If you think cell phones are everywhere in the U.S., think again; a mere 25% of Americans own cell phones, compared to over two-thirds of Europeans. The cell phone is truly a global phenomenon, and we're finally reaching the point where competition and ubiquity is making cell phones a viable and even economical tool for travelers.
While traveling, especially if you're moving around a lot, a rented cell phone gives you something no hotel can give you: a single, direct phone number. And if you plan to make a lot of calls and you shop around a bit, you can save money over hotel, third-party, or collect calls.
It's getting easier every day to rent cell phones; most large international airports have cell phone rental kiosks where you can pick up a phone when you arrive, and drop it off when you leave. Some companies will drop off and pick up the phone right at your office or home; others provide postage-paid packaging so you can just drop the phone in a mailbox when you are finished.
While this industry is just getting started in the States, it's almost commonplace internationally. Some plans also offer additional savings potential: text messaging and incoming calls are sometimes free, including incoming international calls. As a result, local contacts can message you at no cost, and folks back home can call at regular international rates.
Finding and Choosing a Cell phone Rental Company
At the Airport
Airport Web sites typically include a list of service providers; for an example, see Cell Phone Rentals at SFO. To see a listing of links to other airports, click over to these features on Independent Traveler's site: International Airport Web Sites and US Airport Web Sites
Ask your travel agent.
If you have a full-service travel agent, or use someone frequently enough, they should be able to find a convenient cell phone rental for you, whether near your home or at your destination.
Ask your hotel.
The hotel concierge at your destination may be able to tell you everything you need to know.
Ask your car rental company.
Sometimes car rental agencies offer discounted or even free cell phone rentals when you rent a car. For one example, see Auto Europe's listing of current specials at www.autoeurope.com/specials.
Check your company travel office.
Many company travel offices now get cell phones for their traveling employees; check in with your own office.
Selected providers include:
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Rentcell.com
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Planet Fone
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Roberts rent-a-phone
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Rent A Cell phone
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Mobal Rental
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TravelCell
- Global Phoneworks
Pickup and Return
You'll need a picture ID and a credit card to rent a phone. Most companies will block a security deposit on your card as a deposit.
Many companies will mail you or drop off the phone at your office or home, and pick it up when you return. Others provide postage-paid envelopes at the time of rental; you simply drop the phone in the mail. In this case, your rental typically ends on the day of the postmark.
Others require that you return the phone to their kiosk, which is most often at the airport. Note that these are typically outside the customs area (usually on the arrivals level); you need to drop off your phone before proceeding through customs.
Fees, Rates, Free and Premium Services
Be sure you understand all charges. In many cases, certain calls cost more than others, and some may be free. Different countries and regions define "local" and "long distance" in very different ways.
Fees tend to fall under the following categories:
- Setup fees
- Daily rental rates
- Per-call fees
- Per-minute fees
- "Local" and "roaming" charges
- Insurance
- Incoming charges
- Text message charges
- Web phone fees
Note that some companies offer free incoming calls, and free text messaging to other phones on their system; you pay only for outgoing calls. On the other hand, some companies charge these features as "premium services." Read the details of your plan.
Also, some cell phone companies do not distinguish between normal local calls, and calls to premium or free services. For example, calls to directory information and 800 numbers, which are often free on pay phones or private phones, may be billable or even toll calls on your cell phone.
Make sure you understand the finer points of your rates and fees.
SIM Cards, Pay As You Go Plans
Keep the Same Number with Prepaid Phones -- A new breed of phones employ a SIM card that is either prepaid or on an account, and slips into the back of any SIM-enabled cell phones. With these phones, you buy a permanent SIM card, and use it on phones wherever you travel.
Some companies will offer a "pay-as-you-go" account number or card, which works much like a phone card. You buy a fixed amount of cell phone time, and when it runs out, you can buy more time. The upside here is that you always know how much you have spent, and can avoid running up huge bills.
Billing
At present, it is rare that the cell phone rental company will be able to tell you what you owe when you return your phone. Some companies are launching what is known as "hot billing," which will quote you an estimated "interim" expense upon return of your phone, but they reserve the right to add other charges to the final bill.
Insurance
Strongly consider paying for insurance, usually offered at a nominal rate when you rent your phone. If you lose or damage your rental phone, replacement costs tend to be high.
International Calls
International rates can vary greatly by plan, and can add up to quite a bit of money. Make sure you understand international billing rates for your plan.
Software and Other Conflicts
Different International Systems -- Note that North America (the U.S. and Canada), as well as Japan and Korea, are on unique cellular networks that are currently incompatible with most global phones. As a result, your U.S. cell phone won't work abroad, nor will a European phone work here. Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) is the global standard ; Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) is the North American standard.
Dual and triple band phones that work on all systems are now becoming available; the Ericsson World Phone is one example.
Keypad Function Conflicts -- Be sure that your phone allows you to dial into other phones, such as your work or home voicemail system. Some cell phones use the # and * keys in such a way as to conflict with some voicemail or phone card access functions. This is a minor issue until you have to dial into your office; then it's a major hassle.
Cautions
Test the phone thoroughly; for both incoming and outgoing calls: I once rented a phone that made outgoing calls well enough, but I was given the wrong phone number by the attendant so couldn't receive calls. In another case, the phone dialed out and rang just fine, but the microphone didn't work, so no one could hear me. Test your phone thoroughly.
Make sure you know how to operate the phone: You'll find that using the directory, callback, and caller ID features are very valuable on the road as you meet new people and make new contacts. Many phones won't come with instructions, as they have been lost by previous users. Ask for a spare copy.
Ask about alternate kiosks and service desks: If your phone goes on the fritz, if your return flight is from a different airport, or if you decide to return it before you go to the airport, you'll need an alternate drop-off location. Ask about service desks in the places to which you'll be traveling.
Other Concerns
While cell phone rentals haven't quite boomed in the States, this isn't the case worldwide. If you intend to rent a cell phone overseas during the holidays or other peak travel periods, you'll want to reserve your phone well in advance.
This column is provided courtesy of Independent Traveler. Independent Traveler (www.IndependentTraveler.com) includes a comprehensive travel planning guide featuring worldwide travel bargains (airfare, hotel, car rental, cruise, family vacations) within their Bargain Box (www.BargainBox.com)- as well as travel resources, travel tips, reader's reviews and message boards. The Independent Traveler also publishes Cruise Critic (www.CruiseCritic.com).
