What options are there for communication when studying abroad?

Question

I am going to be spending my junior year abroad in Spain and need to find a way to talk to my parents here in the US (inexpensively) and also be able to call others in a local area. Is a cellphone a good idea? Should I buy one here and then get a plan that allows me to call internationally? Or should I get one where you add on minutes from a phone card? Are there other cheap options besides a cellphone?

Answer 1

Voips a great idea, but might be a little overwhelming.

I'd just use simple email.

I think phone cards are a fairly cheap way to go

cell phones can just become too expensive. If thats the way you want to go, I'd think about looking for one in Spain berfore the US.

spain prob has better rates than the US anyway.

plus if your living in spain and want to call a spain number with a phone from the US, it would be like making an international call each time..... mucho $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I'd buy the cards in Spain too. they'll give you a Spain local access # instead of a (US)1800# that you'll have to pay $$$ to connect to

shop around

Answer 2

I live in Germany. I feel your pain.

Look into Skype. It is an internet based system that is free (or extremely cheap) once you've downloaded the program.

My parents also have a plan through their local phone company (land-line) where the first 2 hours a month are free, and after that they pay maybe 8 cents a minute or something.. Assuming you won't talk to them every day, this is an option.

As for local calls, you can usually buy a cell phone for as little as 10 euros, then just pay as you go. Since you will only be abroad for a year, signing a contract isn't wise- and your "network" won't be big enough that you'll need 2,000 minutes a month :)

I looked in to buying a Razr (there are many phones that can be used internationally..) so that I could use it here and in the U.S. and it just turned out to be too much trouble- My 9 euro Motorola has served me well.

Good luck and good fun!

Answer 3

i think buying a phone here that has a plan that allows international calls is probably the best way to go.

Answer 4

Have them get VOIP then call you.