Buying Ahead
Unlocking.com > Travel > Buying AheadYou will see a lot of people online who will tell you to just get a cheap SIM card when you get to your destination. They'll tell you of a little kiosk somewhere that has them for very low prices and they are often right.
What they don't bother to add is that you must spend time setting up an account, getting the SIM card into your phone, adding minutes and then phoning people back home to let them know the number. Wouldn't it be easier just to get off the plane and be able to click on your cell phone? We think so.
Just like you read some guide books in preparation for your trip and check to see what kind of clothing to take along, being prepared with your cell phone also makes for hassle free holidays. Pre-check and compare rates at our call costs comparator. Knowing and understanding ones choices is great planning.
One thing that kiosk won't provide are easy to understand instructions and help if needed. What if a card is damaged or doesn't work? A SIM card will come with an English language support contact. This is worth the extra money!
By buying and activating your SIM card ahead of time, you know what your phone number will be. You can provide it to friends, family members or the dog sitter before you depart. You can take care of minutes ahead of time and avoid trying to locate a place to top up your card when you arrive. Perhaps it will be a Sunday and shops closed. Perhaps, there is a language barrier and you are jet lagged.
Whatever SIM card you end up choosing, do yourself a favor and buy it ahead of time. Vacations and business trips are both times when you don't want to be stressed out over a non-working cell phone.
