. It's extremely low cost to make calls (free if the people you are talking to have Skype) and is free to download.
Another thing you may want to consider is purchasing a prepaid cellphone while in Japan. That way you can keep better track of your minutes, be able to make local calls, and get competitive rates for calling back in the U.S.
I agree as well! When I went to Australia two years ago, I received a pre-paid cell phone and hardly encountered any problems in using it! And when you're running out of minutes, I believe you can always buy those international calling cards.
Moreover, although you'll most likely use technology to keep in touch with your loved ones back at home, I'm pretty sure the occasional postcard/letter in addition to the cell phones, AIM, Skype, etc, from the place you're studying in brings a nice and thoughtful old-fashioned touch of communication.
i think you can go with a cell phone and buy it and you will get a new sim with it too....that is not that much expensive and you will find it easy too. so i think this is the best way to make your life easy and simple
It's really simple to stay in touch actually! First, I unlocked my phone from www.unlockingiphone4.com and then bought a local prepaid SIM when I got to Spain. Then after I got here, I also downloaded VOIPbuster and it gives you 90 days of free calling, but even after that expired, it is still SUPER cheap to call the US. Rates will vary depending on your country but I think it costs me about 2 cents (euro) per minute. Unlocking my phone made my life so much easier though -- you get an iphone because of what it can help you do (translation, maps, customs, etc) so why not use it?!
When I studied abroad I was just using a chip with my same cell phone. It saves on costs. However, I would recommend using skype. Try this first, as it is free.
