Using a cell phone while abroad doesn't have to be complicated or overly expensive.
Unless you already have an internationally-capable cell phone with an international calling plan, staying connected with friends and family members back home while studying abroad can be difficult without a little pre-planning. A solution to consider is the Mobal GSM World Phone. There are many advantages to buying a Mobal phone rather than renting one while overseas or going with a different cell phone company. With Mobal, there are no monthly fees, no minimum usage, and no contract. Also, you only pay for calls as you make them, AND you get to keep one international phone number for life. When you get back from studying abroad, you can toss the Mobal phone aside, pick it up when you are ready to go abroad again, and you're good to go.
Mobal phones are also more cost effective than renting, plus you get really great coverage while overseas. The cost of these phones ranges from $49 for the Budget phone, which gets you coverage in 150 countries (not including the US) to $179 for the Deluxe, which has coverage in over 170 countries, plus the US and extended coverage. They also offer a Classic model, which goes for $99 and has coverage in over 170 countries, including the US. Mobal also offers SIM cards for $19, which work if you already have a GSM handset. Click for more information about Mobal phones, including in-depth explanation of their phones, coverage, and costs.
